The Greenville Pioneer - 2021-12-31

More documents

Recommendations

Info

12 4 The Greenville Pioneer • Friday, December 31, 2021 A recent photo when the building was for sale. Spring Cleaning?? Want to Get Rid of Old Metal? All Metals Picked up FREE!! All appliances - Air Conditioners Outdoor Grills - Metal Swimming Pools Call Today! John at 518-756-3056 Preston Hollow Methodist Church, then and now By Mary Lou Nahas For Capital Region Independent Media I imagine a number of you have driven through Preston Hollow on Route 145 and wondered about the Methodist church building next to the cemetery. I am not referring to the Baptist church that is still in fine repair and active on the other side of the cemetery. The Methodist church has not been used as a church for some time. Windows have been broken and the interior vandalized, but it was once a lovely church. For a number of years, it has been for sale through the Albany County Land Bank, a non-profit organization established in 2014 to facilitate the process of acquiring, improving and redistributing tax-foreclosed, vacant or abandoned properties. The Land Bank works in partnership with local and state government, non-profits, residents and community groups. I called the number listed on their sign on the door and was told that the property was in the process of being sold and they hoped the closing would be soon. I have no idea who the new owner is and what they will do with the building, but I wanted to tell the story of the church. According to the “History of Albany County Township of Rensselaerville,” the Methodist Society of Preston Hollow was organized about 1840 by a group of devout Methodist men and women who met for worship in what they called “The Meeting House.” In August 1845, the trustees of the M.E. Church (as it was then called) purchased the Church of Nathaniel Rider of the Town of Rensselaerville Albany County. The account, which is also published in the book “People Made It Happen Here,” does not say if the church was on the present site or was moved there from somewhere else in the town. “A meeting of the male members of the Methodist church and society in Preston Hollow [was] held pursuant to public notice on the last Saturday of February 1847 at 6 o’clock p.m. at the store of M Smith [this was Melancton Smith] for the purpose of electing Trustees in said society. The Rev. Charles Gorse Real, was present Reputable, as moderator & Melancton Smith as clerk. It was resolved by a majority of votes that Melancton Smith, John W. Couchman Media. and Phineas Holmes serve as Trustees for the ensuing year.” And it was resolved that this meeting be adjourned until the last Saturday in February 1848. In those days only male members were trustees. Melancton continued to serve as trustee for many years. Other trustees and officers included John W. Couchman, Phineas Holmes, Wm. C Smith, John W.P. Rivenburg, William SUPPORTS Haines, William REAL Elsbree, Lewis Craw, Harvey Brown, Danie Trusted. Your News THIS PUBLICATION NEWS. Deyo, Robert Arnold, William Morison, William Haines, James Conyes, Peter Hess, Valentine Cook, A. E. Hinman, Smith Hess, Elisha Cook, C. T. Haines, Levi Conyes, Alger Clerk, Levi Alger, Edgar Matice, Andrey Tiffney, Elisha Cook — all prominent men in the area. In February 1867, Melancton Smith was directed as clerk to transfer the records of the M.E. Church in Preston Hollow from files on paper to a book — the book was 8 x 6 1/2 and has handwritten on the fly leaf: “Register of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Preston Hollow Albany Co. NY.” [The information was copied in May 1974 by Clarissa E. Ketcham of Greenville, who wrote that the present owner of the book is Clifton Hess of Preston Hollow. I do not know who might have the book today]. Mrs. Potter A. Scott wrote a historical sketch of the church for its 100th anniversary on Aug. 8, 1945. The sketch is also found in “People Made It Happen Here” and probably elsewhere. Mrs. Scott tells us that in 1884 the church was remodeled. The gallery was removed and an arch was erected in back of the pulpit. A new desk and altar rail, both hand carved, were made by John Burhans, one of the carpenters, and presented by Thomas Scott. These were still in use in 1945. In 1896 or 1897, the church was again repaired by the pastor, the Rev. George Tompson, and helpers. A belfry with a 606-pound bronze bell was added. The interior was redecorated, the present [1945] windows, seats, chairs for pulpit and chairs for session room were placed. Dedication services were held, with an unusually large congregation present. In 1915 or 1916, the Rev. Metzger was “on the Charge.” Mrs. Scotts tells us: “A new Organ was installed which was quite an event. Electric lights have been added to the beauty and convenience of the Church. Heatrolia has been installed to the comfort of the Congregation.” David Avitable in his recent story on the church in the Mountain Eagle explains that a Heatrolia is a coal-burning, warm-air stove. In 1941, a “kitchen was added with the necessary equipment. Sideboard, sink, shelves, tables making it convenient for those who worked on committees for suppers etc. July 1945 after a board meeting, as we were having lunch, the floor gave in due to water under the floor, Mrs. Scott remarks. Concrete is being put in. In 1945 we are again redecorating our church both interior and exterior.” “The 8th day of August 1945 we are observing our 100th Anniversary. Our Pastor Rev. Starr has charge of the Program. Anniversary Sermon is by Rev. Conrad Metzger, a former pastor. Rev. Bro Seamon only visiting pastor. Offering of CONTRIBUTED PHOTO $105.03 was given,” she concludes. As part of the Methodist Church, Preston Hollow had relationships with other congregations. Ministers frequently stayed only two years at one church and then were moved to another church. Some ministers served more than one church. The Preston Hollow Church and the Oak Hill United Methodist Church are an example as the registry book illustrates: “We have enjoyed the different Pastors and Dist. Spt. as they have come among us. Some of the Pastors are Earl, Gaylord, Gorse, Ackerley, Leadbeater, Burkins, Gritman, Keagan, Spencer, Ferris, Bullen, Crawford [who also served at Oak Hill 1905-1907], Metzger [who served at Oak Hill 1914-1916], Zinck [who served in Oak Hill 1919-1921], Price, Lockett [who served at Oak Hill 1926- 1928], Weber, McGrain, Garrett [who was at Oak Hill in 1928 when their church was remodeled], Seaman, Magee [served at Oak Hill 1938-1944. It appears that Arthur Magee might have been serving both churches when he died.]” Mrs. Scott wrote: “We were very much grieved at the passing of Rev. Magee March 26, a man of sterling qualities. He had been with us nearly seven years. [Arthur Magee was at the Oak Hill Church from 1938 to 1944] Rev. Harder of Greenville very kindly finished Bro. Magee’s years which we appreciated very much. District Superintendent Rev. Bro. Carrol has supplied our church this year with a STARR of great magnitude and we are delighted with his choice.” [She is referring to the Rev. Starr, who was also the pastor at Oak Hill and many others churches over the years.] There is also an account of a special meeting Oct. 3, 1888, to talk of purchasing the dwelling now occupied as a parsonage in Oak Hill and of annexing it to the church property, Oak Hill to pay 2/3 and Preston Hollow 1/3. The meeting was not fully represented and a motion was made to adjourn for one week. I do not believe the two churches entered into that agreement, but they had made an Inventory of Parsonage Furniture in March 12, 1887. Bought by H.W. Ackerley, pastor: “March 30, 1887: Report of Parsonage Furniture read and copied into the minutes submitted by C. Original reported pasted inside of back cover. Carpets for parlors sitting room 46.50; Oil cloths 7.84; matting for two bedrooms 2.70; stair carpet rods and border 3.75; shades and fixtures 5.20; 1 kettle .90; 1 lounge 9.00; 2 stands 6.00; graining and painting 5.00; chair rocker 2.25: $89.14. Amount paid for the above: Oak Hill paid $60; Preston Hollow paid $12; Medusa paid $8.; boy orator receipts $8: Total $88.00.” [So there were three churches involved.] Further listed were “One hanging lamp; one stand lamp; three hooks. 4.30.” Also included was an Inventory Many people, both men and women, kept diaries in the past. I have a small collection of local diaries and would love to have more because they illustrate the daily lives people were leading and what and who was important to them. Most people started diary keeping on January 1 of a given year. While they may not have continued recording until the end of the year, the diaries usually tell what their authors post card were showing doing on the New Preston Year’s Hollow Church after the bell was installed. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A On Day. the Since right side this is edition the shed of where “The the horses were kept during services. On the Greenville left is the Pioneer” cemetery. is coming out on January 1, I thought I would share with you how some people spent that day in the past. I don’t even know the names of all those who kept the diaries. Often, they didn’t put their names in the books. Perhaps you can guess who the authors might have been. If you do find a clue, please let me know. Helen Tripp was one of the daughters of Alfred and Maria Utter Tripp. She was born January 26,1853, and she lived until January 27, 1917. She lived in the brick house on the main street of Oak Hill with her family. On January 1, 1874, she CONTRIBUTED PHOTO started a diary: An early photo when the church was in good repair. Photo courtesy of “Peo- Thursday, Weather very ple Made It Happen Here”. pleasant. I worked around the house until noon. In the afternoon sewed on my dress. Did not go anywhere nor was there any one in here till evening. Mrs. Eliza Flower called. Received a letter from Libbie Russell. Friday, January 2: Weather very pleasant, thawed all day. I sewed on my dress nearly all day. Aunt Mary Utter and Jimmie came down this evening to go to the donation. [I can imagine what the donation was, but can anyone share more information?] Aunt Mary invited us to go with her. The coal fire went out last night. I had to make it up this morning. Aunt Mary had a very nice time; they cleared $104. Saturday, January.3: Weather very pleasant; thawed all day again today. I had to make the coal fire again today. Father, Mother, Hattie and Carrie [her two youngest sisters] went over to Uncle Briggs today. [Uncle Briggs was a Tripp and lived in Medusa or Westerlo]. I finished my dress, all but the buttons and pockets. Sunday, January 4: Weather very nice and pleasant. Went to Durham to church this morning. Did not get back in time for Sunday School. Did not go to church this afternoon. [The THE PUBLIC NEEDS THE TRUTH; NOT SOCIAL MEDIA HEADLINES & FAKE NEWS. was a time to go south. A series of diaries written by the Wade family give an idea of what the New York folks did in Florida: Gainesville Fla Jan 1, 1925. Many people k The back of the dustjacket of Brooks Atkinson’s bo his many achievements. Mary Wade of Oak Hill was one of the many area p winter. Some visited; others retired there. Most pe Florida, and there are numerous accounts of their and possibly car repairs along the way. OVERBAUG CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Vegetation has grown over the once beautiful stained-glass windows. Tripps lived next to the Oak Hill of Methodist “Old Furniture: Church [which and I were assume always in very the parsonage] involved 20 there.] chairs, Or- 2 Elliston and others. Deed recorded conveyed to the church DUMPSTER by John O. was rockers ville preached. cane bottoms; I wrote 4 bed a steads; letter in Albany County Clerk’s Office, 2 to stands; Libbie 1 desk Russell old; this 1 secretary; evening. 1 1934, to Rudolph Bittner for the extension Did not go table; to church. 1 square [It table; sounds 1 sum of $900. cook like there stove; were 2 base opportunities burners; 2 carpets spend upstairs the ingrain; whole 1 day rag and carpet eve- on ledger The dress stated: Helen “A Mark Tripp special wrote Overbaugh about business her diary - Gree wou to The last recorded 15-Yard meeting Dumpsters in the Ava kitchen; ning at 1 church.] spider; 1 old cook stove; meeting They prided of themselves church on was their 518-947-9981 held fashionable attire 1 old Chauncey base burner.” B Day from Alcove While recorded these lists are on not January always before Mr. and the Mrs. meeting Bates, the matter Nelson of and the Had d Nov. good 12, and 1950. notions. Rev. Some Garrett ladies brought in town had a dress clear, 1,1887: I find Thurs. it fascinating Went to to know Alcove—got was in the 3 gal. houses kerosene. and what the finances gether outside and meetings. our tents Rev. plac- Gar- [coun future I ate of our the New church Year’s in regards dinner to its to- us. Th what items The cost. diary of another anonymous Some person further recorded: information Jan that 1, that fricasseed should be chicken, met by the sweet Church and holid rett ing pointed our tables out a together. list of obligations (Menu: Touri I 1888 found Rained of interest all day. included Hugh mention in evening. of a committee to investigate here Board. white Proctor potatoes, Scott cucumber made a motion pickles, was chili seconded sauce, creamed by Olin onions, Haskin eveni antly. and incorporation A. M. Cowles of the church. recorded Jan. in that green the peas, Church sweet keep going corn, as celery, long Ja 16, his 1915: diary: Jennie January Cook, 1, 1898: organist, The as cranberries we can meet sauce. our financial Coffee Lem- obligations. pies.) Clifton The men Hess, washed Recording the Ja terno Stephen snow that Brazee, fell Charles yesterday Alger and has W. been H. piled Thorne, in committee heaps last to night estimate and the building wind a is church still hall blowing. over dishes for us. Mrs. Bates and anniv Secretary.” the I called on Mrs. Harder from tween I could shed. Miss not get Florence home Kline last 1920 On Feb. 1, 1953, the first wedding ever in the church was that night organist Hudson on this camp. Ja for the for snow 1 year. was Mrs. drifted. Florence Mr. Hale, Jan 1, 1928: Spend the day a Palm Whitehead organist and one myself year. 1924 played Mrs. of Robert Dingman and Rosemary 5 McBain, home. Bates are away the week and I games of assistant dominoes organist. this morning. In the Whitbeck evening elected played trustee tendants were Mr. and Mrs. David 1928 Provan 1:30 p.m. Sunday. At- Adalbert end. Mr. and Mrs. Lasher called ist C with for this afternoon. We spend our turke Mr. three Mackey. years. Feb. Mr. 1929, Cook motion and Elsbree. made spare time writing letters. Nelson goes to church. there. for t brother to have drove electric them to lights the in house the On April 25, 1957, aw church church to break — out committee the roads. for lights are window was broken by a truck. three trustees with Lucina Dingman In Deland 1963, the Fla: church Jan was 1, 1930 sold to A ness and Mr. Jan. G. 1, H. 1918: Wood. A diary from William very lovely McMahan day. who Need held no services Wash this am; take a nap this af- and c fire. entert the There Wade was family a special recorded: meeting Mary Oct. is with 23, us. 1940, We Greenville when stay the in all trustees day. Auto ternoon. for a And while. & go Truck with the Lashers The to see church the has Glorified been sold sev- Parts Howa were Big Fire authorized in Catskill to sell 2:20 and a.m. transfer the eral times since. It was an antique American Greenville Girl. for a bit. Hopefully, 4979 Route 81, Mrs. property Mary known D. Mattice as the Cook from store · 518-966-5344 the new Farm Catskill and wrote: described Wednesday, in a deed Mon-Fri Jan as owner 7:30-6 1934: will · Sat give Deland, 8-5 it · a Sun new Fla. 9-2 life. We go out 1,1919: We stayed home. Made for dinner and go to the movies head cheese and hockeye [a pig in afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Kipp product]. from Orange City call in the For years many Oak Hill and evening. Tooldie seems some Vicinity families have gone to better today. 80 in the shade. Florida in the winter; the Tripps, Jan 1, 1935: A lovely day. the Fords, and the Wades all had We call on Mr. and Mrs. Vincent houses in the Bradenton area. #SupportRealNews and the Hacks. Have our din- For these folks, the New Year ner at home. Spend our evening with Mr. and Mrs. Luke Jan 2. Three callers. Nice day. Our anniversary. Hacks for the evening. Jan. 1, 1938: A lovely day. Yo folks friend warm staye return Florid An no na writte Table is titl W John Harri back they w
The Greenville Pioneer • Friday, December 31, 2021 13 NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert to New Yorkers concerning potential price gouging of over-the-counter COVID-19 testing products for at-home use, as well as other in-demand essential products. The alert comes in light of a surge of COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, which has resulted in the rise of New Yorkers seeking to use at-home testing kits. “As New York sees an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases, more and more New Yorkers are looking for at-home tests and other tools in the fight against the coronavirus,” James said. “If New Yorkers see exorbitant price increases on testing kits or other goods vital and necessary for health, safety and welfare, they are encouraged to report it my office immediately. And fraudsters are on notice that if they attempt to price gouge during this new surge, we will not hesitate to take action.” The Office of Attorney General (OAG) has received complaints of COVID-19 testing products being sold at double or triple their retail price. A standard BinaxNOW brand test kit at a New York store AG: Report price gouging of COVID test kits, other in-demand items costs appropriately between $14 and $25 for a package of two tests, however there have been alleged reports of the same products being unlawfully sold for more than $40 and up to $70 per package. New York law prohibits merchants from taking unfair advantage of consumers by selling goods or services that are vital to their health, safety or welfare for an “unconscionably excessive” price. An excessive price would be represented by a gross disparity between the price of the product immediately prior to and after such an occurrence. Last year, a law was passed that substantially strengthened James’ ability to bring charges against individuals and entities violating New York state’s price gouging statute, as they sought to excessively increase prices on essential goods and services during pandemics or other emergencies. The OAG continues to monitor entities across the state for deceptive practices and price gouging schemes. Any New Yorker who is aware of or believes that they have been the victim of price gouging is encouraged to file a complaint online or call 800-771-7755. it’s your RIGHT to know. COURTESY OF ABBOTT The state attorney general is asking consumers to report stores that are price gouging on at-home COVID tests and other necessary items during the pandemic’s surge. COMING Jan 14 th in the Greenville Pioneer The Magic Ball Trilogy written by Steve Trout, former Yankee player These stories are all about gaining confidence and helping kids become more confident in themselves. Author Steve Trout says that “It’s so important to have confidence in whatever you do.” READ THE FIRST PART OF THIS AMAZING TRILOGY! Buddy the baseball – Magic, wisdom & friendship, part 1 Protect freedom of the press. freespeech.center Billy was excited, but also a little nervous. He thought, “If only my dad could be here.” His father has been away for almost a year serving in the military overseas... I wanted to thank everyone within the Ravena / Coeymans / Selkirk communities for their continued support over the last year. It has been difficult at times but we have managed to get through it and provide a helpful community service. We are back to regular business hours Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 3pm / Closed on Sundays Currently, with the volume of bottles and cans we are only taking drop offs - bring in your empties, place them in a designated area, we take your name and then give you the earliest time frame to come back or any time thereafter to collect your money. Since opening in July 2018, we have helped raise approximately $52,500, which is almost 924,000 bottles/cans for 50 different organizations which anyone can donate to. We look forward to servicing the community in the future. If you have any questions regarding operation, donations or fundraisers please reach out.... Shane DeCrescenzo Just Makes Cents Bottle & Can Redemption Center 518-577-3084 Justmakescents6@gmail.com
Page 1 and 2: The Greenville Pioneer • Friday,
Page 3 and 4: 2 The Greenville Pioneer • Friday
Page 7 and 8: he Greenville The Greenville Pionee
Page 11: The Greenville Pioneer • Friday,

The Greenville Pioneer - 2021-12-31

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?