Appendix - 1930-1939

Memorabilia Related Research Material

1930-06 Electric Lights Being Installed in School House

RED ROCK

W. L. Decker, of Brooklyn, has been spending several days at Wm. Syre's.

Fred Schiller, of New York, is occupying Mr. Osmer's house on Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Warner is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Thayer, in Williamsburg, Mass.

Charles Briggs, Jr. and George Coxon, motored to Lake George on a fishing trip last week.

C. W. Havens and friend of Blue Hill, called on E. S. Howes, Memorial Day.

Miss Hilton is putting an addition on her house. Mr. Crosby, of Chatham, is doing the work.

Franklin Lamoree of Schenectady has been visiting at Mr. Lamoree's.

Mr. Osmers and family of New York, spent Memorial Day at their cottage.

Mr. and Mrs. Winter's of Lee, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Ford, who are again occupying their bungalow.

Mrs. Briggs and daughter, Mrs. Falkner, motored to Lee, Wednesday.

Mrs. B. L. Bemiss entertained the Ladies Aid society at her home in East Chatham, Wednesday. Eight members attended.

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Lee and children, Mrs. Lee, Sr. and son, of Yon-kers, spent Memorial Day with Miss Crimmins.

Peter and John Hinchey of Canaan visited at H. Gleason's Memorial Day.

Three parties were held recently.

Twenty friends of DeWitt Stickles surprised him. Games, music and delicious refreshments were enjoyed.

Largely attended parties were held at the homes of Mrs. Black and Mrs. Beecher, Music was furnished by Doyle and Hitchcock.

Messrs Vincent and Wm. Henderson of New York have been visiting their sister, Mrs. Wm. Syre.

Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Woodford, Ashley Falls and Mr. and Mrs. Coxon, of Stottville called at J. W. Coxon's Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Danb[sic] and daughter, and Frank Michael, of New York, called here, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abbott and Mrs. Abbott's parents, of Troy, spent Sunday at Charles Reynold's.

Electric lights are being installed in the school house by Mr. Plass, of Chatham.

Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey Mojo and family of New York have arrived at their cottage for the summer.

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Transcribed from The Courier, Red Rock Column, June 1930

1931-08-06 No Bottom Pond Christened by Motor Boat

No Bottom Pond Christened by Motor Boat

Fifteen persons were the chosen ones to watch the initiation of No Bottom Pond, in the Town of Austerlitz, to the exalted realm of the Order of Outboard Motor Boats, Sunday afternoon.

Charles "Slim" Pultz, of Chatham, with his "faithful fifteen" transported the boat and motor by trailer over two miles of abandoned wood road to the side of the small pond for launching. When the motor had been fastened in place and the supports cut away, the craft slid into the virgin waters of No Bottom Pond, with hardly a ripple—the first motor-driven bark to grace its surface.

A three hour spin, around and around, since there was no other way to go, concluded the trial.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Page 1, Thursday, Aug. 6, 1931

1932 Goodrich Farm Sold at Tax Sale

STATE OF NEW YORK COLUMBIA CO. TREASURER'S OFFICE

The following is a list of lands sold for taxes for the year 1931 by the County Treasurer of the County of Columbia on the 9th day of July, 1932, and remaining unredeemed. The amount necessary to redeem the same calculated on the last day in which such redemption may be made in addition to taxes since paid by the purchaser. . . . 66 Chatham — Wood lot: Bounded on the north by lands of Daley, or the east by lands of Colbert. and Daley. on the south by lands of Colbert. on the west by lands of Popans; acres or dimensions; 30; owner or occupant, Lester C. Goodrich. due, $31.12.

67 Chatham — Farm: Bounded on the north by lands of Colbert and Goodrich, on the east by lands of Lamoree and Cash, on the south by lands of Cash and Goodrich, on the west by lands of Goodrich; acres or dimensions, 206; owner or occupant, Jesse Goodrich; amount due, $254.24.

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Clipped from The Chatham Courier, 1932

1932-07-21 SOLDIERS OF RED ROCK HONORED IN RECENT ESSAY BY SCHOOL PUPIL

Jane Henderson, of East Chatham, Writes of Service Men Who Lie in Red Rock Cemetery; Grandfather, Civil War Ensign, Shot First Cannon Into Charleston.

A tribute to the service rendered their country by soldiers who now lie in the cemetery in Red Rock is paid in the following essay by Jane Henderson, of East Chatham, which was read recently at exercises in the Red Rock school.

"In the Red Rock Cemetery. lie men who have heroically laid down their lives for their country. To those, and to others who served, we owe a great tribute. Some of these brave men fought in the Revolutionary War, to win freedom from the yoke of England. Later the Civil War was fought to preserve the Union: again residents of our community volunteered and still later the World War was fought and won for, humanity."

The following is a list of names of those who served in the wars, and now rest in Red Rock Cemetery:

Revolutionary War

Asaphm Holdridge, Company G, 46th Regiment of New York, Volunteer Infantry.

Jesse Ford, fought in the battle of Saratoga, and died at Fort Stanwix. He also served during the French and Indian War.

Ezra Parke, Sr. served when but sixteen years of agjke in the war of 1812, and lies in Red Rock Cemetery.

Richard W. Bishop, served in the war of 1812 and was killed in a battle at Plattsburgh, Sept. 15, 1814, at the age of thirty-three years.

Civil War

Vincent F. Burrows, Company H, 91st Regiment, New York Volunteers.

Alonzo Reynolds, Company H, 91st Regiment, New York Volunteers.

Isaac S. Briggs. Regiment 1, New York Volunteers, Mounted Riflemen.

Martin V. Wilcox, private in the 128th New York Volunteers.

Sylvester Pettit, Company 9, Battalion, New York Sharpshooters.

Joseph B. Starks, Company M, G Regiment, New York Mounted Volunteers.

Henry H. Park of the 9th Independent New York Sharpshooters. and Charles Battershall, the latter’s company unknown. lie in the Park-Jenkins Cemetery.

James Griswold, of the New York Cavalry, was a resident of Red Rock but lies in the cemetery at Spencertown.

William Henderson, Sr., my grandfather, served in the navy, during the Civil War, as Ensign on the ship “United States Huron.” It is said that he was the first man to send a cannon shot into Charleston. South Carolina.

World War

Alden Henderson, my cousin, joined the 208th Aero Squad of the United States, but died at Mitchell Field shortly before he was to have gone abroad.

"The following is a copy of the commission granted mv great, great, great grandfather, Jonathan Ford, during the Revolutionary War:"

The Provincial Congress for the Colony of New York, the Twentieth Day of October, 1575.

To Jonathan Ford.. gentleman.. greeting: By virtue of the authority reposed in us. We do hereby nominate, authorize, constitute and appoint you, the said Jonathan Ford, First Lieutenant of the fifth Company of Militia of Foot in the county of Albany whereof Ebenezer Benjamin Esq. is Captain..hereby requiring you, before you enter into the exercise of your said office, to make in writing, and subscribe in presence of the chairman of the committee of the city, town, district, or precinct wherein you reside. The Declaration appointed and directed by the Eleventh Section of the Seventh Resolve contained in the rules and orders for regulating the Militia of the Colony of New York, recommended by this congress on the 22d day of August, 1775, and authorizing you fully to execute all the powers belonging to your said office, by virtue of said rules and orders, and the said Declaration: And we do hereby require all persons under your command, to pay due obedience to you, according to the said rules and orders, and such further rules and orders as shall be made and recommended for the Militia of this Colony, by the present, or any future Continental Congress or Provincial Congress of this Colony. By order. Nath. Woodhull, presid, attested Rob’t. Benson. sec.

One of the residents of Red Rock relates an incident which took place there. during the Civil War.

There were two deserters who came and settled in a cave. now known as "Devil’s Den." One evening they found their way to a watering trough and there found a young girl, whom they told not to reveal that she had seen them; and also requested something to eat. She did as bidden to do, so they stayed all summer, and procured provisions from her.

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Transcribed 2022-10-09 from: The Courier, Fourth Section, Thurs. July 21, 1932.

1932-09 Mrs John Howes Funeral in Ashley Falls

RED ROCK

Mrs. Ira Peterson and daughters and friends, of Pittsfield, called at Charles Reynold's, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Conklin, of New York. were recent guests at Wm. Syre's.

Miss Edna Park has returned to Clarke School in Northampton.

Mr. and Mrs. Rosecrans, of Rensselaer, called on DeWitt Stickles and C. H. Ford. Saturdav.

Neil Sylvernale, of Hartford. Ct. and Robert, Jenkins, of Cincinnati, called at W. E. Park's, Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. James Coxon motored to Pittsfield and Ashley Falls on Labor Day to attend the funeral and interment of Mrs. John Howes.

Mrs. Henry A. Battershall and Miss Minnie Battershall, of Schenectady, were week end guests at W. E. Park's.

Arthur Lee and family returned to Yonkers, Sundav.

Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Clark are planning to return to the city this week.

Adam Martin, of Mt. Vernon. is staying at his cottage.

Mrs. Worthington has two new pupils, Hilda and John O'Leary. whose parents recently purchased the Adam place.

Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Osmers have returned to their home in Haworth, New Jersey.

All who have occasion to use the roads in this vicinity are delighted with the improvements the town of Chatham is making. Let the good work go on. Perhaps other nearby towns will fall in line.

Sweet's Huckleberry Kids furnished music at Mr. La Branche's mansion. for his guests from New York, last Saturday evening, and has engaged to play in Lenox. Mass., Wednesday, Sept. 14. They will resume playing at Austerlitz, Saturday night.

Week end guests and visitors at The Garden Tea Room at Red Rock. were: Mr. and Mrs. S. Bickford. of Chatham, Miss Frances E. Palmer and Miss Madeline H. Pretchard of Pittsfield. Mr. and Mrs. Young of New York, and R. Westover of Chatham.

Wm. J. Briggs and family, of Pittsfield, called Sunday to see his uncle, Charles Shook, who has been ill.

Sunday caller … Reynold's were Mr. … Peterson and family … Isaac …

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Transcribed from Chatham Courier, Red Rock column, September 1932

1933 - Red Rock Area Feels Force Of Heavy Storm

Red Rock Area Feels Force Of Heavy Storm

RED ROCK —— Mrs. Beecher was called to New Rochelle last week, by the critical illness of her brother, Dr. Fuchins.

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gleason and children and Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Gleason and daughter spent Sunday at Mr. Hempstead’s in Dormansville.

Mr. and Mrs. DeBern, who recently purchased the former George L. Beebe place, have taken possession. Their daughter, Miss Rogers, is a student at Chatham High school.

Mrs, George Sheak and son, Wallace, and granddaughter, Beatrice Williams, Mrs. Walter Pitcher, Miss Helen Pitcher and Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Pitcher and children, all of Rhinebeck, visited Mrs, Pitcher, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Osmers entertained Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Jones, Mrs, L. W. Pitcher and H. M. Pitcher at dinner, Thursday evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Kline recently visited their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Downing in Harlemville and Mr. and Mrs. Kline in Hudson.

Residents of Red Rock, which usually escapes severe damage from storms, decided that Saturday’s storm had done great harm, as many bridges, sluices, and gardens were overflowed, roads badly gullied and fences destroyed. However, when reports from other towns arrived, we as usual, found that property damage was very slight.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, 1933

1933-01-19 LONE BANDIT TERRORIZES RED ROCK AREA; CHASES CHILDREN

For the past three weeks, the residents of Red Rock have been annoyed by a marauder who seems to have taken possession of the hill leading from Red Rock to Macedonia.

Every morning at seven-fifteen he lies in wait for the school children who must take the now perilous route into Red Rock to meet the Chatham High school bus. Lately they arrive at their destination all out of breath, and filled with stories of the narrow escape they have had from the felon.

Young girls walking in this vicinity have been badly frightened by this highwayman, who appears from behind stone walls and thick hedges to chase the girls down the hill, and then returns, to guard his domain.

He is a vain creature, and his beautiful plumage and conceit have gained for him the nickname "Napoleon," an honor which has never before been conferred upon a pheasant.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, January 19, 1933

1933-03-30 Thirty Years Ago

Thirty Years Ago

. . . The prospective subscribers for a cooperative telephone company, to erect a line from Red Rock to Mt. Pleasant, met Saturday evening at the home of Rudolphus Pettit at Red Rock and elected the following officers: President, Chester Ford; Secretary, Jay Powell; Treasurer, Rev. John McGlautlin. Work will start at once. . . .

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Transcribed from: The Courier, Thursday, March 30, 1933

1933-04 Rites Held For E S. Howes At Red Rock, Thurs.

Rites Held For E S. Howes At Red Rock, Thurs.

RED ROCK—Mrs. Black and friends, of Schenectady, were recent guests at Mrs. Beecher’s.

Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Jenkins and Mrs. Waltermire and daughter called at W. E. Park’s, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Whiteman and sons, of Austerlitz, called on Mrs. Pitcher, Sunday.

Charles Henderson was an over Sunday guest of his brother in Austerlitz.

Jacob Linker, who is very ill, was taken to an Albany hospital, last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Malvern Clark, of Rock City, and Elmer Jones and family, of Chatham, were Sunday guests at Dr. J. Jones’.

Miss Willig and Adam and Andrew Stumpf called on Mr. and Mrs. Becker at Canaan Center, Sunday.

DeWitt Stickles is ill.

Mrs. Tyler Gleason and daughter are visiting relatives in Chatham.

C. C. DeGroff is recovering from illness.

W. E. Park’s dog recently found nest lined with down, containing 5 baby pink rabbits. This proved a surprise to our residents as no pink rabbits have been seen in this section in some time.

Eugene Howes has sold the house which his father, the late E. S. Howes occupied for many years to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Pultz.

The funeral of Elbridge S. Howes was held Thursday P. M. at the M. E. church. Rev. Mr. Sheelay officiated, Rev, Mr. Montrose assisting in the service at the grave. Interment took place in the Red Rock cemetery. Among those who attended were his son, Eugene Howes, of Pittsfield, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Howes, Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Howes and Mrs. Louis Stickles, of Lenox, Mr, and Mrs. M. O. Vanderburgh and. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Howes, of Pittsfield, John Coxon, of Albany, Bert Powell, Wm. Powell. and Alfred Kline of Chatham, and C. W. Havens of Greenport.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, April, 1933

1933-04-20 RED ROCK ROAD REPAIR SOUGHT

RED ROCK ROAD REPAIR SOUGHT

Good Road Society To Be Formed at Meeting Tuesday.
>
Definite efforts to obtain at least graveled road through Red Rock will follow the organization of a Good Roads Society scheduled for Tuesday night, April 25, at 7:30 when a meeting of all residents of that section interested in an improved road will be held. The session will be conducted in the Red Rock M. E. church.

The meeting will elect officers of the new organization and the movement to secure some relief from the present impassable condition of the roads will be started at once.

Plans for the meeting were made Saturday afternoon at gathering in the Schiff home at Red Rock at which several residents expressed opinions on present conditions.

The road for which repair and surfacing is sought is known as the Morehouse Corners - Red Rock road. A petition bearing the name of ninety-eight taxpayers and asking for immediate reconstruction of the road was presented to a recent meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Residents of the area served by the road claim that milk and other products for market are tied up, persons are unable to reach Chatham to shop and contract other business and that a real danger exists in case of sickness, with the condition of the road making it next to impossible to get in or out of Red Rock.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Thursday, April 20, 1933

1933-04-27 E. S. Howes, 81, Dies in Red Rock

Red Rock community lost one of its oldest and most loyal residents, Tuesday, April 24, in the death of Eldridge Smith Howes, 81, who was ill only a few days.

Mr. Howes had spent his entire life in the little hamlet and during the years of Red Rock's prosperity, had enjoyed a successful business as a mason. He retired from his chosen trade several years ago. For many years he was organist in the Methodist church of Red Rock and was still active in that capacity at the time of his death.

Funeral services took place in the church today at 2 o'clock with burial in the Red Rock cemetery. The deceased is survived by one son, Eugene E. Howes, of Pittsfield.

E. B. Gifford & Son had charge of the funeral arrangements.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, April 27, 1933

1933-04-27 Mrs J. W. Coxon Convalescing

Progress Made On Improving Of Red Rock Road

RED ROCK —— Mrs. Becker has returned from New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Schiff are adding a new kitchen to their other improvements. Kenneth Ford is doing the work.

Frank Doleski is quite ill.

Moses Gleason, who has been visiting his nephew, H. Gleason, has returned to Saratoga.

Jacob Linker is ill.

Chas. Pultz, C. A. Briggs, Fowler Briggs and H. M. Pitcher sawed wood at the home of the latter, Monday.

Mrs. J. W. Coxon is convalescing at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Coxon, in Albany.

C. C. DeGroff is ill.

H. M. Pitcher is shingling a barn for Mr. Schiff.

Supt. of Roads Gearing and men have improved our roads wonderfully during the past week.

Mrs. Jennie Newton, son, Willian, Harry Leubold, Wm. Carty and Joe Abbott, of Lee, were Sunday evening callers at Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hitchcock's.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, April 27, 1933

1933-04-27 RED ROCK IMPROVEMENT GROUP ORGANIZED

RED ROCK IMPROVEMENT GROUP ORGANIZED FOR REPAIR OF ROAD; LESLIE PARK NAMED PRESIDENT

Association Formed at Meeting Attended by About 100; Seventy-five Members Signed, More To Be Enrolled.

Leslie Park, of Red Rock, was elected president of the Red Rock Improvement Association which was organized Tuesday night at an enthusiastic meeting in the Methodist church of that community.

Approximately 100 attended and participated in a discussion of the purposes of the new organization. Meetings will be held the last Tuesday in each month.

Other officers named were, Mrs. P. D. Stickles, first vice-president; Mrs. William Syres, second vice-president; P. D. Stickles, secretary, and E. H. Griswold, treasurer.

Several committees were named and these will meet in the near future to outline means of accomplishing the aims of the association.

Seventy-five have signed already for membership in the group and it is expected that many more will be enrolled.

The particular purpose of the organization is to secure action on improvement of the highway through Red Rock, the condition of which has been the basis for much complaint from residents this spring. Farmers, it is said, are held up on delivery of produce to market and other business which depends on getting in and out of the community is impaired.

It is hoped to secure at least a firm gravel surfaced road. More than ninety resident taxpayers recently signed a petition to the Board of Supervisors asking for relief.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Thursday, April 27, 1933

1933-05 To The Editor Chatham Courier

Editor Chatham Courier:

I am told that some "individuals" are very much concerned over the resolution or petition signed by about one hundred citizens, taxpayers, residents, motorists and business people, calling upon certain town officials to fix the highway leading from State Road Route 203, Chatham-Spencertown- Morchouse Corners to Red Rock.

That is a mighty fine “concern” because anyone and everyone knows that if a “little” piece of this highway was “improved” it would not be very long before all the rest of it would be “improved” and anyone and every one knows that an important farms-to-market, -residence to trade center road like this one should be given attention consistent with its importance and use. This road does not serve merely a few “summer residents” just a few days in the best part of the year, but serves large number of all-year-round residents every day in the year.

It accommodates, or should accommodate, school transportation, mail routes, religious gatherings and trade necessities also, what is more important, the daily delivery of farm products to markets. It certainly does not occommodate if it is left in a neglected condition. President Roosevelt has said that one way to give “farm relief” is to lift the country people out of the mud and lessen the cost of necessary trade and social transportation, make the country a better place to live in all the year around, thus encouraging the tired relief organizations in the congested centers by inducing more people to reside in the country “where the dandelions do grow.”

Whether or not our President is right or wrong, most of us do know that he is aiming to encourage the most of us at the earliest possible moment.

Our local officials should at least try to do the same. Encourage the greatest number at the earliest possible moment, and let me say right here that an improvement to the above mentioned road would most certainly encourage a large number of people and induce others to seek a share in that encouragement.

Extending friendly hands across the "border" is soon to be a pleasant activity and so we might say to our local officials, "extend a friendly and helpful hand" across the "lines" and let our neighboring townsmen feel that we recognize them as neighbors and want to help them by giving them encouragement to come into our town when on their way to their trade centers for their trade necessities.

And so we come to that part of our "conversations" when a little comment upon that "great concern" mentioned at the beginning.

Had it been as much the desire of the originators of that resolution or petition to merely "write" in names for the purpose of making a long list as it is for "some local officials" to dodge some of their most important duties to themselves and their neighbors by neglecting or refusing to improve this important "farms to market" highway, the petition would have borne the names of all the people in the three towns affected by this important highway, and I dare say there would have been but few protests as most people are quite certain that money has been appropriated several times to make the needed improvements to this road.

Because you live beside the "concrete" or "macadam," is no reason why you should refuse to extend that "friendly hand' across the "line." Let it be our aim "to help the most at the earliest possible moment," in whatever activity we may he engaged. —LESTER C. GOODRICH.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, April 1933

1933-06 AUTO CRASH AT DANGER POINT ON RED ROCK ROAD

AUTO CRASH AT DANGER POINT ON RED ROCK ROAD

RED ROCK — What might have been a serious accident occurred last Thursday evening on the bridge near the Garden Tea Room when George Hitchcock's and a Stranger's cars collided, neither one seeing the other on account of trees and bushes which obstruct the view of the road.

Mr. Hitchcock was accompanied by his family. Although all suffered from shock, no one was seriously injured.

Mr. Hitchcock’s auto was damaged and the other car had a bent fender.

Several accidents have occured at this point which for a long time has been a menace to all who travel this road and it is hoped that action by town officials will be taken immediately in order to avert another and perhaps more serious accident.

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Transcribed from: The Courier, June 1933

1933-06-23 Christian Church Burns

FIRE LEVELS OLD EDIFICE AT RED ROCK

Christian Church, 111 Years Old, Swept By Flames.

RED ROCK —Fire of unknown origin destroyed the Christian church at Red Rock, between 10 and 11 P. M. Friday evening[1]. This church, about 111 years old, was in good condition and had recently been redecorated inside by George Hitchcock. The fire was discovered by James Coxon.[2]

Although no services had been held for several years all members and friends of the church, all residents of this place were deeply grieved by its destruction. It is understood that no insurance was carried. It was planned to reopen the church soon.

Members of the church, which had become a landmark, have become scattered, one of the oldest being Mrs, Eugene Vermilyea, of Malden, formerly Mrs. Phoebe Jones, of this place. Many excellent and very helpful sermons were preached from its pulpit, among those who occupied it being Elders Havens, Howard, Mc- Glanflin, Crowell, Metzger and Chase.

Among those who presided at the organ were Miss Augusta Stickles, who became Mrs. Bert L. Bemiss, Elbridge S. Howes, and Mrs. Henry D. Frisbee. The janitor, Alonzo B. Reynolds, gave careful attention to stoves, floors, lamps, etc. Although the scene of these labors has become ashes, those who are trying to “carry on” will be inspired by the memory of these faithful workers to strive in every way to continue the work which they in their turn endeavored to perpetuate.

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The Chatham Courier, 1933-06-29.

[1] The fire was Friday, June 23, 1933.

[2] Dad said, coming home from work that day, he saw someone climbing out a back window of the church. But did he discover the fire? I always assumed so but maybe not. Maybe it was his Dad passing through, or on his way to visit Dad at his place up on Overlook Drive, who actually discovered the fire. jhc

1933-07-06 CELEBRATION BY RED ROCK ASS'N IS FINE SUCCESS

CELEBRATION BY RED ROCK ASS'N IS FINE SUCCESS

The Fourth of July celebration and barn dance of the Red Rock Association which, through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gleason, was held on the Gleason farm, was a complete success in every way. Visitors from the surrounding, country attended in large numbers.

The exercises were opened with a prayer by Rev. Sheeley, followed by the excellent addresses of Miss Anita Michel and the Rev. Sheeley. The Social Activities committee of the Red Rock Association, under the chairmanship of Fred Goodrich, arranged foot races, sack races wheelbarrow races obstacle races high jumping and a baseball game, all of which were very much enjoyed by the participants as well as the spectators. A pig which wandered on to Mr. Gleason's farm was used in a pig race and created a great deal of amusement for everybody. Incidentally, this pig still awaits the call of the owner.

Refreshments were served under the auspices of the Ladies' Aid society of the Red Rock M. E. church, who did much in this and other was to . . .

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, July 6, 1933

1933-07 WILL START RED ROCK ROAD SOON

Work To Get Underway Within 10 Days, Report.

It was reported today that the county would commence construction of the Red Rock road within ten days.

This work is organized under the County Work Bureau and it is said that a large number of men from the townships of Ghent, Austerlitz, Chatham and Canaan, would be employed.

The road will be about three miles in length and has been strongly urged by the Supervisors from the northern section of the county in order to relieve unemployment conditions.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, July 1933

1933-07-20 RED ROCK ROAD WORK TO BEGIN EARLY IN WEEK

RED ROCK ROAD WORK TO BEGIN EARLY IN WEEK

Forty-five Men To Get Employment When Job Opens.

Will Increase to Sixty; Five Miles Work Planned.

Reconstruction of approximately five miles of highway from Morehouse Corners, through Red Rock, to the East Chatham road will be started Monday on Tuesday, according to announcement today by Joseph A. Boucher, manager of the Temporary Emergency Relief Work Bureau for the county.

Forty-five men will be given employment with the opening of the job, he said, and this number will probably be increased to sixty within a short time. The men will be chosen chiefly from the emergency lists covering the towns of Chatham, Ghent, Canaan and Austerlitz.

Work assignments, Mr. Boucher said, will be based on the urgency of the individual’s need for employment. Men with large families will be given a full week’s work and the program will be graded below that standard to give as many as possible a share of employment. The maximum will be a forty-four hour week, or five and a half eight hour days.

Work on the highway will include widening, improving of drainage facilities, including digging and clearing of ditches and construction of culverts, and the elimination of curves which now prove a danger to traffic.

A rock base will be used in the reconstruction and this will be topped off with gravel. This, Mr. Boucher said, will allow for future finishing with a permanent surface.

The project has already been given approval by New York headquarters of the Temporary Emergency Relief Association.

Its completion, besides the employment benefits, will mean a great deal to the Red Rock area from both economic and convenience standpoints. The present road has been a barrier to farmers trucking produce to market. At certain periods of the year, residents have complained, the section was almost inaccessible.

The Red Rock Improvement Association, recently formed, has been active in agitating the need of reconstruction of the highway.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Thursday, July 20, 1933, Page 1

1933-07-20 RELIEF IN TWO DIRECTIONS, An Editorial

RELIEF IN TWO DIRECTIONS

Announcement of the start of reconstruction of the Red Rock highway, scheduled for Monday or Tuesday, will come as welcome news to many in that section who have suffered too long for the want of a decent road.

Five miles of work will be done, it is said, the road widened, drainage bettered and dangerous curves eliminated.

The project has been included as a “relief” project and it is that in more ways than one. While its immediate purpose and probably greatest benefit at the moment is the furnishing of employment to many local men, its completion ultimately will benefit a far greater number.

When one considers the conditions under which residents of the Red Rock area have suffered for years in their need of a good highway, it is easy to imagine their “relief” next spring at being able to move in and out of their farm homes without the aid of a derrick. It is to be hoped that nothing will hinder an early completion of this needed work.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, Editorial, July 20, 1933

1933-09 Ninety Three Employed in One Day on Red Rock Road

93 Employed in One Day on Red Rock Road

All interested in the meetings of the Red Rock Association should bear in mind the date for the next meeting, Tuesday evening, Sept. 19, at the church.

Road improvements are progressing. Extensions are being added to all bridges. The largest number of men employed in any one day so far was 93. This week ten men were removed from here to work on the Taconic Park Development near Bash Bish Falls.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, September 1933

1933-10-26 Strawberries Ripe In Red Rock

Mother Nature herself seems to have lost her bearings as the result of the extended summer drought in the Red Rock area, followed by a rainy season.

As a proof of her confusion, Mr. Van Alstyne, of Red Rock, is showing his friends a quantity of wild, ripe strawberries and also blossoms which he picked near the school house in his community on October 21.

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Transcribed from the Chatham Courier, October 26, 1933

1934-06-14 TRUCK RUNS WILD ON HILL, TWO INJURED

TRUCK RUNS WILD ON HILL, TWO INJURED

James Coxon and Helper Bruised, Cut In Accident.

What might have been a much more serious accident occurred Friday evening when James Coxon's truck, which was heavily loaded with lumber, ran wild down what is called "the Big Hill" between the Parke Homestead and Mrs. Lloyd’s cottage at Red Rock, landing in a gully at the foot of the hill.

Mr. Coxon was taken to the office of Dr. Starks in Chatham, who was obliged to take a few stitches to close a cut near the eye and dress a badly wounded hand. His face was considerably bruised.

Louis Warner, who was with Mr. Coxon, jumped from the truck, sustaining bruises but no broken bones. The damaged truck was taken from the scene of the accident to Mr. Coxon’s by E. H. Griswold.

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Transcribed from: The Courier, Thursday, June 14, 1934

1934-07-12 RED ROCK ROAD TO BE FINISHED BY MID-AUGUST

RED ROCK ROAD TO BE FINISHED BY MID-AUGUST

County Supt. Reports On Highway Jobs Program.

The Red Rock road project, a hold-over job from last year, with 227 men employed, is expected to be completed about the middle of August, according to an oral report of road construction in the county given by Superintendent of Highways L. Proceus Hover before the Board of Supervisors last Friday. A new project will be started immediately upon completion of this work.

Nineteen men are employed on the Hillsdale road, also a hold-over, twenty- three are working on the Churchtown-East Taghkanic road and nineteen on the Linlithgo-Livingston highway. Twenty-four men are listed on the Elizaville project which has just been set up and twenty-four more will be employed there in two wecks. Approximately twenty-four also will go to work on the proposed Chatham Center-North Chatham highway.

It was pointed out by the Superintendent that no man can work over four days a week on highways and period rounds down so that one full-week man employed means practically twice that number working in the total part time.

Under the present schedule the money appropriated will carry the work until December 1, Mr. Hover said, with three new jobs to be started in the next three weeks. A minimum of forty men will be used on the Stuyvesant-Kinderhook road and there will be eight miles of surfacing done on the Livingston-Elizaville road, employing about twenty. Five miles of resurfacing must be done on the Aneramdale road and twenty will be employed in resurfacing from Copake to West Copake.

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Transcribed from: The Courier, Thursday, July 12, 1934

1934-11-01 RED ROCK ROAD WORK RESUMED TODAY BY TERA

RED ROCK ROAD WORK RESUMED TODAY BY TERA

County Withdrawal On Tuesday Night Was Shutdown Cause.

Hope to Complete No. Chatham Bridge Before Halt.

Construction of the Red Rock road which was rumored suspended indefinitely after a shutdown on Tuesday night, was scheduled to be resumed today under TERA auspices entirely, according to Lloyd M. Nicholson, county TERA executive.

The work has been carried on as a regular county highway project, with TERA furnishing only a small percentage of the labor and the project has been financed from the fund allotted to highway work, which was approximatcly forty-live per cent of the allotment to the county for relief labor.

The Red Rock job is about ninety-five per cent completed, Mr. Nicholson said, and will be finished soon. Approximately twelve men will be employed in graveling and otherwise completing, the project. Some of these will be transferred from the Copake road job.

The Red Rock project is one of six highway jobs being returned to TERA auspices. Of these, the Ancram highway is fifty per cent complete; North Chatham-Chatham Center, thirty-three per cent; Gallatin, forty per cent; Hillsdale, ninety-five per cent; Livingston eighty per cent; and Red Rock ninety-five per cent. The county is withdrawing from these projects at this time because of the state’s demand that highway cquipment be placed in winter storage before bad weather prevents its being moved. Considerable equipment was thus marooned last winter, it was said.

Work, under the TERA, however, will be continued at Ancram where it is understood the township will furnish its trucks and equipment without cost; at Gallatin, which will be completed to about fifty per cent; and Hillsdale, which will be finished entirely.

Efforts will be made to complete the bridge on the North Chatham-Chatham Center highway and as much of the road as possible before weather halts the work. The Churchtown-Taghkanic-Copake road project has been completed. The Ancramdale road, which was built last year, has been topped off this season and the Livingston project also will be finished.

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Transcribed from: The Chatham Courier, Thursday, November 1, 1934

1935-03-28 Fog Hill Improvement Association

FOG HILL GROUP ELECT LEADERS

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Town Roads Discussed In First Session Of New Association.

The first meeting of the Fog Hill Civic Association, at Austerlitz, was held Monday evening.

The following officers were elected: John B. Mulligan, chairman: Albert F. Schierloh, vice-chairman, and Robert J. Schierloh, secretary. The newly elected officers pledged themselves to do all in their power to further local betterment.

Several matters, the most important of which was the immediate improvement of impassable town roads, were discussed and voted upon.

Among those present were Harry Gleason, of the Red Rock, Improvement Association, who spoke on "Success Through Effort"; James W. Coxon, also of the Red Rock Association, who told of the advantages of organization and Edward Griswold, treasurer of the Red Rock Association.

Mr. Griswold said, "Just such enthusiasm as is shown in this organization is the spirit that brought about the present Red Rock Association." The next meeting will be held in the school house.

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Transcribed from The Chatham Courier, March 3, 1935

1935-06-20 Direct Road to West Stockbridge Wanted

CALL MEETING ON NEW ROUTE TO MASS. LINE

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Red Rock Group Want Extension of Fog Hill Highway

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Residents of 3 Towns Urged to Attend Session

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Completion of four and a half miles of the Red Rock road to form a direct and convenient highway to the Massachusetts state line will be the principal topic of discussion at a mass meeting called for Tuesday, June 25, in the Red Rock church, which residents of the towns of Austerlitz, Canaan and Chatham interested in the proposal are urged to attend. A portion of the road has been improved recently as a county highway.

It is expected that several speakers will address the meeting on the necessity of concerted action and support for the road and that what is said to be its obvious desirability to the entire county as well as people of Western Massachusetts will be emphasized.

Proponents of this highway claim that improving and extending the Red Rock road over Fog Hill straight into Stockbridge will obviate the necessity of using what they call the circuitous and "thoroughly impractical" route south to Austerlitz and thence east and north again to the Massachusetts line. This would save, it is said, from three to five miles and would reopen what was once a beautiful and prosperous section. It is further believed that opening such a route would bring to eastern Columbia county countless tourists now obliged to swing far to the north over Lebanon mountain.

Proper improvement and mapping of this road is seen as the means of positive benefits to every inhabitant of this region.

The Red Rock Improvement Association some time ago engaged Attorney J. L. Pangle, of East Chatham, to work for the reopening and improvement of the Fog Hill route. Considerable progress has been made in gaining the cooperation of the town board and the road superintendent of Austerlitz.

Mr. Pangle will address the meeting Tuesday on the prospects for the road and others will touch on the benefits to be derived from its completion.

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Transcribed from The Chatham Courier, June 20, 1935

1939-06-01 Colonial Days Cling to Life In Little Village of Red Rock

Once an Indian Encampment, Community Retains Homesteads Established When Nation Was Young

In the peaceful community of Red Rock, near Chatham, modernized Colonial homes reflect the home-loving character of the residents, but many years ago it was the site of an Indian encampment from which the Redmen launched forays around the countryside.

The vicinity was the favorite camping spot for the Indians who travelled what is now known as Indian Brook between the present site of West Stockbridge and Hudson.

It was In 1750 that Jonathan Ford of Pembrooke, Mass. passed through the Indian village and established a home for his wife and baby on top of the long hill. Other setlers followed and soon the fast growing community was called "South Canaan."

First a shingle mill was established, then a grist mill. A hat factory, shoe factory, blacksmith shop, wood turning mill and wool carding mill followed in short order and eventually a Baptist, Christian and Church of Christ were established.

Then, one night, a tin peddler stopped at the village tavern and in the morning his horse, cart and tinware had disappeared. After expressing his indignation he exclaimed: “I’m shaking the dust off my feet from Pilfershire.” Strangely enough, that name stuck and the community was called Pilfershire until 1825.

In that year, several of the inhabitants protested against the name. Halfway through the village was a large rock and one morning the townsfolk arose to find the rock painted red and a wooden marker proclaiming the name of the village to be Red Rock.

Work was suspended in the community that day and the inhabitants conducted a barbaque and celebration in honor of the rechristening. The wooden marker was replaced by a marble shaft in 1860, but although the shaft is in excellent condition today the color of the rock has turned to pink.

During the Revolutionary War Jonathan Ford served as a lieutenant and today a 30 toot marble shaft marks his final resting place in the local cemetery. The old homestend, altered many times, still stands and is occupied by Mrs. William Syre, a great-great-grand-daughter of the original settler.

In spite of the passing of more than a century and a half, many of the family names prominent in the vicinity when it was known as "South Canaan," are prominent in affairs of the village today.

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Transcribed from: The Knickerbocker News, Thursday, June 1, 1939, pg 16a

— revised 2024-07-24 jhc