Lighting up at 2,500 feet

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

June 8, 1933

‘Judge Daniel J. Gleason of Millerton Endorsed for The Supreme Court Bench’: Intense interest is being displayed in Millerton in the news that Daniel J. Gleason, a Millerton man and surrogate of Dutchess County for twenty years has been unanimously endorsed by the county Republican executive committee for nomination to the Supreme Court Bench to succeed Justice Morsehauser….

‘About Millerton’: Ray Goetchius, the national parachute champion, on Sunday leaped from a plane at an altitude of 5,000 feet, and landed in the center of the field. Goetchius showed his usual ability during his jump by coolly lighting a cigarette at about 2,500 feet from the ground when he was dropping at the rate of 30 miles per hour. He landed at a rate of speed that was judged by the bystanders as being about one-tenth the speed that he was descending the first 2,000 feet. Goetchius later jumped from an aerplane [sic] over the Columbia County Airport at 6 P.M. at an altitude of about 7,00 feet.

‘Will Vote on Sale of Beer Next Tuesday’: Mt. Washington, June 7- The polls for the special election to be held June 13 will be open from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. At this election the delegates to the state [sic] convention to consider the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment will be elected….

June 13, 1974

‘Young Men Organize for Community Service’: A group of young men are organizing a Jaycees chapter in Millerton. “We want to better our community any way we can,” said Robert McGhee, one of the organizers.

‘Class Makes Tuna Recipe’: Tuna Chow Mein…Cook onion in butter for two minutes. Add flour, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth, add water, bouillon cubes and milk; bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add tuna, celery and carrot. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 20 minutes…Serve tuna mixture over rice. Serves four; 30 cents a serving.

June 10, 1999

‘Strawberry Fair Saturday Promises Sweet Fun for All’: Amenia – This town will again be bustling with activity when it holds its annual Strawberry Fair Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Started a quarter of a century ago by the Amenia United Presbyterian Church, the fair has evolved from a one-stand operation to a major event that attracts people from several surrounding towns.

When church member Etta Rockwell first sold strawberries and ice cream in 1973 on the lawn in front of her Route 22 house, she probably never dreamed it would result in a town-wide celebration involving dozens of local businesses and organizations.

This year at the church, there will be plenty of strawberries – by the quart or atop a dish of ice cream – along with a variety of lunch items, including nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers and chili. In addition, there will be numerous vendors’ tables with arts and crafts, tag sales, home-baked goods, as well as a silent auction and a Chinese auction. At around 11 a.m., magician Bruce Hafford will arrive at the church to entertain the many children expected to attend the fair…

‘Historical Society Plans House Tour’: Millerton – Planning has begun for the second annual North East Historical Society House Tour to be held in August. Currently three homes are on the agenda and the society needs one more. Anyone willing to have their home on the tour is asked to get in touch with Project Chairman Henry Quinn.

‘Artist Valyou Showing Works at Manna Dew Café’: Millerton – David Valyou, a well-known local artist who is also a cook at Broadway Pizza, is branching into new territory.

Mr. Valyou, who works in a number of mixed media, will have his work on display starting July 1, at Manna Dew Café in Railroad Plaza….

Mr. Valyou said he liked the café setting for his art, in contrast to gallery showings. “It’s an ambush to the unaware,’ he explained. “It brings people in who would not normally go to a gallery.”

“I think it would be a great asset to the village to have a regular show,” Mr. Valyou added, “Gina’s got a good place for it.”