Local History by Dede Terns-Thorpe- The Pride of Tannersville

Tannersville will most likely maintain the pride it’s had for the past 129 years, even if its title changes to a hamlet.

Today’s article discusses the incorporation of the village of Tannersville and its possible

dissolution. Tannersville was incorporated in 1895, a year after Hunter became a

village. So far, no reason has been found for why Hunter and Tannersville both decided

to become incorporated villages within one year of each other.

An unknown author is credited with saying, "Nature endowed the Village with the four-season beauty of mountains and waterfalls. Tannersville provides the rest."

The decision will only be voted on by the registered voters within the village limits. Meetings have been held explaining the pros and cons of dissolution. It’s a significant decision for many people and one that cannot be voted upon lightly. The final village meeting was orderly and informative. Numerous people spoke at the meetings. One person in particular, Karen Terns, gave a well-received presentation on the assets of remaining a village.

No matter the outcome, appreciation, and thanks go to past mayors and trustees. They’ve made

some tough decisions, not easy while working and living within the community. The village road

crew and Robin, the village clerk, are to be applauded for keeping things running smoothly.

throughout this stressful decision-making time.

Over the years, the Village of Tannersville has completed some great accomplishments.

In 1903 Tannersville rallied to have the then-new Green County Court House built-in

Tannersville, offering $100,000.00 towards construction if built here. The village officials

realized the benefits of having Tannersville become the Greene County seat. (Cairo

also wanted the courthouse.)

The village crew built the DUGWAY, as it was called for many years. History tells us

Railroad Avenue (turning south at the traffic light) went up a steep hill on its west side.

Horses and wagons (pre-autos) picked up visitors arriving by train at the Tannersville

Depot. The wagon drivers found it dangerous, especially in wet weather.

In the 1930s, Tannersville obtained a Works Progress Administration grant to dredge the

Rip Van Winkle Lake. Soon the boathouse (now an excellent restaurant) prepared hot

dogs, and hot chocolate, and played music for the year-round outdoor sports, including

ice skating, boating, and swimming. The man-made lake in Tannersville was a major

source of attraction.

Tannersville became a village at a busy time. Boarding houses and hotels were

opening rapidly, the railroads had just arrived, and the cottage parks were opening.

Visitors and residents seldom went off the mountain. The Mountain Top was

self-sufficient with grocery stores, butcher shops, fruit stands, jewelry stores, schools, 6

or 7 churches, 2 synagogues, a national bank, and a nearby airport in Elka Park. 

The mountaintop had electricity and telephones and offered water, boating, fishing, hiking, and other activities.

Good luck to the village voters with your decision.

Thanks for reading. Stay safe, be well, and have a wonderful holiday.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian