Discovery solved, ‘Rent-A-Kid’, cats, housing

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn and Rhiannon Leo-Jameson of the North East-Millerton Library.

July 18, 1935

Solve Mystery Of Bones Found At Millbrook

Owner Of Farm Says Skeleton Had Been Unearthed Before

MILLBROOK - The mystery of the box of human bones unearthed by a steam shovel on the Doyle farm near here recently was solved last week by Miles Kennedy of New York, owner of the property. The farm was formerly owned by Kate Doyle who died March 26, 1934, at the age of eighty years.

According to the story told by Kennedy, members of the Town of Washington highway department were permitted to dig gravel on the property several years ago by Miss Doyle, then owner of the farm. At that time the bones of a man, long dead, were unearthed. Investigation revealed that many years before a man who was a member of a destitute family living in a tenant house on the farm had been buried on the premises to save funeral and burial expenses.

Mr. Kennedy said that Miss Doyle was told the bones would be interred in a cemetery. He believes, however, that because of Miss Doyle’s advanced age the workmen took advantage of her and again buried the bones on the premises.

New Cooling System In Millerton Theatre

The Millerton Theatre has installed a North air cooling system which keeps the theatre at a comfortable temperature even though the heat may be extremely oppressive outside. The modern, new equipment circulates the air capacity of the theatre every three minutes.

Borden’s Milk Plant Closes Department

WASSAIC, July 17 - The Borden’s Farm Products Company discontinued its bottling operation at the Wassaic plant on Monday. In the future, the company will employ only two men here besides Superintendent Whitford.

July 15, 1976

Rent-A-Kid Jobs Open

The Rent-A-Kid coordinator for the Millerton area said this week he has jobs lined up for willing young workers but no one to fill them.

John Dorfman, 20, said, “I have 4 jobs at pretty good paying wages and no one to fill them. It’s getting kind of embarassing.” Dorman said the 4 jobs are working in yards and he added he is going to try to solicit kids for the program.

Most Webutuck Grads Going On To College

Fifty-one of the 93 Webutuck seniors who graduated the Central School last month will be going on to further education in one form or another.

July 19, 2001

Water Meters Studied

MILLERTON — The village of Millerton received a grant of roughly $4,955 from the county to purchase water meters. The water meters will need to be installed in homes which have no meters, or meters that are old. The grant will cover the cost of the meters, but not their installation.

According to Mr. Jurkowski, installing a water meter costs between $50 to $75.

Hamilton Inn Update

Mr. Jurkowski also addressed the continuing issue of the Hamilton Inn, which continues to be renovated despite a stop-work order issued by the Department of Health (DOH).

Cat Problem Addressed

Reports of a cat nuisance, mainly by Gayle Hendrikson, whose cat was attacked by a stray, prompted the board to look into several solutions.

Mayor Najdek said that, since she’s been in office, she has received many complaints about the problem, which involves around 40 felines, some partly domestic and others feral.

Members of the board saw the issue as a potential health risk.

North East Studying Affordable Housing

NORTHEAST — The North East Housing Committee will conduct a survey of housing data. With this information, the committee will be able to determine what direction they will need to go in order to promote affordable housing.

Pat Sassaman, a consultant from the Rural Preservation Co. of Dutchess County (RPC) explained that, ideally, the maximum percentage of a household’s income going towards housing should be 30 percent. For instance, the maximum rent for a household with an income of $44,000 would be $1,100 per month. The purchase price for a new house would be $110,000.