Local Writing Focus - So You Want to Buy Land Signing at Schoharie Mercantile Aug 16

WEST FULTON — We spoke to Charles Rielly about his book So You Want to Buy Land. He said that it traces his search for property, which culminated in the purchase of a large wood lot, and his perseverance as a father of three children after his wife’s passing. Rielly started a firewood business, remarried, and had two more children. The family built a cabin and started a Christmas tree business.

The Schoharie Mercantile at 303 Main Street, Schoharie, is pleased to announce that Chuck will be talking to customers and signing his book at the store from 1-3 pm on Saturday, August 16th. We hope to see you there.

His property is Spur Rd off of Bear Ladder Road in West Fulton. He was a middle school math teacher in Schenectady.

The purchase of the property was “very lucky.” He would take photos and hiking over the weekend. One day he pulled into a farm lot and saw a man outside working. Rielly asked if he could walk on the property and shared photos of his travels. The farmer offered to sell his property. Rielly considered the offer on the house and 155 acres. He spoke to his wife Judy to consider it, including the possibility of doing firewood and a potential antiques business. Rielly was unable to purchase the property due a price disagreement but continued looking for property in the area. Over time, the two sides agreed with a purchase of 100 acres. The farmer held the mortgage. The following year, Rielly’s wife died, making maintaining the home more difficult. He started a firewood business and purchased a truck. 

Rielly met his current wife Melinda and were married in 1987 and soon thereafter decided to build a log cabin. The process came with “all sorts of problems” chronicled in the book.

He cited friends and neighbors who “were always there.” 

The book ends as the process of fixing the property was underway.

Purchase at https://www.amazon.com/So-You-Want-Buy-Land/dp/B0D9WPBHJ4.