The Messenger - July 1998

Reception for Summer Exhibit - June 28th, 1998

Senator Charles Cook is seen holding portrait of Phoenicia Station by Peter Tassone, given to him in recognition of his service to the museum. On his right is Ward Todd, Majority LEader of the Ulster County Legislature and, farther right, Bethia Waterman, ESRM Director and Secretary, co-hosts of the reception. On the upper right are seen members of the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale and in the foreground, members of the Phoenicia Elementary School Orchestra.

Director's Report

At the May 16th, 1998, All-Members meeting at the Phoenicia Station, the following directors were elected to new three year terms from May, 1998, through May, 2001: Bill Caton and Bethia Waterman. Candidates were not available for the terms of Peter Tassone (1997-1999), whose resignation was accepted in April, or Dexter Jeannotte, whose term expired this year. The Board of Directors took the following actions during the April to July period. Ralph Goneau was elected museum president. Other officers were reelected to their previous positions. A successful grant application was submitted to the O'Connor Foundation for assistance with the station heating and insulation project. Framed railroad scenes were awarded to Senator Charles Cook and Dexter Jeannotte for their service to the museum. Sale of the Trackmobile to Catskill Mountain Railroad was authorized subsequent to legal advice on liability. Work is about to begin on the station winterization project. An urgent appeal for volunteers was issued. Manning of the station (docents and gift shop sales) and restoration of coaches (carpentry) are two key areas requiring help. Contact Bill Caton, 688-7019, or the museum, 688-7501, for further information.

Curator's Corner

Our curator, Lonnie Gale, tells us, "This is a picture rom a postcard I just found several weeks ago at a postcard show. The writing on it tells everything. The depot is the former Brown Station depot and is now in Woodstock. It would have been a perfect photo if the train was turned around and showed the engine instead of the tail-end of the train."

Calendar

Summer Show Reception volunteers on Jun 28th, 1998, are (right to left) Ruth Gale and museum directors Carol Love, Bill Caton, and Betty Bolsetzian.

Hon. Sam Magarelli (left foreground) and Sen. Charles Cook (center) are seen with building in background which was former sandwich shop for railroad patrons and employees. ESRM hopes to acquire this building in the future.

Exhibit Curator and ESRM Vice President Lonnie Gale (left) discusses details of the exhibit with museum guests in the station baggage room during Summer Show Reception. Over 175 photo reproductions are presented in the exhibit. In adition, several thick three ring binders with over 600 more photos are available for review. More than 100 guests attended the reception.

David Laks leads selected members of the Phoenicia Elementary School Orchestra in a musical greeting of the special train, a service donated by the Catskill Mountain Rail Road, as it arrives with museum guests from Mt. Pleasant to begin the reception ceremonies.

History Mystery?

In 1896, five U&D railroad men, an engineer, fireman, conductor, head brakeman and rear brakeman sometimes worked together on the same U&D train, but all had different regular assignments. They lived in Kingston, Phoencia, Rondout, West Hurley and West Shokan. Their assignments were the Rondout yard job, the Rip Van Winkle, the Stoney Clove local, The Hunter local, and the Rondout to Phoenicia way freight. Their names were Donald, Evan, Jim, Sam and Tom.

The West Shokan resident is either the head brakeman working the Rip Van Winkle or the engineer working the way freight. Jim lives in West Hurley or in Kingston. The rear brakeman works the Rondout yard job or the Hunter local. Donald lives in West Shokan or in Kingston, and the head brakeman lives in West Hurley or in Phoenicia. Either Tom or Sam is the conductor, and the other is the fireman; neither lives in Phoenicia. The Rondout resident is either Tom or Jim and works the Hunter local or the Rondout yard job. The other (Jim or Tom) works the way freight or the Rip Van Winkle. The fireman lives in Phoenicia or in Rondout and works the Stony Clove local or the Rondout yard job.

From the information given above match the mens' names with their job, assignment and home town. Mail your solution to D. Jeannotte, ESRM Newsletter Editor, 74 Bostock Rd. Shokan, NY 12481-5400. The first solution received (according to postmark date with allowance made for distance) will win an ESRM mug. All correct entries will be reported in the next newsletter. Entries must be received by September 1st, 1998.