Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe - DEATH NEAR FOR SCORES OF COPS AND FAMILIES

Recreation Camp of New York Policemen at Tannersville (Platt Clove) Burns – Many Flee in Night Attire.

A September 17, 1924 article from the Buffalo Enquirer told about the fire that destroyed the Recreation Camp of the NYC Police Camp; something I’ve always been curious about.

“Fire early today destroyed the immense administration building of the recreation camp of the New York policemen and their families, who were asleep on the upper stories of the building.

The blaze for a time threatened to destroy the entire recreation camp, covering several hundred acres furnishing a vacation retreat for the 10,000 members of the department and their families.”

The story credited the “Mountaineers”, the Tannersville volunteer fire department, who found the 3-story, block long building, destroyed. The firemen were able to limited any further damage.

One policeman, Dennis Harrington, his wife and 3 children were asleep on the 3rd floor and could not reach the steps or fire escapes. He improvised a rope out of blankets and lowered his family to safety. He was painfully burned as he slid down the burning blanket rope.

The Police Camp, which provided employment to the Mountain Top, was able to be saved by the quick action of our local firemen.

And now, since about 1990, Platt Clover’s and the rest of the Mountain Top have welcomed  our good neighbors, The Platt Clove Community.

Thanks for reading. I hope you had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/ HunterHistorian@gmail.com.