Local History with Dede Terns-Thorpe - 1904 and 1905

Today, we’ll visit 1904 and 1905 and read about how much of a struggle life was for the earlier residents, compared to what we have today. 

The July 1st, 1904, paper said that three mails were arriving and one on Sundays. (This was back when the local post office and letter writing were an important part of life. Times have changed with today’s texts and emails.)

A meeting in the Village of Tannersville was held on November 25, 1904, and it was decided the village would be lit in the spring with fifty arc electric lights. Tannersville citizens then met and organized the Tannersville Electric Company to furnish electric lights to Tannersville Village and the Parks. (What an amazing accomplishment.)

That same year Frank Raensch (today’s Yager family) said he intended to open a public library where any book or magazine could be had, free of charge. (Think of the two great village libraries.)

The December 1904 paper said that the ice was ready to cut out on the lakes and some of the hotel’s ice houses were filled. (Today we open the freezer and remove the ice, or better yet, we pull a handle to get our ice.)

The same paper said that the Hudson River Telephone Company would soon have two switchboards (operators) and other improvements. (Phones back then were stationary, unlike the pocket size we use today.)

The November 3rd, 1905, paper said Jacob Fromer was excavating for his new home on Main Street, now owned by the Hunter Foundation. 

In this same paper, it said, “The water from the Catskill Mountain region must have remarkable qualities when New Yorkers are willing to expend $160,000 annually for its use.”

It was in December of 1905 that Jacob Fromer deeded land for the Fromer Hose Fire Company’s new firehouse, which was to be built next to his office at the four corners. ((Today’s traffic light.) It spoke of how generous a contributor Mr. Fromer has always been. 

History teaches us of the trials that have taken place to bring us to the level of life we have today. 

Take care of yourselves and stay safe.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunterhistorian@gmail.com