Local History be Dede Terns-Thorpe - Labor Day

LABOR DAY SEPTEMBER 8, 1910, GREENE COUNTY FIREMEN’S CONVENTION- TANNERSVILLE.

When this article was written, the firemen’s parade had been an annual event for 22 years, beginning in 1888. For 127 years people have enjoyed the parades in the various towns and hamlets in Greene County.

“The Parade called hundreds of people to Tannersville.   The Hose House was at the disposal of all, and the Fire Companies of Tannersville worked hard and diligently to entertain their visitors. They are to be complimented upon the able manner in which they handled the entire affair.

The incoming trains, automobiles, private conveyances, etc. brought, by noon time, at least 2,000 people to Tannersville.

The hotels of the town were in readiness for the rush of business and profited thereby.

It was voted to hold the next annual Convention at Catskill, on Labor Day, 1911. It was voted to continue a contribution by the Association to the Firemen’s Home at Hudson, provided the contribution was not used for assisting paid firemen.”

The parade formed on Main Street, near Martin’s Hotel (north/east of today’s traffic light), and marched down Main Street to Elka View House (north/west end of Tannersville), back through Main to Mt. Summit House (north of Jessie’s Harvest House), back down Main, to South Main, to Spruce to Blythewood (south, at Village line), back to Railroad Avenue to Main. (We clocked the route; it was 5 miles.)

Silver cup prizes were given to the following companies:

Best Drilled Company - Athens Rescue Hook and Ladder.

Hose Race – Wiley Hose Company of Catskill.

Company coming the longest distance – Coxsackie Hose Company # 8.

Best Appearing Company – Catskill Hose Company # 1.

Business places, and private residences of Tannersville were all decorated.

A dance was held in the Village Hall (at the south/east corner of the traffic light) benefited the Tannersville Fire Department. Cryne’s Orchestra was exceedingly busy. (Cryne was also a Mountain Top mason, building several of the Moountain Top’s fireplaces)

The paper said, Tannersville welcomed all to your doors, and you royally entertained.

Thanks for reading. Stay safe and enjoy September. Get your rakes out!

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunterhistorian@gmail.com.