Margaretville Recognizes 150th Anniversary

MARGARETVILLE - Former Margaretville Mayor Glen Reither, who last served in 1991, attends the village board meeting honoring the 150th incorporation anniversary. Photos Contributed by Iris Mead

Staff from Margaretville Hospital and others joined the festivities on Margaretville's 150th birthday at the village hall.

Margaretville Planning Board Member Phil O'Beirne and Historical Society of Middletown Board Member Joseph Schoell enjoyed drinks to honor Margaretville's incorporation in 1875.

The Village of Margaretville's 150th birthday cake made by Café Marguerite.

MARGARETVILLE—Margaretville board members David Budin, Jeff Warren, Iris Mead, Sarah Hubbell, and Mayor John Hubbell honored the village's 150th anniversary of incorporation on May 8. The village was officially born in 1875. In honor of the singing, trustees moved the regular meeting to the exact anniversary date, where they invited the community to celebrate and enjoy cake from Café Marguerite before meeting business.

After cake and laughs, the brief meeting mainly focused on the Sesquicentennial. The village, with Mead at its head, is collaborating with the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society of Middletown to host additional celebratory events - a block dance on July 26 and a history presentation on July 13. The presentation, starting at 2 p.m., will explore the impact of railroads, wars, floods, and technology on Margaretville and its people. Main Street will close down for the dance from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with music from Sue's Garage. Folks are invited to participate in a community portrait during the event, mimicking ones taken in 1979 and 2000. The last photo featured roughly 300 individuals.

"We want to beat that number," said Mead.

One local entrepreneur questioned the plans, hoping business owners could be more included. Diane Galusha, historical society president, clarified that they, too, would love businesses to be involved.

"We would love to hear your ideas," said Mead.

Ideas included a raffle item from each shop. Individuals could pick up tickets by visiting stores before the event. Another project involved displaying historical information on each building with an old photo. Another individual suggested developing some children's activities.

The planning committee will invite business owners to the next meeting on June 2 or earlier.

More information on the celebrations can be found at villageofmargaretville.com or mtownhistory.org. To participate in the organization, call Mead at 845-586-4689 or Carol O'Beirne with the chamber at 845-586-3300.

In other business, trustees approved $1,426 in unpaid water fees to be added to the general fund.

The Catskill Water Discovery Center was approved to host its annual Camp H2O at the Margaretville Park Pavilion on May 20.

Following an executive session, trustees unanimously agreed to repurchase two double cemetery plots at the price the owner initially paid.