Post Office moves; flood hazard sanctions; oldest house razed

April 5, 1934

‘Millerton Post Office Moved; New Location Said to be Temporary’;

With a crew of carpenters and cleaners working overtime since Saturday converting the erstwhile saloon of the late Charles A. Corey into a semblance of quarters suitable for the temporary installation of the Millerton post office, sufficient progress was reported Tuesday morning to warrant the immediate removal of mail and equipment from the Shufelt building where the post office has been situated for the past twenty years.

While admitting that the new location was in no way suitable for post office occupancy, the post office inspector supervising the work Tuesday morning pointed out that it was merely temporary, and that a new brick building yet to be erected has been leased by the United States government for five years on the condition that it be ready for occupation by June 1, 1934.

As far as could be learned such arbitrary action by any government department is unprecedented in the history of the United States with the possible exception of a time of national emergency which no one has felt adequately describes the present situation, and the legality of the department’s action as well as the ethics of the case constituted the chief topic of discussion throughout the Village over the week-end.

‘About Millerton’; Mrs. Willard S. Vail was able to sit up Monday for a few minutes for the first time since Wednesday when she contracted a severe bronchial cold that for a time threatened to develop into pneumonia. Mrs. Vail is compelled to use a cane in moving about because of the bad sprain she suffered about two weeks ago when she fell part way down a flight of stairs.

William Masten has moved from the Hoysradt house in Railroad Street to the Clement Wiltsie place in Mill Street.

‘Former Millertonian In Match’; Pocket billiard enthusiasts will have an opportunity to witness an interesting contest Saturday night when William Rathbun, former Millertonian, will play an exhibition match with Frank Taberski, of Schenectady, veteran cue artist and former world’s champion, in the Masonic Temple in Poughkeepsie.

April 3, 1975

‘Flood Hazard Areas Face Federal Economic Sanctions’; State Environmental Conservation Regional Director Warren H. McKeon said this week that Millerton, Millbrook and other Dutchess County communities with flood hazard areas may shortly face Federal economic sanctions under provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

These communities are threatened with a loss of Federal aid for a wide variety of projects and activities in areas subject to flooding. Mortgage money for homes and business properties in these areas is also scheduled for termination if the communities do not join the National Flood Insurance Program before July 1 of this year.

‘Day Care Holds Raffle’; The Millerton Day Care Center is sponsoring a raffle, with the drawing for three prizes - a picnic basket, hibachi and an iron — set for Tuesday, April 22.

Tickets costing 25 cents per chance or $1 for a book of five, are being sold by parents of children enrolled in the Day Care Center.

‘Trap Shoot To Benefit Ambulance Fund’; The Millerton Gun Club will sponsor a trap shoot on Sunday, April 13, with all proceeds earmarked for the Millerton Ambulance fund. Grounds will open at noon, and refreshments and food, including barbecued chicken, will be available.

All “hot shots” are welcome, stresses Gun Club member Charlene Ahearn. Persons with questions are invited to contact Mrs. Ahearn at….

‘Grange Week Proclaimed’; Mayor-elect John L. Hermans Tuesday proclaimed the week of April 6-12 as “Grange Week” in Millerton, and urged all citizens to join him in honoring this worthy organization.

‘March Colder, Less Snowy’; Frank Paar, Millerton’s “weatherman,” has announced that March this year was colder and less snowy than the same period last year.

According to Mr. Paar, the temperature this March averaged 31.61 degrees, with only 2 inches of snow recorded, while March 1974 experienced a 33.74-degree average, with 6 inches of snow. The year 1972 saw the wintriest March: 10.5 inches of snow fell and the mercury averaged 31.16 degrees.

‘Sheriff’s Report’; Millerton Burglaries

The Sheriff’s office is currently investigating a burglary at the home of Donald Ezzo on Gun Club Road, Millerton. During the night of March 22 the hinge pins of the front door were removed, allowing entry via the door, and a 22 Winchester rifle, tools and a tent were stolen. The garage also was entered and tools pilfered.

Corporal Bedell and Officer Decker, while investigating this burglary, discovered that the home of another Gun Club Road resident, Arnaldo Gallardo, had been partially ransacked sometime between March 18 and 21. The house had been forcibly entered through the front door. Gallardo was out of town during this period.

April 6, 2000

‘NE’s Oldest House Coming Down’; NORTH EAST — A house near Spencer’s Corners that dates to the mid-18th century is coming down, a North East landowner confirmed last week.

Christof Hamm, who has recently purchased and built on farmland near the house, said, “The house is in bad condition and not worth saving,” citing the need for extensive asbestos removal from the site.

A “center-hall colonial,” the house is commonly known as the Merwin House and is located on Merwin-Clark Road near Spencer’s Corners.

Merwin House is thought to be the original structure from the 18th century, though there have been additions and changes over the years. The house was built in the mid- to- late-1700’s by Uriah Lawrence, Esq., a native of England, on a road that became an iron-ore trade route running from Salisbury, Conn., to Rhinebeck.

‘Village Budget Rises, 10% Raises Proposed for Mayor, Trustees’; MILLERTON — The Village Board got right down to work on the 2000-2001 budget and swore in new trustees John Scutieri and Beverly Gordon during meetings March 30 and April 3, while Michelle Haab announced her resignation as village attorney.

‘HV Rail Trail Seeks More volunteers’; MILLERTON - The Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association (HVRTA) will hold two meetings in April for trail volunteers.