State Police shut down gambling wheels; four firms show interest in Millerton’s A&P store

The following excerpts from The Millerton News were compiled by Kathleen Spahn andRhiannon Leo-Jameson of theNorth East-Millerton Library.

July 31, 1975

‘Wheels Closed At Carnival’; Like a scene from the days of prohibition, when the police would break up gambling games, the Millerton Centennial Carnival had its gambling wheels closed down early Sunday evening by N.Y. State Police.

According to Millerton Mayor John Hermans, at approximately 6:30 p.m. the State Police moved in and shut down the 5 gambling wheels. The carnival rides and ball-pitching booths remained open.

‘Pet Parade To Be Held’; On Saturday, Aug. 31,Millerton will feature its Pet Parade. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. on Park Street. At 1 p.m. ribbons will be awarded on the green at North East Town Hall at the corner of Maple Avenue Parking Street.

The categories for children of all ages will be: famous people and story book characters (individual or group costumes), dogs and other pets (with or without costumes), bicycles or tricycles (decorated), and horses, ponies and other animals.

Anyone who wishes to join the parade may sign up at Terni Store or the Millerton Beauty Salon on Main Street.

First, second and third prizes will be awarded and a grand prize will be presented for best all-around exhibit.

The rain date will be Sunday, Aug. 17, at the same hours.

‘Four Companies Interested in A&P’; Four companies, including 2 in the food business, are interested in leasing Millerton’s A&P building, according to the building’s co-owner, Arthur Fried of Staatsburg.

The A&P company, based in Montvale, N.J., shut down the Millerton store last Saturday after a week of close-out sales.

Fried said, “We’re dealing with 4 different people” but refrained from offering any more information as he said negotiations are continuing.

“We don’t want the site vacant. It’s a good spot,” said Fried, who added he hoped something definite could be decided soon.

Meanwhile, A&P last week offered transfers to the 10 full-time employees who worked at Millerton. The News talked to three, one of whom is retiring, another of whom has taken a job with another company and a third who is just waiting.

Scott Lind, 62, of Millerton, worked 49 years for A&P. He turned down his transfer offer to the Red Hook A&P because it would have involved too much traveling. He plans to enjoy retirement in Millerton.

Joseph Deferari of Canaan was produce manager in Millerton. He turned down the Red Hook offer because of the 70-mile round-trip drive between his home and Red Hook and instead secured a job at the Shagroy Market in Salisbury.

Betty Dunn of Amenia does not drive and therefore could not accept the Red Hook offer. When asked what her plans are, she said, “I have to sit tight until I get something.”