Route 22, hospital deficit and usage, skating and business climate

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

January 3, 1935

Bixby Favors Rebuilding Of State Route 22

The movement launched several weeks ago by Harlem Valley residents for reconstruction of the portion of State Route 22 which lies in Dutchess County has been endorsed by James S. Bixby, divisional superintendent of the State Highway Department.

January 10, 1935

Grange Hall To Be Started This Spring

Construction of the proposed new Grange hall will be started in the spring as soon as weather conditions permit, it was revealed at the regular meeting of the Millerton Grange held Monday night when plans for the building were discussed. About forty members were present.

Government Seeks Sites For Colonies

The Harlem Valley section may be selected by the Federal Government as the site of one or more colonization subsistence settlements, it became known last week when it was disclosed that Government representatives have been making surveys and inquiries in the Towns of North East, Amenia,

January 1, 1976

Hospital Deficit Up Sharply This Year

Sharon Hospital ended its 1974-75 fiscal year with a net deficit of $64,940, up from $23,927 the previous year. The Hospital’s annual report, mailed this week, showed continuation of other recent trends.

The numer[sic] of days of in-patient care declined by 1,662 for the year ended Sept. 30, 1975. But the number of visits to the emergency room at Sharon continued its climb in recent years. The past year saw 7412 patients treated in the emergency room. In 1973-74 emergency room visits totalled[sic] 7200. Emergency room use has more than tripled in the past 5 years.

Once again more New York State residents than Connecticut people were Sharon Hospital patients. The number of New Yorkers treated in 1974- 75 was 1966. Connecticut residents served were 1,289. The previous year’s figures were 2009 from New York and 1236 from Connecticut.

The number of children born at Sharon declined from 305 to 288 this past year.

The cost of providing patient care was $4,420,173 in 1974-75 up from $4,064,844 in 1973-74.

The 13c Letter Has Arrived

The 13-cent letter is here after all, just in time to make you remember the Old Year. The new postage rate of 13 cents an ounce instead of 10 went into effect Wednesday. Letters without full postage at the new rate may be returned to the sender.

The change resulted from a decision by the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to lift the injunction against the postage increases granted earlier by a Federal District Court. The U.S. Postal Service has contended without the increases it could not meet its February payrolls. The Court of Appeals still must hear the rate case on its merits.

Photo caption:

YES. SKATING — Leonard Foley, caretaker of the Taconic State Park at Rudd Pond, covers over the “No” on the sign to invite skaters to enjoy their sport last Sunday afternoon. The ice on the pond must be at least 3 inches thick, said Foley, for safe skating. He tests the ice daily.

Telephone Books To Be Delivered

Telephone directories for 1976 will be delivered this week to about 4750 customers of Taconic Telephone in Hillsdale, Copake, Millerton and Pine Plains, John B. Ackley, company president reported.

The new directory cover commemorates the 100th anniversary of the invention of the telephone with a painting by John Schreck of Rochester of Alexander Graham Bell and depicts major events in the development of the telephone in the past 100 years.

January 4, 2001

Millerton Business Climate Improves

Everyone agrees the Millerton business climate has improved dramatically in the past year.

“We’re not the county’s poor cousin anymore. We can’t be ignored any longer,” said John Gilmor, co-president of the Greater Millerton Chamber of Commerce.

New businesses have been piling up all around Millerton, taking advantage of the influx of out-of-towners who are attracted by the village’s scenic and commercial offerings, as well. Established merchants have been making efforts to fill visible spaces, particularly those on Main Street.

Snipits, owned by Michelle Powers, has recently moved into the location between Oblong Books and the Millerton Card & Coin that was left open after the closing of the Plain Clothesman. Millerton’s health food store and café, Manna Dew, owned by Gina Trivelli, also moved to Main Street, which created the opportunity for Maria Tamburino to open Jump Start Café at Railroad Plaza.

Another eatery has entered the business world in Millerton. W.D. McArthur and Co. restaurant dropped anchor on the corner of North Center and Main streets at the site of the old smokehouse. McArthur’s is thought to be a welcome addition to the community, not only by diners, but also by merchants, who believe they will profit from the additional exposure and clientele.

Despite the relatively improved appearance of the village, there are still many empty storefronts that need to be filled. In particular, the building left empty by Riley’s Furniture remains so.

Residents and merchants should not feel discouraged by the vacant spaces. McDonald’s has recently opened at the site that formerly housed Burger King; the restaurant was closed for more than a year before McDonald’s took over. Also, the Village Diner was closed for about a month, yet the stoves are once again fired up.