The Carlisle Historical Society

August 2010 Carlisle, Schoharie County, New York Chartered 2008 Volume 3, Issue 2

Palatine Immigration Carol Cassidy and Jacqueline Turnquist

Many Schoharie County natives trace their back to the Palatinate region of Germany. Reviews: Three-hundred years ago, large numbers of Palatines left Germany, many coming to New

York State. Carol Cassidy, a student working on her Master of Arts degree, gave a Review of Spring 2010 Programs wonderfully in-depth and interesting presentation on their migration at the first spring 2010

-Palatine Migration to New York program, which was a joint meeting of the Cobleskill and Carlisle Historical Societies. Our most well-attended meeting to date, eighty people literally packed the Carlisle Town Hall to -Grosvenors Corners – Part I and hear Ms. Cassidy describe the causes that compelled the Palatines to leave their homeland Part II and what they encountered once they arrived. It was an invaluable presentation to anyone

-The Hop Industry in Schoharie of Palatine descent interested in learning more about their heritage. Many thanks to Carol for sharing her slides with me after the presentation and working with me to develop this -Third Annual Bird Tour “condensed” article. –Jacqueline Turnquist, Editor

Special Interest: The Romans bestowed the title of "Count Palatine" on certain leaders of the Frankish tribes as a way of making them allies. The word Palatine comes from one of the seven hills in -John Philip Karker Monument Rome (Palatine Hill) where the founders of Rome - Romulus and Remus - were said to have been raised. The lands of Count Palatine became known as the Palatine or the Palatinate. -CHS Elections There was an Upper Palatine (the land between the Naab river and the forests of Bohemia) and a Lower Palatine (the middle Rhine region). The Palatine was a flat, fertile valley.

The area now known as Germany was made of many Frankish tribes that were somewhat

Information: united under Charlemagne and his descendents and became part of the Holy Roman Empire

(800-1806). All of Europe was evolving into regions ruled by both secular leaders and the -Books for Sale Church of Rome. Because both the Catholic Church and the secular leaders held power, there were constantly confrontations and hostilities over who had control. Europe saw many -Membership Information wars throughout the region over hundreds of years. -2010 Fall Schedule and Events The Reformation, started by the actions of Martin Luther in Germany in 1517, was played out in a series of religious wars focused in Germany which were attempts to reform the power of the Catholic Church. The Palatine region was caught up in these struggles, either with armies, often not well provisioned, devastating the region with looting and pillaging, invasions by other leaders or with large groups of people moving into the region due to religious followings. As these wars fueled by religious beliefs continued into wars over

power, the region of the Palatine people endured famine and disease.

In late seventeenth-century England, William Penn was a student at Oxford, but was expelled because he did not “conform”. He decided to travel throughout Europe, spending time in France and Germany. He went on to Ireland where he was influenced enough by the Quaker movement to become one himself. Returning to England, he eventually petitioned for a land grant in the New World to explore “the Holy Experiment” (his idea for an ideal government); he was issued one in March 1681.

Penn went to America in 1682 and framed a government which was a forerunner of our democracy. In 1701 the “Charter of Privileges” gave self-government rule to Pennsylvania. (continued on page 4) The Carlisle Historical Society Page 2 of 12

GROSVENORS CORNERS – A 3 PART SERIES

Grosvenors Corners native and probably buried in or around 134th NY, but there is no Cobleskill Historian Ted Shuart Washington, D.C. information or record – he did what ended up being a 3- John’s father Isaac Van may have been a deserter. part series on Grosvenors Wormer enlisted in 1864 at the Charles Johnson, single, Corners in April. Part I was age of 38 as a substitute. Born aged 21, enlisted in 1861 in hosted by the Grosvenors October 10, 1819, he lived in the 91st NY and served most Corners Methodist Church and the Safford House in of his time in Louisiana. He included a potluck dinner prior Grosvenors Corners. He was was discharged in 1862 due to to the presentation on Civil War wounded at Cold Harbor, VA “disability”, but reenlisted in veterans from the hamlet. and sent home. He died on June the cavalry. He was captured There were perhaps twelve 12, 1897, the father of 14 and imprisoned in veterans from Grosvenors children. There is a painting Andersonville. Corners, and like most soldiers done by Rufus Grider called George Rockefeller, a from Schoharie County, a “Caves of Grosvenors Corners” blacksmith in Carlisle, majority enlisted in one of two with Isaac standing in front of enlisted in the 12th NY regiments: the 7th New York the caves. Cavalry. He was discharged Heavy Artillery or the 134th Washington Irving Underhill, in 1865. He may have had the New York. Ted spoke about a 21 year old farmer, enlisted in blacksmith shop in Carlisle each soldier, sharing what 1862 as a first Sergeant with the Center (suggested by Allan information he has found 134th. He was never wounded Cross). regarding their lives in Carlisle and mustered out on June 6, Ted suggested George as well as their experiences in 1865 as a Lieutenant. He died Warner’s book “Military the Civil Wa r. He also gave in 1891, a widower with 2 Records of Schoharie County some background on the 134th daughters. Veterans of Four Wars” to and the 7th . The 7th spent much John Relyea enlisted in the 91st anyone looking for more of the early part of the war NY Company D in 1861 and detailed information. He also (1862-1864) defending was stationed in Louisiana and had some Civil War military Washington. As there was little Florida. He contracted typhoid clothing examples, which “action” in that area at the time, and died in 1862 of “Brain were very intriguing to the they were not very active. Their Fever”. audience. first battle came in May of Nicholas Miller, from the 17th 1864; by the end of the war they Wisconsin, was a soldier from The second part of Ted’s had lost 80% of their men. 1862-1865. He met and presentation was at the The 134th went from married Adeline Sweet of historical society’s regular Gettysburg to “Sherman’s Grosvenors Corners and spent meeting. This program was a March to the Sea” – one of the the rest of his life there. plethora of information and few regiments to do so. They John O’Brien enlisted in 1863 stories – much gleaned from fought in 42 engagements and joined the 7th. He was Ted’s childhood recollections during the war. wounded at Petersburg and and experiences – about the John Van Wormer enlisted in mustered out in 1865. Jacob people, buildings and places the 134th in 1862, was wounded and James O’Brine were both in Grosvenors Corners. There and sent home, then re-enlisted wounded at Cold Harbor. was also some interaction and in 1864 in the 7th. He was Another name is Peter (?) offerings from the crowd, wounded on May 19, 1864 in Mosher. Ted had no details many of whom live in Spotsylvania and died of his about him. Grosvenors Corners today. wounds in January 1865. He is David S. Becker enlisted in the (continued on page 5) The Carlisle Historical Society Page 3 of 12

New York State – King of the Hop Industry

A presentation always Hops work well with diary migrated west. It started organized. Usually built improves when the presenter farming because hops in Massachusetts, of mud bricks, stone, or is passionate about the topic. require manure, so where Vermont and New York wood, they all have 4 This was the case with Al there were dairy farms, there in the 1830s then moved parts: the drying room were hops. In 1865, the Bullard, our May program westward after the Civil where the hops are laid on Schoharie County Directory presenter on the Hop War to Minnesota, a slatted floor and covered lists Sharon, Seward, Industry in New York State. Middleburgh and Cobleskill Oregon, Washington and with burlap to dry; the A resident of Milford in as the top hop growers. In California. This store room where the Otsego County, he has 1900, there were 25,000 migration was aided by furnace was located; the researched and collected acres of hops growing in the German immigrants storage room which has a items from the Hop industry New York State and Otsego and the rail system. hole in the floor and the since 1966, after completing County harvested the most at It was difficult to find press room below where his Masters Degree in Folk 4.7 million pounds. enough pickers in the the hops would be pressed Life Studies. He Hop growing is a work- east. Remington Arms on a rainy, cool or moist documented Hop Houses intensive crop requiring lots had to close their factory day. The lower floor with of help. In the spring the and acquired Hop tools for because the women went the store and press rooms poles are put in once the the Farmers’ Museum hop picking in the late was usually below ground ground is thawed. By May exhibit and remains a the hops are up – they grow summer. In the west, and there would be a consultant for the museum. rapidly – and they must be Native Americans and cupola to vent the steam In 2001 he was named trained to grow up the poles. Asian people were often caused by drying. “King of the Hop Fest” in The crop is fertilized, side hired. Mr. Bullard also brought Madison County and has dressed and weeded in late The industry began to many pieces of equipment written booklets and articles June, and by the end of fail in the early 1900s. and books. Some of the on the Hop industry. His August or early September it Hops use up a great deal equipment included: the wife wrote a book entitled is time to pick the flowers. of the nutrients in the hop grubber, which gets “Hop Time”. The flowers were picked by soil. Blue mold, hop and kills grubs and cuts hand, so this was seen as a Hop Houses (NOT Hop aphids and other molds runners; samplers, which good employment Barns!) were processing crept in. About 1913 take samples from the opportunity for women – plants which prepared the although children and men blue mold started in edge of the bales to grade hops for shipment and use in Schenectady County and the quality; hop knives, th were also hired. A “good the beer industry. In the 19 day” was two boxes of hop moved westward. Also used to take the vines century, Otsego County was flowers. After they were by 1913 the farmers in down; hops bar, which the richest hop growing picked they were taken to the Upstate New York could looked like a spear and county in the state. Thomas hop house via wagon, laid on sell milk to New York were made of metal, used Coolidge of Bouckville was the floor to dry overnight, City so they began to to make the holes for the the first documented hop then put in storage. They concentrate on their poles; hop needles, which grower in the state (1808). would be pressed into bales dairy industry. In 1919 (continued on page 8) of approximately 200 pounds By 1830, New York was the Prohibition was enacted, and held until ready for sale. hop growing center of the leading to a decline in In 1882 hops were worth United States, and Otsego, more than $1 per pound, so the production of beer. Madison and Oneida everyone put hops The hop industry began counties led the way, and all in…which caused the price to fade. There was a but 11 counties in the state to plummet to 60-70 cents a resurgence from the grew hops. pound within a few years. 1930s to the 1950s, but The hop plant is either In New York, the average now there are fewer than male or female (female yield per acre was about 763 25 people in the state plants have the flower). pounds. California saw a actively growing hops. One male hop is planted in higher yield of 2,200 pounds Mr. Bullard described The Osborne Kiln, Otsego County. Photo: per acre. The industry http://www.upstatechunk.com/beer/hops/n the middle of every acre. how hop houses are yhistory.htm The Carlisle Historical Society Page 4 of 12

Palatines (continued from page 1)

Interestingly, on the 50th anniversary of particularly the vineyards, failed or were naval stores and it was cut-off from the signing of that charter (1751), a destroyed. By the spring of 1709 huge easy access to southern New York by large bell was cast and hung in the numbers of Palatines were leaving the the Helderberg Escarpment. He did Pennsylvania State House…and is now region: more than half of the first to locate 6,300 acres of land on the west known as the Liberty Bell. emigrate from the Palatinate were side of the Hudson and from Robert

husbandmen and vine-dressers. Livingston he purchased 6,000 acres In order to populate his colony, Penn situated across the river. Further, he printed a pamphlet highlighting the In 1709, 4,000 Palatines left Germany purchased another 800 acres from glories of Pennsylv ania as a means to and traveled to England at Queen Anne’s Thomas Fullerton which was near the attract settlers. He had the pamphlet expense, and another 3,000 went to Livingston tract. The Palatines were translated into German, and it was Rotterdam and then on to Pennsylvania. moved in October 1710 to five new widely distributed in Germany. Two By the fall of 1709, 13,000 Palatines had towns – two on the west side of the other publications proved influential in arrived in England and 1,000 more per river and three on the east. By the encourage Germans, and in particular month on average immigrated. Queen spring, one more camp on each side of those of the Palatine region, to consider Anne continued to use her own funds for the river had been established. the New World and Pennsylvania. One their food and shelter, but resources were was a travel account by German Daniel severely stretched. The three camps on the west side were

Pastorius of his time in America and Elizabeth Town (headed by John Pennsylvania (1683). The other was At this same time, Peter Schuyler, former Christopher Gerlach), George Town The Golden Book (1708), which had Mayor of Albany, invited several kings (headed by Jacob Manck) and New gold lettering and Queen Anne of of the Iroquois to go with him to visit Town (headed by Philip Peter England’s likeness on the cover. Queen Anne. The four kings who Grauberger). The four camps on the Although giving the impression the arrived in London were affected by the east side were Hunterstown (headed by Queen was offering to pay settlers to plight of the Palatines and one presented John Peter Kneskern), Annsbury immigrate to America, it was actually the Queen with some of his land in (headed by Hartman Windecker), written by Land Grant Promoters to Schoharie for the use of the Palatines. Queensbury (headed by John Conrad encourage settlement in America. Weiser) and Haysbury (headed by John The English government needed to Christopher Fuchs). People of the Palatine region in the late disperse the growing Palatine population.

1600s and early 1700s were looking Thirty eight hundred went to Munster, The west camps were much freer than for a way to escape the seemingly Ireland. Seven hundred went to the the east camps, which were closely endless cycle of wars being fought in Carolinas and 600 to Virginia. The new monitored and rigidly ruled. Robert their region, famine, destruction, and governor of New York, Colonel Hunter, Livingston provided the east camp disease. The first to leave were a suggested that 3,000 Germans be brought families with food and shelter, but he group led by Joshua Kocherthal who to New York and employed making tracked every cost. He also gave each traveled to England in 1706 to inquire naval stores (tar, , and family a 40x50 plot of land for their about settling in America. A few of ). shelters. He forbid hunting and these families did eventually settle in making bread, forcing the families to New Jersey. In 1708, Joshua In January of 1710, 4,000 Palatines buy from him at New York rates. Kocherthal and 55 Palatines as well as sailed to New York in 10 ships. Four Rations were not delivered consistently the new governor, Lord Lovelace, hundred and seventy died enroute. The and the quality of the items was often sailed to America and settled in what is first ship arrived on June 14, 1710 and sub-standard. now Newburgh, New York. the last on August 2. So many were sick they were sequestered on Nutten Island The did not The winter of 1708/1709 was the for 5 months. thrive. A man named Jim Bridger was harshest ever recorded in Europe. hired to teach the Palatines, but he Accounts talk of firewood not burning While they were sequestered, John soon left for New England and did not in open air in November, wine and Bridger was appointed to scout out return. Hunter replaced him with spirits freezing in January and the suitable land for them to settle and work. Richard Sackett, who knew little about fastest-running river in Germany, the Schoharie was discounted as it did not naval stores. From the beginning the Rhone, freezing. Many crops, have suitable resources for making the (continued on page 7) The Carlisle Historical Society Page 5 of 12 The Corners (continued from page 2) Albany/Schenectady (Bradt, Every year, Gypsies would come The history of Grosvenors Corners Mickle, Snyder) and some and stay for 1 week. And, like begins with the settlement of families from the New Livingston much of Carlisle, there were Lawyersville by a group of Patent to the west (Young, caves. John Grosvenor wrote “Yankees”. Schoharie County was Beckers, Louckes). about one in the apple orchard, settled by Germans. But in 1752, Schoharie County, being which some local kids professed the governor’s young English primarily a farming community, to have gone done about 100 secretary, Goldsboro Banyor, was did not attract many years ago and saw a huge given a large parcel of land north of “professionals”. Mr. Livingston underground lake. There is a Cobleskill. After the Revolutionary (of patent fame) did plan and chalk mine which has Barite and War, Banyor broke up this parcel layout a “city” for Carlisle, but it Aragonite (some of the best ever and sold parcels to a few fellow didn’t develop because people discovered). The existence of English gentlemen veterans. One moving west didn’t stop – they these two minerals together points of these gentlemen was Thomas kept heading west. However, to a silver mine. Legend has it Grosvenor. Argusville and Grosvenors that the Indians were bringing a Thomas’ son Moses, his wife and Corners did grow more than other lot of silver to Albany at one children, moved to the Stone Heap areas of Carlisle. time…and this mine was on the Patent/Bowen Patent about 1803 on Grosvenors Corners boasted the Indian Trail. Could this mine be what is now the Joslin Farm. An first Justice (Lyman Hoos), the where they got the silver? interesting side note (and there were second schoolhouse (which In 1963, an arsonist was busy in many!) is how the “Stone Heap” closed in 1957 – Alice Grosvenor Grosvenors Corners burning a patent got its name. A Mohawk was the last teacher), the first barn and the Union Church. was killed in battle along the sawmill (started in 1805 by When the young man was caught heading north out of Schoharie Thomas Kenyon), and two they found a whole list of future County. As fellow Mohawk would taverns (Hoos House called targets. pass the site, they would throw a Severins Tavern and Ira Young’s Ted’s discussion led to a group stone. Eventually, the pile of stones home called Uncle Ben’s Tavern). of interested folks to organize an reached the size of a Colonial house Every farming community impromptu venture into the (15’ tall!). Unfortunately, over time required a blacksmith – and woods and fields between Ice the stones were used by the settlers Grosvenors Corners had 2: Cave Road and Grosvenors as building material. Now, back to Harley Cramer and Garret Loun. Corners Road the following our history… There were merchants and general Saturday to explore some of the The first house built in Grosvenors stores – the first owned by Allan spots Ted mentioned. Corners was dismantled in the and Knight was in the basement. Our first stop was at one of at 1980s. The Kenyon family built on The first doctor was Dr. Kelley least 2 lime kilns. This kiln is the corners (what is now the followed by Dr. Isaac Scott. easily seen on the south side of Kniskern House) and children of In the early 1800s there was a the road…if you know to look. the two families (Kenyon and problem with “low morality” – Quicklime, made from limestone, Grosvenor) married. drinking, gambling – throughout was invaluable to the farmers. It Other settlers came from the county. Carlisle had was used on the soil to breakup Poughkeepsie (giving the area the Methodist and Baptist circuit clay soil, as mortar in building, in temporary name New ministers, but after a murder in iron and steel-making, for Poughkeepsie), a few Quaker Grosvenors Corners, they got waterproofing walls, preventing families arrived to an area they serious and built the Union foot rot in livestock, as medicine, called Quaker Street (not to be Church, which was shared by in papermaking and leather confused with the Quaker Street in different denominations. This led making, as a germ killer…just to Duanesburg), the Baumes from to arguments about who had name a few uses. The process for Connecticut arrived (hence the priority to use the church, so John making lime involved heating Baumes neighborhood), a lot of Relyea started construction of the limestone in open air kilns located Dutch folks from Methodist church in 1881. near the (continued on page 9)

The Carlisle Historical Society Page 6 of 12

FALL 2010 PROGRAM SCHEDULE AND OTHER EVENTS – GET OUT YOUR CALENDARS!

SEPTEMBER 8 (Wednesday): Craig Freis – Interactive discussion using original 1800s New York State newspapers. Mr. Freis collects original 1800s

newspapers from all over New York State. He will lead an interactive discussion of articles, advertisements, etc. taken from the newspapers being passing around. Wednesday, September 8, 7:30 pm at the Carlisle Town Hall.

OCTOBER 13 (Wednesday): Peter Lindemann & “Co.” present “Lincoln and Liberty” , the story of the Civil War through songs, poems, images and

speeches. (Special – this is a joint meeting with the Esperance Historical Society) Wednesday, October 13, 7:30 pm at the Carlisle Town Hall.

ANNUAL MEETING/ELECTIONS: Our Annual Meeting will be held at 7:00

pm on Wednesda y, October 13 at the Carlisle Town Hall, just prior to our October presentation. All Officers (President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Correspondence Secretary and Treasurer) as well as 2 Trustee

positions will be up for election. The officer positions are for 2 years and Trustee positions are for 3 years. Please plan on arriving at 7:00 pm in order to participate in the election process – then stay for the presentation!

NOVEMBER 10 (Wednesday): John Taibi presents “Roads, Rivers, Rails” a program on the D&H Railroad as well as railroads in our area. Mr. Taibi

has written 9 books on railroads. (Special – this is a joint meeting with the Cobleskill

Wednesday, November 10, 7:30 pm at the Carlisle Town Hall. Historical Society)

Also –

The Cobleskill Historical Society has invited the Carlisle Historical Society to their January 19, 2011 meeting featuring Bob Addis, President of the Northeastern Cave Conservancy, who will be speaking on Caves of New

York State. Stayed tuned for more information about time and location.

All of our events are open to the public, so bring a friend. Refreshments are served. Current Executive Board Members:

President – Jacqueline Turnquist Trustee – Art Graulich, Kim Wigen-Walton (10/2012) Vice President – Susan Tillapaugh Trustee – Connie Costello, Bob Smith (10/2010) Treasurer – Michelle Holyoak Trustee – Allan Tillapaugh, Ray Briggs, Jr. (10/2011) Recording Secretary – Joan Sisson Town Board Member Trustee – Ed Sisson Correspondence Secretary – Colleen Crofts Town Historian, Ex-Officio Trustee – Ray Briggs, Sr. The Carlisle Historical Society Page 7 of 12 Palatines (continued from page 4)

In 1714, Nicholas Bayard, grandson of the Stone Arabia Patent in 1723. Sixty venture was doomed, because loblolly the deed holder, came to Schoharie and Palatine families purchased parcels of the pines from the south were needed for offered to give each householder a Burnetsfield Patent and founded the the best products. Hunter recruited deed and title to the land if the villages of Herkimer and German Flatts. three hundred of the fittest men to fight householder would describe the Twenty-seven families purchased 12,700 French Indians. By the next year, only boundaries of their land. The Palatines acres and founded the villages of Palatine 200 barrels of had been suspected he was acting as an agent for Bridge and Palatine. Another fifteen produced. The Whig party was Hunter, and ran him off the land. families moved to Tulpenhocken, defeated by the Tories, who considered Bayard then sold his title, 10,000 acres, Pennsylvania. the Palatines enemies of the Crown. to seven partners from Albany. The Funding for them ceased on September following year, the seven partners By 1776, it was estimated that 84,000 12, 1711. (Myndert Schuyler, Peter Van Brugh, Germans had immigrated to the original

Robert Livingston, Jr., John Schuler, thirteen colonies. Because the vast Hunter demanded that each family Peter Wileman, Lewis Morris, Jr. and majority of these immigrants were from secure a ticket of leave so the families Andrus Coeman) and Governor Hunter the Palatinate, all German immigrants could return when the project started insisted that the Palatines buy or lease were referred to as “Palatines.” Such was up again. 150 families moved to the the land, or leave. They offered them a the case for the occupants of the 1743 Albany area, planni ng to move to good deal – ten year’s free rent and a Palatine House in the town of Schoharie. Schoharie in the spring, but fifty modest quit-rent after that, but the The structure was the home of Minister families went ahead and camped in Palatines insisted the land was theirs. Peter Nicholas Sommers, who came from Schoharie. The others followed in the When Hunter tried to arrest Weiser, a Hamburg, Germany, but he was referred spring of 1712. The families mob of women beat the sheriff and ran to as a Palatine. established eight small communities: him out of town on a rail. Hunter

insisted that the Palatines settle with The Palatines never forgot their German  Kneiskern’s Dorf (on the east the seven partners, but they pointed out roots. They corresponded on a regular side of the Schoharie River that they had improved the land and basis with friends and relatives, relating opposite the mouth of Cobel’s should be reimbursed. Hunter promised the good and bad about the wild new Kill and was named for John to reassess the land, but never did. land in which they had settled. Some of Peter Kneiskern) these letters were printed in pamphlet  Gerlachsdorf (between When William Burnet succeeded form and passed from relative to relative, Schoharie and Central Bridge Hunter as Governor in 1720, the and eventually became know as the and named for Elias Gerlach) fortunes of the Palatines changed. American letters. Germany remained in  Oberweiserdorf Burnet was interested in settling New turmoil as Napoleon came to power, and  Fuchsendorf (later Foxtown, York’s western borders, which resulted the Palatines influenced the immigration next to Smith’s Town, named in the Burnetsfield Patent of 1722 and of Germans to America for many years. for William Fox)  Schmidsdorf (later Smith’s Town, located just north of Brunnendorf, named for Johannes George Smidt) 1891 Map of  Brunnendorf (Fountaindorf or Southern Germany Waterstown, Schoharie

Village, named for a large Arrows show the

spring located near the present- Palatinate region. day courthouse)  Hartmansdorf (between (Source: http://www.rollintl.com/roll/ Middleburgh and Schoharie, grs1891map.htm) 65 dwellings, named for Hartmen Winteker)  Weiserdorf (Middleburgh, 40 dwellings, named for Conrad Weiser, son of John Conrad Weiser) The Carlisle Historical Society Page 8 of 12

Hops (continued from page 3)

were worn on a cord around the neck, used to sew hop MEMBERSHIP DUES DUE bales (men did this); a trier (triar?) used to check the quality of the bale’s center; and a pole puller or hop dog A reminder that annual dues for which removed the 20’ high poles at the end of the season. Poles were made first from chestnut and then cedar. He membership to the Carlisle Historical Society will be due as of October 1. also had a sulfur burner which when lit would send sulfur and brimstone smoke up through the hops to bleach the Membership is CHEAP! – only $5 for an individual or family. You can pay with hops and kills bugs. Where once there was a thriving industry, now just a cash or a check made payable to: The Carlisle Historical Society. If you would handful of tottering hop houses remain - and each year more succumb to age and weather. Distinctive in like to mail your payment, our address is The Carlisle Historical Society, PO Box architectural style, many of the remaining hop houses can be identified by their offset cupola and unusual “tall” look. 28, Carlisle, NY 12031 or you may pay them at one of our meetings. Keeping with the theme of the evening, a hop plant was raffled with the winner being Kevin Berner. Maybe it will be the start of a come-back for the hop industry in Schoharie County!

ELECTIONS Carlisle Cookbook and History Book on Sale!

“From Carlisle’s Kitchens”, the cookbook put together by the historical society, is now available. Garnering rave reviews, the cookbook is a compilation of recipes from folks in and around Carlisle. With over 170 recipes, and over 170 pages, the cookbook holds something for everyone. As a bonus, there are lots of stories and quotes about the recipes and about food that use to be very common in Schoharie County. The Carlisle Historical Society will be Having sold all 500 first editions of “History of the Town holding elections for all 5 of its officer of Carlisle”, the historical society had more printed – with positions as well as 2 of its trustee a few (only 4!) corrections. With over 350 pages, it is positions at the regular October packed with lots of interesting stories and pictures. meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, October 13. The regular meeting will Interested in getting a copy of either book? Here is what begin at 7:30, but the elections will be you need to know: held at 7:00. If you are a member of The cookbook is $16.20 and the history book price the society, please make every effort to remains unchanged at $27 (tax included) and is available arrive at 7:00 to participate in the from either Ray Briggs (234-3969) or Jacqueline voting process. If you are interested in Turnquist (234 -3041). running for a position or would like to nominate someone, please speak with Both books make great gifts – for you or someone else. one of the officers. You don’t need to be from Carlisle to enjoy either book.

All proceeds go to the historical society. Thank you for your support!

The Carlisle Historical Society Page 9 of 12

Miscellaneous News Items

Gerry Stoner of the Gilboa Historical Society would like people to know that they can access their newsletter, past articles, audio files, interviews, pictures and other information at http://www.gilboahome.com, as well as www.northerncatskillshistory.com . Also, he is always looking for interesting articles, so if you have something of historical interest that you think might be appropriate, please contact him at www.northerncatskillshistory.com or [email protected]

Grosvenors Corners Field Trip (continued from page 5) source. In this case, the limestone saplings laid up to make a wall. Lawyersville…and the story goes cliff was about 20 feet away from This sheltered “camp” was used by that they are still there – elephant the kiln. “The limekiln is about the Iroquois during their hunting bones in Lawyersville! eighteen feet in height and is lined expeditions in the area. At this Thus ended a wonderful three- with bricks able to endure the fire. same location is a fissure in the part series on Grosvenors An opening at the bottom gives limestone similar yet smaller than Corners. access. Either an arch of limestone the Rock House in western Carlisle. is built over the fuel and then the Next we walked across a field and kiln filled above this; or alternate saw a spring and then the chalk layers of limestone and fuel are mine. A bit of exploration did not packed into the kiln. The fuel is turn up any silver, but Chris Keefer them (sic) ignited, and the heat can detoured a bit to the north and be prolonged by shutting the top brought back some pieces of opening of the kiln “chimney” with “cheese rock” to share. sods of grass. The heat Ted shared with us an interesting decomposes the limestone into pure story about the “Bone House”. lime (quicklime) and carbonic gas.” Back in the late 1800s a man named (above: Lime Kiln) (http://www.seaham.i12.xom/sos/li Wallace worked at the New York me.html) History Museum and was in charge We walked along the ridge, noting of preserving the bones of animals the obvious signs of where the and humans that were going to be limestone had been cutout. The on display. He met and married a cliff face was home to some Guffin girl from Grosvenors beautiful soft moss and many Corners and saw the potential of phoebe nests. Dave Keefer was purchasing a dairy farm in the area. able to spot several Red-Eyed Verio He set up a location in Grosvenors nests in trees and we noted wild Corners which would receive and (above: Chalk Cave) ginger plants (with red flowers!), wash the bones and then he would red (and maybe white) trillium, send them on to a spring in bloodroot, wild violets and many Lawyersville to be soaked for other plants. We saw hickory trees several weeks. This process was and black (which smells like working well until it was birch beer – peppermint – when discovered by the museum that he you scratch off the bark). was using museum money to help We saw where the “Indian Camp” fund his dairy farm, and he was was located – an overhang of fired. At the time there was a set of (above: Indian Camp) limestone which, long ago, still had elephant bones being processed in The Carlisle Historical Society Page 10 of 12 What Rain? All we saw were BIRDS, BIRDS, BIRDS (Continued from page 9) DESPITE less than ideal there is a water hole on the left. name. Now if I could just see conditions, the 3rd Annual In the field on the right we it… Carlisle Historical Society Bird spotted an Eastern Kingbird, We did see a Virginia Rail, and Tour, led by our intrepid and a Starling. There was a lot heard a Chestnut-Sided Warbler ornithologist Chris Keefer, was of activity in the water: a and a Wood Thrush. a splendid success. We met at Solitary Sandpiper, Chickadees, As we made our way back to the the Carlisle Town Hall in the Cat Birds, female Downey Town Hall, pausing along the rain and fog. It was so Woodpecker, Goldfinch, way in places that looked miserable, Chris was ready to Greenback Heron, Warbling promising or interesting (like at call the tour off because we Vireo, Yellow Warbler, that house that is set back off wouldn’t be able to see birds Common Yellow-Throated Little York Road and seems AND the rain/fog would be Warbler, Red-Bellied really appealing yet is detrimental to the equipment Woodpecker and Cardinal were abandoned), the fog really rolled (scopes and binoculars). all spotted. in, so our timing was impeccable. However, once our group of Perhaps the highlight was at We dined on some delicious five hardy souls started talking the next stop along Little York treats as we dried off and “birds”, the enthusiasm dried up Road, just before Karker Road reviewed what we had seen. the rain and sent the fog away goes off to the right. There Forty-two birds on a wet, foggy (sort of) and we set off on our Chris spotted a Common or day sounds pretty good! Ray tour. Wilson Snipe sitting on a fence Briggs joined us for that Beginning in the parking lot of post. A Red Tailed Hawk was discussion and the morning ended the town hall, we saw bluebirds in a tree on the far side of the with great enthusiasm for next (ok, I saw one when I drove in field. We also saw an Eastern year’s “Guaranteed Good to the parking lot, but we didn’t Meadowlark and Song Sparrow. Weather” 4th Annual Carlisle see any after that), Red-Wing While we were here and Historical Society Bird Tour – Blackbirds, Bobolink, Savannah standing outside of the cars, hope to see you there! Thanks to Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow and Ray Briggs Sr. drove by Chris Keefer for another excellent Tree Swallows. looking for us…unfortunately tour. Our second stop was over on he drove past without giving the Evergreen Road where Red small group a second look and Barn Roa d intersects and there found us later when we arrived is a large pond/wetland area. back at the town hall. But on to Robins, G rackles, Canada our last stop – in the woods at Geese (with Goslings), Wood the far end of Karker Road. Ducks, M allard Ducks, several The woods provide a habitat Blue Herons, Spotted Sand for a different group of birds Piper (voice only), Killdeer, than we saw in the fields and Northern Oriole, Great-Crested wetland areas. Because of the Flycatcher (Yellow Warbler), lowering skies (read: increase in Blue Jay, Crow, Barn Swallow, fog and start of more rain), we Morning D ove and (drum-roll, didn’t see many birds, but we please) an Osprey were all did hear a few, starting with the spotted or heard. Ovenbird. We heard this bird Our caravan of two cars hung right away and I recognized its a left onto Little York Road and song. I am glad to now be able stopped at the sharp bend where to connect the song with a The Carlisle Historical Society Page 11 of 12

CHS GETS INVOLVED John Philip Karker Monument Unveiled at Ceremony Schoolhouse Committee – There is currently a small committee looking into the On Saturday, May 22, a large crowd witnessed the possibility of purchasing the old one-room school unveiling of a monument honoring John Philip house located on the corner of Crommie Road and Karker, Revolutionary War Veteran of Carlisle. Made Route 20 in Carlisle. Built in 1818, this school possible by the dedicated efforts of Ray Briggs, Sr., the monument is located in the Karker Cemetery on closed at the end of the school year in 1956. The committee is working with the Carlisle the property of Dr. and Mrs. MacDonald Holmes on Presbyterian Church which owns the land on Little York Road at the base of Barrack Zourie which the school is located. Known as the District Mountain. No. 5 schoolhouse, it is currently vacant and in Ray Briggs spent many hours doing genealogical need of some repair. The committee will be research in order to submit documentation and proof identifying the extent of repairs needed as well as that John Philip Karker served in the Revolutionary War. This information was required in order to ways to finance the purchase. If you are interested in being on the committee or have any of the many complete an application to the Veterans skills which may be helpful (grant writing, Administration in Washington D.C. Once the carpentry, etc.) please contact any one of the application was approved, the VA sent the monument Executive Board members of the society. to Carlisle. The SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) – Schoharie Leatherstocking Chapter - had the dedication ceremony in Rock District. CHS Exhibits “The Caves of Carlisle” Approximately 80 people attended, consisting of at the Fair – once again, the historical society members of the Karker family, SAR and DAR created a display for the Schoharie County Fair. members, neighbors and members of the Carlisle This year’s theme was the Caves of Carlisle. Our Historical Society. display board included maps and pictures of some Mr. Briggs is considering replicating the process for of the caves located in the Town of Carlisle. Did a monument for Moses Grosvenor of Grosvenors you know that the longest cave northeast of Corners. He is also currently assisting Cameron Virginia is located in Carlisle? Nichols of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 56 in Thanks to Allan Tillapaugh for transporting the Lawyersville, on his Eagle Project to clear and display to and from the fair and for providing the refurbish the Warner Cemetery in Warnerville. table, display board and chairs! Thanks to Chris Cameron’s project includes applying for a similar Keefer, Ray Briggs, Allan Tillapaugh and Nelta monument to George Warner who is buried there and Miller for “manning” the booth. Thanks, too, to was a veteran of the Revolution. Susan Tillapaugh for designing a survey about “One-Room Schoolhouses”. We are considering using “One-Room Schoolhouses” as the theme for next year’s display board and will continue the survey then. If you went to a one-room Cookbook Correction – an error has been schoolhouse and would be interested in filling out identified in From the Kitchens of Carlisle cookbook. On page 102, there should be the survey about your experiences, contact Susan Tillapaugh. only ½ teaspoon of salt in the Texas Cake.

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The Carlisle Historical The Carlisle Historical Society is a non-profit organization seeking Society to promote the history of Carlisle and the surrounding region as well as highlighting other topics of interest to the local community. PO Box 28 Chartered in March, 2008, the society features a minimum of 6 Carlisle, NY 12031 programs a year – March, April, May, September, October and November. Our programs are free and open to the public, and include [email protected] refreshments . Unless otherwise noted, all programs are currently www.carlislehistoricalsociety.webs.com presented at the Carlisle Town Hall on Crommie Road, on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Although our programs are free, annual membership is $5 for nd individuals and families who wish to support the society and be We meet the 2 Wednesday of the members. Membership includes two newsletters per year and voting month (March, April, May, September, privileges. Membership dues are collected beginning with the October, and November) 7:30 pm September program. You may mail in your dues to The Carlisle (unless noted) Historical Society, PO Box 28, Carlisle, NY 12031, or pay them at any meeting. Carlisle Town Hall Because we are non-profit, any contributions made to the society are Crommie Road greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible. The society can be contacted either by mail (PO Box 28, Carlisle, NY 12031), e-mail ([email protected]) or at 234-3041. Check out our Refreshments are always served and all are welcome website for information and updates: www.carlislehistoricalsociety.webs.com.

The Carlisle Historical Society PO Box 28 Carlisle, NY 12031