Local History with Dede Terns-Thorpe - Hunter Tidbits from yesteryears

HUNTER - In 1911 a proposition was made to the M.E. Church to make no appointments to churches that do not bring in over $800 a year. The proposition said weaker churches must consolidate. Unfortunately, no follow-up story was found, but $800 in 1911 is about $26000 today. 

HUNTERITES OUT TO KILL RAGWEED, July 1950.

An interesting story was found about an invasive plant still found in our yards today. 

“July 23 is Ragweed Elimination Day in the Village of Hunter.” The article said a resolution had been agreed upon by the Hunter Civic Association and Village Board to combat the community’s ragweed growth. 

Although Hunter is noted for fine air quality and free of pollen, lately it was noticed that ragweed is making headway.  Ragweed is one of the main causes of hay fever discomfort, primarily in the fall. “It is the desire of civic minded people of Hunter to have every citizen seek the pollenizer of nose troubles and pull it from the ground before it sprays the atmosphere with its ticklish parties.” 

Civic group urges buying Dolan’s Lake, 05/16/1953. Dolan’s Lake, aka Hunter Lake, Star Lake, and Alpine Lake was a man-made lake, dug out in 1913. 

The article said a civic meeting, with forty plus in attendance, was held at the Hunter School. The organization suggested the Hunter Village Board of Trustees purchase Star Lake from its present owner, the Star Hotel, for the price of $3500. (For those who skied during Hunter Mountain’s early days, 1959-1960, Star Hotel, the large red barn-like building, was the first Hunter Mt. Ski Bowl Lodge.) The lake is located just off Main Street, east of Hunter Mt. Ski Bowl bridge on Klein Avenue. The hotel was on the east side at the crest of the hill leading into the ski area. 

Star Hotel owners had been cooperating with the Civic Association by allowing visitors to use the lake. In return, the Civic Association completed the necessary minor repairs. Hunter Mayor Irving Boyarsky announced that $3500 would buy the lake, but the total amount needed would be $10000. He said an additional $6500 would be needed for repairs. ($10000 in 1953 is about $130000. today.) Other articles spoke of great damage to the lake’s surrounding area, due to fires, storms, and floods. 

Another Hunter Village meeting was scheduled to finalize the discussion.

“Under the advice of Robert Kohan of Tannersville, Village attorney, a referendum should be brought before the people obtaining their approval.” A test vote was held and all votes were in favor of the village owning the lake. 

Dolan’s Lake certainly adds to the beauty of the Village of Hunter. All seasons have their own natural beauty which is enhanced with holiday lighting and decorations later in the year.

Thanks for reading and stay safe.

Dede Terns-Thorpe/Hunter Historian