Hundreds turn out for Oblong’s 50th birthday celebration

MILLERTON — Hundreds gathered in downtown Millerton on Saturday to celebrate 50 years of Oblong Books, honoring its rich history in the village with a block party bash and a birthday cake cutting.

The festive atmosphere was more than just the aroma of popcorn and falafel wafting from food trucks and vendor tables — it was the spirit of community coming together to recognize a beloved Millerton institution that has put people at the center of their business since the beginning.

Since its founding in 1975 by Dick Hermans and Holly Nelson, Oblong Books has brought together people from all walks of life — many of whom gathered to commemorate this half-century milestone. South Center Street, which was partially shut down for the block party, buzzed with longtime customers, former employees and even those who happened upon the celebration while walking or biking along the rail trail.

Tents lined the street offering free popcorn and Harney & Sons lemonade, sidewalk chalk for leaving colorful messages along South Center Street, henna tattoos, face painting and a raffle with book-filled bags sorted by genre. Food trucks, including The Flavor Bandits and Hudson Valley Falafel, kept attendees well-fed. Entertainment included live music by Josh Driver, who kicked off the party with an energetic solo set, and The Joint Chiefs, whose tunes inspired a few dancers in the crowd. Two stilt walkers from Mortal Beasts and Deities towered above the party, spreading cheer, high-fiving passersby, and posing for photos. Meanwhile, Millerton’s 175th anniversary committee hosted children’s games at the NECC playground.

Stilt walkers from Mortal Beasts and Deities teetered through the crowd. Above, River Cook, 18 months, is mesmerized by the stilt walkers.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Co-founder Dick Hermans began his remarks with an observation that earned laughs and neatly bookended his 50 years at Oblong. “When we first opened in 1975, people asked if we accepted credit cards,” Hermans recalled. “And yesterday at the Rhinebeck store, a young woman asked if we take cash.” He described with gratitude the arc of those five decades as “beyond belief.”

Hermans spoke briefly about the mission that has fueled Oblong’s success. “Books are a cultural expression that should be available to everybody without censorship and without prejudice,” he said. “One of the reasons we’ve succeeded is we are a store that is open and welcoming to everybody — and if the whole world were like that, we’d really have something.”

Photos By Aly MorrisseyOblong Junior saw higher than average traffic as friends and customers popped into the store during the block party to escape the heat and stock up on new books and toys. Photo by Aly Morrissey

Founding partner Holly Nelson echoed his sentiment, recalling that Oblong Books was born during a time when collective action was beginning to change the world. “We knew as youngsters that we needed to put our beliefs into action,” she told the crowd, explaining that she and Hermans chose Millerton for its lively location. Young, idealistic and chasing the American Dream, the pair opened a small record and book shop in just 400 square feet on Main Street. “We couldn’t have voiced it then, but somehow we knew it went far beyond us,” Nelson said.

“The bookstore was 10 years old when I was born,” shared current co-owner Suzanna Hermans, who grew up in the store, reading everything she could get her hands on and eventually ringing up customers as soon as she could see over the counter. It was in the bookstore that her father, Dick, met her mother, Priscilla, whom Suzanna credited as a quiet but pivotal force behind Oblong’s success, even though she was never employed in an official capacity. The bookstore, it turns out, has been a matchmaker across generations — her father met her mother there, and years later, Suzanna met her own partner among the shelves. “They literally found us,” she said with a smile.

Past employees Michelle and Michael Charles attended the celebration with their son, Emmett, and recalled how the store became the backdrop for their own love story. Together, their time at Oblong Books spanned from fall 2000 to 2012. The two high school sweethearts dated during their years at the store, eventually marrying in 2003 and inviting most of the staff to celebrate with them.

Former longtime Oblong booksellers Michelle, right, and Michael Charles, left, celebrated with son Emmett during the 50th birthday party.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone and the founding mission, Michelle Charles brought the focus back to people. “I’m realizing that the major connections in my life happened because of this store,” she said. “That just goes to show the power of an independent bookstore, and I feel truly happy to have been part of the magic.”

In addition to the block party on South Center Street, crowds took part in the Millerton Summer Stroll, benefitting from late summer sales, freebies and crafts. The Millerton Moviehouse gave out popcorn on the sidewalk and NBT Bank had their piggybank crafts for kids in Veteran’s Park. The NECC Farmer’s Market also saw high attendance, clocking in around 458 visitors, a close second this season to the day of the Millerton Street Fair. According to Katie Cariello, who runs the market each week, typical attendance usually ranges from 340 to 390 people.

Elected officials also showed their support. New York State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett (D-106) delivered remarks and a presentation, while Village of Millerton Trustee David Sherman read a proclamation officially designating Aug. 9 as “Oblong Books Day,” honoring the store’s past and securing its place in the community’s future.

Louise Lindenmeyr of The Joint Chiefs playing the mandolin. The Joint Chiefs provided music for the party along with opener Josh Driver. Photo by Aly Morrissey