From the Files – Week of January 26, 2023

January 24, 1963

Sixty Years Ago

Senator Albert Berkowitz will head up the county heart fund program for the second consecutive year according to a report by Dr. Newton Krumdieck, president of the Health and Heart Association of Washington County. Upon accepting the appointment Senator Berkowitz noted that the heart fund campaign finances the year-round community service and educational programs of the Washington County Heart Committee and helps to support research projects of the American Heart Association. The campaign, conducted annually during February will be a highlighted by a county house to house canvass by hundreds of volunteer workers, the week of the 20th to the 28th, with the 24th being Heart Sunday.

Harold Garrity, president of the Granville Rotary Club has announced that final arrangements have been made for the testimonial dinner in honor of Jonathon Harrington recipient of the Rotary Foundation Scholarship, to study at Cambridge, England. The District Governor, who will be unable to attend the dinner, has designated Frank Caiazza, this year's governor's aide, to represent the District and present the award to Harrington. The testimonial dinner is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. in the Granville Elementary school.

At the weekly meeting of the Granville Rotary club, January 16, a surprise recognition night was held to honor Dr. Irvine. It is the policy of Rotary from time to time to honor leading citizens within the community. The purpose of the meeting was to honor someone who has contributed so much to Granville. Harold Garrity introduced the program, before turning it over to three individuals who covered the many contributions of Dr. V.K. Irvine; they were Larry Andrews, Dr. W.S. Bennett, and George Woodard.

Pawlet has a new post office under construction on the site of the former Magowan Garage now owned by John Mach. He has employed Fred Leach to do the carpentry and Edgar Haskins, the lighting and pluming. The building, which will face the highway, will be painted white and be of Colonial design. There will be a rest room and garage and plenty of parking pace. It is expected that it will be ready for occupancy by Postmaster Clifford Greene and assistants, April 1.

The January meeting of the Board of Education of the Hartford Central school was held in the school office. In addition to routine matters, it was decided to sell bus 13 to the Bomoseen Auto Sales Co. The preliminary budget was accepted and discussed. The question of becoming a member of the Adirondack Basketball League was discussed and Supervising Principal George Snyder was instructed to pursue the possibility further.

M.T. Minogue distributing company, Main street, Granville, has been awarded the district grand prize at the Carling Brewing Company's award dinner for its distributors held at the Harvard Club, Boston, Mass. Led by John Minogue, head of the firm, distributor salesmen who achieved the best results in package goal and total sales goal for late 1962 were Michael Fiaklo and Richard T. Roberts, Jr.

Nine members of Den 4, Pack 44, Cub Scouts toured the Sentinel offices Thursday with their Den Mother, Mrs. Helen Dawson. Those making the tour were Jack Scott, John Norton, Jack Minogue, Jr., Mark Hagy, Michael Smith, Tommy Vermouth, Gordon Roberts, Ronnie Dean, and Kerry Dawson. Mary Ellen Dawson, daughter of the den mother, was also present.

The Granville Sentinel has made arrangements to publish the "Herblock" cartoons as used in some 200 newspapers in this country and Canada including the Washington, D.C. Post and other large dailies. The cartoonist, Herbert L. Block, has won accolades for his work. The Sentinel is proud to be able to present the work of such a noted cartoonist.

The local Lions club has announced plans to renovate the basement of the Pember Library for use as a children's reading room. Club members are reminded to meet at the library next Monday at 6:30 p.m. to finish moving the old books from the basement and to get a first hand view of the project.

Laurence E. Andrews, president of the Washington county Artificial Breeders association, recently attended a special committee meeting of the state organization in Ithaca.

With impressive ceremonies the officers for the year 1963 were installed January 3 by Sylvan Star Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of Granville.

The Washington County American Legion Oratorical contest will held at the Granville High school on Monday, January 28, at 8 p.m.

Basketball: The Kerry Blues of St. Mary's walked over the Golden Horde of Granville with a score of 90-29. This game was played in Glens Falls Friday night and was Granville's sixth defeat in seven starts. Al Roberts netted 6 points.

Births: a son, Harold, to Mr. and Mrs. Lester Lufkin of Lakeland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Argyle; a daughter, Nora Jean, to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Clark, Granville; a son, Kevin Michael, to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Quinlan, Granville village; a son, Thomas Douglas, to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Casey, North Granville; a son, Ricky Allen, to Mr. and Mrs. Alton Dunbar, Wells, Vermont; a son, Scott Walter, to Walter and Tulita Brown Cleveland, Pawlet, Vermont; a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hughes, Wells, Vermont; a son, Richard, to Mr. and Mrs Richard Pauquette, Wells, Vermont.

Weddings: Norma Ricketts and Charles Ayers, West Pawlet, Vermont; Linda Taylor and Durwood Williams, both of Granville.

Obituaries: Mrs. Florence T. Balph, Wells, Vermont; Miss Fannie McKee, West Rupert, Vermont; Paul R. Whitney, Granville; funeral for William H. Keefe; William D. Aldous, North Granville.

January 26, 1983

Forty Years Ago

The Granville Chapter of the National Honor Society recently inducted 20 new members in its traditional candlelight ceremony, including 3 seniors and 17 juniors. The newly inducted members are: Neal Ricks, Pamela Ingleston, Eugene Bergeron, Allison Rowe, Roseanne Roberts, Timothy Waite, Allison McCullen, Scott Fenton, Lisa Hooper, Melanie Thomson, Margaret Carroll, Joseph Quinlan, Mary Jo Scott, Amy Berke, Harry Lux, Michele Warren, Mary Beth Thomas, Jacqueline Jones, Ann Babcock, Claire Anderson. Advisor for the Granville Chapter is Mrs. Jane Crawford, English instructor at the Granville High School.

The Granville school board last Wednesday evening appointed Michael Macura to replace Ken Burch as head varsity football coach. Burch resigned recently and has been appointed modified football coach. The board appointed Jack Toole as assistant varsity football coach; Robert Daley, JV football coach; Ken Harrison, assistant modified football coach.

Granville realtor Ann Hitchen was recently named the Washington County Realtor of the Year by the Washington County Board of Realtors. The award is given based on service to the realtor's association, as well as community service participation.

An abnormally large amount of arsenic was discovered recently in the well water of a Wells, Vermont resident, said Vermont health officials.

The Hebron town board made its appointments at their January 10 meeting.

Births: a son, William Christopher, to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Maynes, Granville; a son, Gregory Allen, to Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hathaway, Benson, Vermont; twin sons, Kane Thomas and Kurt James, to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jilek, Salem; a son to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson.

Weddings: Lisa Gleason, Wells, Vermont and Craig Corey, Danby, Vermont.

Obituaries: Raymond J. McMahon, Granville; John A. Warnock II, Granville.

January 22, 2003

Twenty Years Ago

The final steps towards getting Granville's comprehensive plan underway took place Monday night when goals and recommendations were decided by the planning committee. About 30 goals in 10 different categories were reviewed as committee members were divided into two groups to discuss whether they agreed with the goals and the recommendations to make the goals happen. The categories include historic resources, cultural resources, municipal resources and a number of others that affect the village. Ben Syden of the Laberge Group, an Albany planning company hired by the village, presented the goals and recommendations sent in to the firm by the committee members. They project to hold a public meeting on the plan in April.

Web-savvy Hartford residents may soon be able to get all of their information about the town from the Internet, as the town of Hartford is preparing its own website. Town supervisor Henry Gallinari has been working since last summer with Michael Klein, a graphics designer from Fort Ann. A very basic version of the site went online in October; Klein says he has a lot more information that he will be adding in the next couple of weeks.

The Washington County Board of Supervisors paved the way Friday for the repair of a historic North Granville bridge spanning the Mettowee River on Lower Turnpike Road, accepting a low bid of $66,000 for the work. The bridge has been closed since it was red-flagged by the state Department of Transportation in 1998. Vector Construction was the winning bidder. If all goes well, an April reopening is expected.

Shoppers in Granville may have a new store soon, adjacent to the Price Chopper supermarket, but it's uncertain who the retailer will be. Latham-based Schuyler Real Estate, which owns Price Chopper Plaza on Quaker Street, purchased 1.55 acres next to the plaza from Robert and Rae Muller in October, with plans to add a new retailer.

Snow is piling up in the field off Church Street, where the village dumps what it clears from its streets. Meanwhile, many village sidewalks remain unshoveled, forcing some people to walk in the roads. Mayor Tom Scott said that it is the responsibility of homeowners and store owners to clear the sidewalks.

Hartford town clerk Denise Petteys will be taking on another role, the town board announced last week at its annual organization meeting. She will take on the role of the new position of records management officer. Petteys currently has duties as town clerk and tax collector.

The Granville boys varsity basketball team suffered two losses last week to put their record to 0-7 Wasaren League play, 1-11 overall. The first game was a 57-49 loss to Argyle in a non-league game. Granville's Bill Rathbun led the Horde with 15 points. The next day, Granville took on Greenwich at home, suffering a 44-34 loss. Brandon Rathbun led the Horde with 13 points.

Greenwich continued a perfect season in league play, over the Granville girls varsity basketball team, which lost 56-30. Nicole Bourdeau was the only Horde player to score double digits, with 10 points. On Friday, Granville took on Tamarac at home and suffered a very close 43-40 loss. Nicole Bourdeau again led the Horde with 13 points. Granville stands at a 6-7 overall record, 1-6 league.

Births: a son, Noah Edward, to James and Lori Chapman Crandall, Queensbury.

No weddings reported.

Obituaries: Louise Randall, Hudson Falls; Thomas J. Zovistoski, Verona, Virginia, formerly of Granville; Emily Thomson, Wells, Vermont; Romaine J. "Dub" Bascom, Granville; Edmond R. Boyer, Hudson Falls; Lewis A. "Lew" Cooley, Queensbury; Olive P. McWaters, Castleton, Vermont; Joyce E. Lawyer, Poultney, Vermont; Edward P. Fish, Glens Falls; Lewis H. Seamans, Sr., Middletown Springs, Vermont.

From the Files – Week of January 19, 2023

January 17, 1963

Sixty Years Ago

This week's dinner meeting of the merchants committee of the Granville Chamber of Commerce held at Sis & Betty's restaurant was a busy one with Chairman Dick Rowe keeping things moving at all times. Questions discussed included: Should the merchants sponsor another Sweepstakes and if so should they add a fabulous prize; what about Granville Days and what about signs? Mel Brown was present and showed a very attractive sign he had painted. The men present voted to have a replica of this, only much larger, constructed and placed somewhere at the south entrance to the village, exact spot to be decided later. These meetings are of much interest and would be enjoyable to practically everyone in the area.

Assembly Lawrence E. Corbett has been informed that bids will be received on February 14 for the reconstruction of Route 22 from 0.95 miles north of North Hoosick northerly 6.5 miles to 0.15 miles north of the south village line of the village of Cambridge. The present 18 foot highway will be replaced with a 24 foot asphalt concrete pavement. It will be on entirely new alignment over the southernmost two miles, eliminating sharp curves, and will generally follow the existing route over the remainder of the section. Estimated at $1,917,000, it is expected work will commence as soon as weather permits next spring.

The arrangement committee for the testimonial dinner in honor of Jonathon Harrington, winner of the Rotary Foundation Scholarship, has announced that Dr. Matthew P. Gaffney will be the principal speaker. All clubs, organizations, and individuals interested in honoring the achievement are invited to attend this dinner January 29 at the Granville Elementary school starting at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are available for this roast beef dinner, at Edwards' Store and from any Rotary club member.

The director and assistant director of the Southern Adirondack Library System, Miss Florence Harshe and Mrs. Mary Stewart, will speak at the Granville Central Parent-Teacher club meeting to be held Monday, January 21, from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Middle Granville Elementary School cafetorium.

The regular meeting of the Granville Central School Board of Education was held January 8 at 8 p.m. Proceedings were opened by President Everett Hammond who read selections from the New York State School Board Journal which dealt specifically with the responsibilities of board members.

State Senator Albert Berkowitz of Granville, Republican representing Washington and Rensselaer counties, was Friday re-named chairman of the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee by Senate Majority Leader Walter J. Mahoney. He was also appointed to committees.

Pawlet: Mettowee Valley Grange No. 373 will have a skating party at Bill Mason's, Saturday night, January 19. After skating, all will meet at the Grange hall for refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

Basketball: Friday night, January 11 the Tomahawks of Corinth downed the Golden Horde of Granville with a score of 53-39. This game made Corinth 3-3 and Granville 1-5 in Northern Conference standings. Al Roberts was high scorer for Granville with 14 points.

Births: a daughter, Mary Ann, to Mr. and Mrs. George Barnes, Hebron; a daughter, Deborah Lynn, to Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Gould, Pawlet, Vermont; a son, John Joseph, to Mr. and Mrs. John Mosher, Granville; a daughter, Susan Lee, to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas McEachron, Bayamow, Puerto Rico; a daughter, Cindy Lee, to Mr. and Mrs. George Holcomb, West Granville.

Weddings: Alice Liebig, North Hebron and Gilbert Rodriguez, Havana and Miami, Florida; Josephine Sabol and Gerald Niazy, both of Warren, Michigan.

Obituaries: Miss Elizabeth Lathrop, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Sarah Taylor Collins, Poultney, Vermont; Miss Clara Eliza Hunt, Poultney, Vermont; Mrs. Espy Hubbard, Pawlet, Vermont; Miss Abbie Hanna, West Hebron; Mrs. Anna Hopkins, Unadilla; Mrs. Margaret H. O'Donnell, Salem; Joseph Billow, Granville; Harris Moore, Granville; Wilbur Gillis, Salem; Edward F. Fitzgerald, Hebron; Charles W. Dillon, Salem; funeral of Patrick Kehoe.

January 19, 1983

Forty Years Ago

David G. Stanton, president of Emma Laing Stevens Hospital, has announced that Granville Masons, F&AM #55, has donated a treadmill to the hospital. The treadmill will be used in the hospital's physical therapy department to rehabilitate both in-patients and out-patients as a non-electrical exercise machine. Mr. Fred Davison is recognized as being instrumental in making the donation possible.

Robert M. Winn, Esq., a Granville attorney, will be the Assistant District Attorney for Northern Washington County as of January 17, 1983. He replaces Frank H. Kingsley, Jr., of Whitehall, who resigned the position to devote more time to his law practice and real estate business.

Middle Granville Elementary School physical education teacher Paul Fish was suspended from work by the Granville school board on Jan. 5, the Sentinel has learned. Neither school board members or Paul Fish himself would comment on the matter.

There may be a foot of snow on the playing fields, but planning for the 1983 Little League season has begun. The organizational meeting will be held on Thursday, January 27, at 7 p.m. in the village rooms on Main Street.

Granville village trustee Wayne William announced this week that he is seeking the Citizen's Party nomination for mayor. The present mayor, Frank Caiazza, is reportedly not seeking reelection.

The Granville town board last Thursday evening made appointments for 1983.

Boys' basketball: St. Mary's came to Granville last Friday evening, and defeated Granville.

Granville's girls basketball team beat SMA of Hoosick Falls Wednesday night by a score of 46-34. Julie Harrington was high scorer leading Granville with 13 points. Sue Luckenbaugh led the Horde to a league win by scoring 25 points against Corinth. The final score of the evening was 48-33.

Births: a son, Scott Matthew, to Mr. and Mrs. William Cahill, Jr., Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Weddings: Deborah Riker, Wells, Vermont and Clarence Gould, Jr., Pawlet, Vermont.

Obituaries: Barbara Treehouse, Granville; Wellend C. "Ken" Cameron, Bennington, Vermont; Thomas H. McDonough, Albany; Barbara K. Taylor, Granville; Howard H. Wheeler, Poultney, Vermont; John Tarasovich, Bridgeport, Connecticut, formerly of Granville.

January 15, 2003

Twenty Years Ago

The search for an agreement to build Granville's long-awaited skateboard park and recreation center hit another bump in the road Thursday, jarring one official, who said he'd had enough of the legal haggling between the town and the village. Town attorney Mike Catalfimo told the town board that a village performed title search of the Little League property was not acceptable, angering town board member Ron Barrett, who heads the commission charged with overseeing the skate park's construction. Catalfimo requested the information from village attorney Martin a month ago and hadn't received a response. Martin said Friday that he expected to call Catalfimo before meeting with Mayor Scott to discuss the issue. Beverly Tatko feels the snag is the fault of the village and not Catalfimo.

Calling the status of the veterans clock on Main Street a "black eye" for the community, Granville town board member Ron Barrett urged town attorney Mike Catalfimo to complete a deal that would give ownership of the faulty timepiece to the town, so a regular maintenance schedule could be developed. The clock has failed to display the correct time for several weeks now. Catalfimo said a deal might not be as easy to make as was first thought.

Thanks to a new operating grant, the Pember Museum of Natural History will continue to offer free admission to Washington County students. The $6,000 grant is from the Washington County Youth Bureau. About 14,000 students came through the museum in 2002, many from outside Washington County.

Hickory Hill MX Park, a one-mile motocross track owned by John and Debbie Thomas of Poultney, Vermont, was recently named "Best Track of the Year" by more than 500 racers in the Central New York Motocross Race Association District 3. The track opened in the summer of 2001.

The Granville town board made its yearly appointments at its reorganization meeting on Thursday. The town also moved ahead with plans to buy and install water meters in the North Granville Water District.

Schuylerville, with only one loss this season, crushed Granville's boys basketball team last week, 65-22, in the Horde's court. Peter Smith netted 11 points. Granville is now 0-4, 1-9 overall.

Granville's girls varsity basketball team won its first Wasaren League game and improved its overall record with a victory over Schuylerville and a non-league win over Warrensburg. Jen Whiting scored 11 points for the Golden Horde, which won 42-32 on the Horses' court. Against Warrensburg, Greta Cosey scored 9 points. Granville is now 6-4.

No births or weddings reported.

Obituaries: Florence Wilkie Breen, Hudson Falls; Cora M. Grenier, Valley Cottage, formerly of Plattsburgh; Wilma C. Saltis, Castleton, Vermont; Rosemary Viger, Wells, Vermont.

From the Files – Week of January 12, 2023

January 10, 1963

Sixty Years Ago

Several residents and property owners in the vicinity of the new school building appeared before the village board Monday evening, at the regular monthly meeting of the board, and requested the board to consider the abolishing of the "One Way" traffic regulation which is now in force at Irvine Place and at a portion of Washington street. The village board decided to leave the regulation as it is now established except that hours are set from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; otherwise the streets may be used both ways. A request was made to change the stop signs at Church street and Potter avenue; the village adopted a resolution making Church street the "through" street and Potter avenue the "stop" street.

President Harold Garrity of the Granville Rotary club has announced that the Rotary club will sponsor a community testimonial dinner for Jonathon Harrington, winner of the Rotary Foundation Scholarship to study at Cambridge, England. The dinner will be held at the Granville Elementary school cafeteria at 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, January 29.

Charles Clark, supervisor of the town of White Creek, was elected chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors for 1963 at the organization meeting of the board last week. Mr. Clark succeeds R. Newton Williams of Granville as chairman. He is the first chairman of the board from the town of White Creek in many years.

The Granville Protestant Youth Fellowship wishes to announce that it willl be holding a paper and scrap metal drive. There will be two days of pickups, which will enable the group to reach everyone. The two days will be January 18 and February 2. The proceeds from this drive will go towards a fund for a trip to New York for the youth group.

The Granville Central Parent-Teacher unit will again sponsor a series of lessons in ballroom dancing for students and for adults. Mrs. John Carmody ("Miss Muvvy"), instructor in past years, had agreed to start lessons on Thursday, January 17, in the G.H.S. gymnasium.

A meeting of the directors of the Chamber of Commerce and the merchants was held Thursday, December 20 in the Chamber rooms. The meeting was well attended and many subjects were discussed.

Middle Granville: Those attending our local school were again remembered at Christmas time by the members of the Penrhyn Engine and Hose Company, who furnished delicious treats of ice cream and cupcakes, which were greatly enjoyed. The pupils and the members of the faculty were very pleased by the thoughtful consideration of the firemen, who can be sure they were very grateful and appreciative.

Personals: Carole Bascom has reentered the senior class in Granville High School after spending four months in Florida. It is expected that Mr. and Mrs. Romaine Bascom and Bobby will return to Granville soon. – Nicholas Seferlis of New York City flew to Miami, Fla., for the Orange Bowl game on New Year's Day.

Basketball: The Indians of Glens Falls defeated the visiting Golden Horde Friday night, with a score of 67-62. This was the Indians first victory in five starts, and Granville's fourth defeat in five starts. Charlie Buckley was high scorer for Granville with 16 points.

Births: a daughter, Nita Mae, to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Hall, Hampton; a son to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Getty, West Hebron; a son to Mr. and Mrs. William Constantine, Virginia.

Weddings: Judy Clarissa Thomas, Bomoseen, Vermont and Daniel R. Durkee, Chittenden, Vermont; Patricia Ann Conety, Granville and Lawrence W. Holcomb, Middle Granville.

Obituaries: Mrs. Bessie (Colvin) Guthrie, Granville; Mrs. Ella G. Roberts, Poultney, Vermont; Mrs. Alida M. Martin, Hartford; Mrs. Ella M. Williams, West Hebron; Michael A. Pagones, Evanston, Illinois; Jay B. Gould, Middle Granville; Charles Steves, Middle Granville; Patrick L. Kehoe, West Pawlet, Vermont; William I. Moore, Granville.

January 12, 1983

Forty Years Ago

The Granville School Board of Education last week approved the date for the vote on the 1983-84 school budget. The school's annual meeting will be held June 7 and the vote by school district residents on the proposed budget will be the following day. The annual meeting will be a forum for school district residents to question school officials on the contents of the budget. Also, on June 8, the terms of three board members end. School Board President Beverly Tatko, and board members Kevin Freed and Don Bink must decide if they want to run again or vacate their seat. In other action, the board received a letter of resignation from high school math teacher Richard Jensen, effective Jan. 31. Coaching appointments were made: Philip Rowe, cross country coach; Mike Emond, junior high cross country; Mike Emond, girls JV softball; Mike Macura, JV baseball.

Preparation for the 9th annual Granville Day in Florida is underway for Sunday, March 6, 1983. The event will be held at the same location as last year which is the picnic area of the Bryant Park on the intracoastal waterway, just before the drawbridge to the Lake Worth Beach.

David G. Stanton, president of the Emma Laing Stevens Hospital, has announced that Larry Andrews of Route 22 in Granville has made a donation to the West Granville facility. Mr. Andrews has donated a slit lamp to the hospital, used for in-depth examination of the eye.

The Vermont Appeals Panel last Tuesday ordered a stay of a December decision to suspend the license of Peter Tashman, an accountant with offices in Rutland, Vt. and Granville, N.Y.

Unemployment in Washington county reached its highest peak in six years, as 2,300 county residents reported being unemployed.

The Penrhyn Engine and Hose Company, Inc., of Middle Granville posts its 1982 fire report.

Granville went to Whitehall last week, where the Maroon crushed the Horde 91-58.

The girls basketball team lost a non-league game to Fair Haven Wednesday night by a score of 47-20. High scorer of the game  was Sue Luckenbaugh with 11 points. Coach Evans had expected the team to play a better ball game.

Births: a son, Kyle William, to Mr. and Mrs. John Shaw, Truthville; a son to Cheryl and Paul Woodruff, Wells, Vermont; a son to Mr. and Mrs. David Sheldon, Santa Monica, California.

No weddings reported.

Obituaries: Irving R. Lemery, West Pawlet, Vermont; Angela May Cardinal, Whitehall; Marilyn E. DeKalb, Granville; Frederick Rollwagen, Sr., Waverly, Ohio, formerly of West Pawlet, Vermont and Granville.

January 8, 2003

Twenty Years Ago

Granville's aging water well field cannot keep up with today's growing demands, the village board was told at their monthly meeting Monday night by Dan Williams, chief water and wastewater plant operator. Williams said it could be a piping problem, or that they are over-stressed by demand. The board authorized spending $1,250 for the first phase of a project that could lead to changes, a study to decide if the well field is in the best location or whether the village should look at other areas for its water supply. The 16 wells in the system were built in 1958; the system has never been expanded.

Mayor Tom Scott said Monday night that he, Assembly Roy McDonald, town supervisor John Cosey, and Washington County director of planning and development Mark Galough, the question of adding the vacated Ames Plaza and nearby Grand Union Plaza to Granville's "Empire Zone" as sites designated to allow special inducements for potential developers; they think it's possible. Scott asked the village board to consider a resolution asking the state to amend the designation to include the plazas, and that the town board would consider it as well; the board took no immediate action.

Two prominent figures at Granville High School will be retiring at the end of the school year, both of them reluctantly. Christopher Ellis, assistant high school principal, and Roger Forando, guidance department director, were granted their retirement requests by the board of education Monday night; both are effective June 30. Both retired due to age requirements in their contracts; they are both 55 and were required to retire or forfeit retirement benefits.

While other snowmobile trails in the area remain silent, the trails in the Granville are open for now. Many clubs have been forced to close their trails because of a clerical error in the fine print of their newly written insurance problems; the policy does not cover snowmobile activities. The Border Riders' trail network will remain open, at least until March 14 when the insurance policy expires.

Retiring guidance department director Roger Forando warned the Granville board of education Monday night that the school dropout rate might increase if the board doesn't soften its stance on attendance. Several board members inquired about using the legal system; Forando said he didn't believe the school district should be arresting parents.

Denise Davies took the reins of the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, and she resolved to get more people involved in the organization.

Raceville: Mrs. Marguerite Tooley held a Christmas celebration at her home on Sunday, Dec. 29, with 23 guests attending. A traditional Christmas dinner was enjoyed and presents were exchanged. As a special surprise a large birthday cake was presented to Marguerite as she was celebrating on Dec. 29 also. Everyone extended Marguerite a happy birthday and best wishes for many more. A very good time was had by all.

Births a son, Noah Christopher, to Chris and Katie Bogart, Gansevoort; a son, Michael Kennith, to Mike and April Smith; a daughter, Claire Elizabeth, to Eric and Tracy Davies, South Burlington, Vermont.

No weddings reported.

Obituaries: Virginia S. Farnum, Bennington, Vermont; Daniel R. Jones, Watertown; Margaret McNelley, Granville; Iva M. Hewitt, Union, South Carolina.

From the Files – Week of January 5, 2023

January 3, 1963

Sixty Years Ago

Senator Albert Berkowitz and his son, Philip A. Berke, have formed a partnership for the practice of law under the firm name of Berkowitz and Berke. Their offices will be located in the Ginsburg building at Granville, N.Y., where Senator Berkowitz has practiced law for the past several years. The offices have been completely renovated and enlarged by the addition of the two rooms formerly occupied by Dr. Lester Browde.

Two major improvements to Route 40 in Washington county are now in the planning stage. One is a bypass of the village of Hartford; the other an extension of Route 40 from North Granville to Whitehall. At present Route 40 ends at the junction with Route 22 in North Granville. The plan is to extend this state highway north to join Route 4 just east of Whitehall.

One of the oldest established businesses in the village of Granville, Haskins Drug Store, at the start of its 82nd year, has been sold by owner H. Gray Haskins to two Glens Falls men, Robert Brown and John Belemjian. They are both registered pharmacists and will take over the ownership and management as of January 7.

The final meeting of the year 1962 was held by the Granville town board the evening of December 28 with all members present. The usual reports were read and approved. Appointments were made for the year.

Christmas Seal returns stand at $10,130.75 as of Christmas day, or 80% of the anticipated goal of $12,500, according to a report by Clifford W. Higley, treasurer of the Health Association of Washington county.

The Duquesne University Tamburitzans of Pittsburgh, Penna., will appear at the Granville High school audtorium on Tuesday evening, January 29 at 8.

Births: a son, Edward Laverne, Jr., to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hayes, Granville village; a son, Bruce Alan, to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Moffit, Wells, Vermont; a daughter, Andrea Marie, to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Resetar, Granville village; a son, Shawn William, to Mr. and Mrs. Donald DeKalb, Granville; a son, Steven Joseph, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Panoushek, Poultney, Vermont; a daughter, Cynthia Hazel, to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lee, Granville; a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Clough, West Hebron; a son, Charles Frederick, to Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kuyack, West Pawlet, Vermont; a son to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Greene, West Pawlet, Vermont; a daughter, Carol Lynn, to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bessette, South Poultney; a son to Mr. and Mrs. Robert White, Hartford; a daughter, Holly Ann, to Mr. and Mrs. Earl Petty, Granville village; a son to Mr. and Mrs. Donald DeKalb, Granville; a son to Mr. and Mrs. William Constantine Jr., Virginia; a son born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stevens, Jr., Middle Granville; a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. William Buckley, Albany.

No weddings reported.

Obituaries: Mrs. Mabel A. Warren, Hampton; Mrs. Alta H. White, Hebron; DeArcy Moore, Argyle, formerly of Granville; Owen R. "Toby" Jones, West Pawlet, Vermont and Rennselaer; Charles Hathaway, Willsboro.

January 5, 1983

Forty Years Ago

Granville Attorney Phil Berke became Judge Phil Berke Saturday in Hudson Falls, as fellow judge John Leary swore him in as Washington County Judge. Berke defeated Democrat John Briggs in November for the post. Berke, a Granville High School and Dartmouth College graduate, told a sizable audience after the ceremony that he promises to be a hardworking and dedicated judge. Berke is a past Washington County District Attorney and Town of Granville Justice of the Peace.

The former Odd Fellows Hall building, a source of controversy for more than a year, is finally being torn down, "brick by brick". The building, which was the center of a debate between the Granville village board, who wanted to demolish the building, and state and national historical societies, who wanted it mothballed, came to a final end only a few weeks ago. A demolition crew started destroying the building last Monday. They will complete the demolition by mid-February.

Lawyers for Peter Tashman, an accountant with offices in Rutland, Vt., and Granville, made a request to the Vermont Appeals Panel Tuesday, Jan. 4, for a stay of a Vermont Board of Public Accountancy decision to suspend Tashman's license until he satisfies certain continuing education requirements. If the Appeals Panel upholds the board's ruling, Vermont courts would be the next recourse. If he is found guilty, the New York State Board of Regents would be notified.

Pawlet: Mettowee Valley Grange will hold their regular card party on Saturday, Jan. 8 at Grange Hall with Charles and Phyllis in charge. Pitch will be played and the game will start promptly at 8 p.m. There will be prizes, and light refreshments served.

Raceville: The Penrhyn Engine and Hose Co. that sponsors the 20 Week Club fund raiser wishes to announce the winners for the 11th week were Theresa Furlo, Earl Parker and Sally Walker.

West Granville: Congratulations and best wishes to Charles Tyler who will be celebrating his 90th birthday this Sunday, January 9th.

Boys basketball: The Hartford Tanagers basketball team won the Granville American Legion Post 323 Christmas Basketball Tournament, defeating the Fort Ann Cardinals 56-48 last Wednesday night, after beating Poultney two nights before. Granville lost to Fort Ann in the first round; in the consolation game, Poultney defeated Granville 58-48.

Girls basketball: On December 28th and 30th the girls' varsity basketball team went to a Christmas tournament in Poultney. Granville played Arlington in the first game by a score of 41-31. Sue Luckenbaugh led the way for the Golden Horde with 15 points. On the second day of the tourney, the Golden Horde fell to Poultney by a score of 43-24. Lisa Crosier and Darcie Hammond led the Horde, sharing 12 points. Poultney finished in 1st place, Granville 2nd, Arlington 3rd and Whitehall 4th.

Births: a daughter, Sarah Marie, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Monego, Wells, Vermont; a son, Matthew Thomas, to Mary and Thomas Monger, West Pawlet, Vermont; a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. David Hague, West Rupert, Vermont.

No weddings reported.

Obituaries: John C. Godlewski, Granville; Helen B. Roberts, Middle Granville; Samuel W. Buxton, Benson, Arizona, formerly of East Poultney, Vermont; Arthur D. McWithey, Wells, Vermont; Arthur E. Bucher, Pawlet, Vermont; William F. Hackett, North Granville.

January 1, 2003

Twenty Years Ago

When the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce Car Raffle began 10 years ago, Jim Roberts bought one ticket. In subsequent drawings, he continued to buy one ticket. His persistence was rewarded Monday when his ticket was drawn from a pool of about 1,500 entries as the grand prize winner of this year's car raffle. Roberts had a choice between five automobiles or $15,000; he chose the money. Ade Stewart of Granville won second prize of $1,000; since she was present it was doubled to $2,000. The third prize of $500, also doubled, went to Cathi Kearsing of Granville. Various games and festivities kept folks entertained and offered them other opportunities to win money. Andy McEachron served as master of ceremonies. Money raised in the raffle will go toward community projects; this year they will be earmarked for lighting at the American Legion Baseball field.

Citing a desire to finish projects that have been or are about to be started, Mayor Tom Scott said Friday that he intends to ask Granville's voters for a third 2-year term in March. He cited projects such as the comprehensive plan, the skate park and the "quarryman" statue as initiatives that he wanted to see through completion. The offices of trustees Frank Caruso and Nancy Bixby will be at stake, as will that of village justice Roger Forando.

While the state says it has an agreement in principle to buy a Main Street building and demolish it to make way for a new bridge in Granville, the building's owner disagreed. Theo Parker states that "they are taking the building from me", but concedes that he expected state Department of Transportation would have the building by September. While his concern isn't about money, when they do purchase the building, he wants a fair market price.

The Granville Police Benevolent Association is selling customized T-shirts to help fund community service projects in the village. Sgt. David Williams said that the shirts cost $15 and can be purchased from any member of the police department. The PBA also hopes to have the shirts available at area businesses such as Scotties' restaurant and gift shop on Main Street.

At a Dec. 23 meeting of the Foothills ATV riders, a newly formed group of all-terrain-vehicle enthusiasts, president James Woodcock spoke to about 20 individuals in Hartford. He stated that the group wants to avoid existing snowmobile trails when it establishes an area network of ATV trails that would stretch from Hartford to Poultney, Vermont.

Frank Caruso was awarded $62,400 in damages stemming from a knee injury he suffered in a fall on the interior stair at the village's post office in November 2000.

Boys basketball: At the 22nd annual American Legion Basketball Tournament, the Lake George Warriors were the champions, winning both of their games. Tournament host Granville fell to Poultney 48-33, on Friday, despite A.J. Scarlotta's 10 points. In the consolation game on Saturday, Burr & Burton beat the Horde beat the Horde, 48-38. Brandon Rathbun led the Horde with 12 points. Granville comes out of the tournament with a 1-6 record. 

The Granville girls basketball team split two games last weekend and finished third at the Burr & Burton Tournament in Manchester, Vermont. On Friday, the Horde fell to Whitehall, 35-26. Jenn Whiting led Granville with 8 points. Granville defeated host Burr & Burton, 34-30 in the consolation game of the tournament Saturday afternoon, improving their record to 3-5 on the season.

No births or weddings reported.

Obituaries: Lorraine J. Brown, Geneva, formerly of Granville; William W. Williams, Middle Granville; Helen Johnson White, Argyle; Jane A. Morris, Granville.

Granville Then & Now – January 26, 2023

Gleanings of happenings in January 1923

By Erik Pekar

There were lots of happenings in the vicinity of Granville in January of 1923, as reported by their correspondents in the personal mention columns in the Jan. 26, 1923 issue of the Granville Sentinel; such columns would today be called “Neighbors” columns. Among the leading items are people visiting and seeing each other, organizations meeting, an epidemic situation of people ill with the “grip,” and students from New York rural schoolhouse districts going to the high schools to take Regents examinations. A sampling of items from area localities is reprinted below.

Poultney: Miss Madeline Butler of Raceville has a position in Barrett’s store – The pupils of the seventh grade enjoyed a sleigh ride to Fair Haven Friday evening. – Harold Douglass of Granville, has been assisting in the express office in the absence of Mr. Kinney.

North Rupert: Miss Emily Paddock of Dorset spent Sunday night at Charles Phillips – Mrs. Sylvester Harrington was a guest of Mrs. Angie Gallup one day last week. – Miss Sarah Plankey, who has been visiting relatives at Manchester, returned home Monday.

East Rupert: Edward Danforth of Wallingford spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Danforth. – Mrs. C. H. Danforth entertained her Sunday school class and their mothers at her home Friday afternoon. Games were played and refreshments of ice cream, cake and popcorn were served.

South Granville: There will be an entertainment given at the South Granville Congregational Church January 30. The committee in charge is Mrs. W. W. Ackley and Miss Emily Parker. A supper at the church parlors will follow and everyone who can do so is urged to come and support a worthy cause and enjoy a delightful evening of amusement. The admission is twenty cents for adults, ten cents for children.

Hartford: Anolia chapter, O.E.S., will hold a stated meeting this (Thursday) evening in Masonic hall. – Hartford W.C.T.U. will hold its regular meeting Thursday afternoon of next week with Mrs. Jennie Gibson. Topic, Anti-narcotics; leader, Mrs. L.J. Dean. – The Misses Hazel Griffin, Mabel Fowler, Gertrude and Edna Whittemore of Adamsville, Are rooming at Mrs. Washburn’s during their stay for regents examinations at the Hartford school this week.

Hampton: Ray Warren was confined to the house a few days the past week with a cold. – Miss Marjorie Casey of Rutland, spent the weekend at Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Warren’s. – Helen Stoksky and Lillian Gates were here this week taking regents examinations in the grammar room.

Low Hampton: Mrs. George Babcock spent Tuesday at Walter Howard’s. – Mrs. Frank Eaton was called to Salem recently by the illness of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Byron Eaton. – S. D. Barber lost a valuable cow a few days ago. About two months ago he lost a young horse and his friends sympathize with him in his misfortune.

Fort Ann: Mrs. Charles Parker is suffering from an attack of grip. – The Baptist prayer meeting was omitted Wednesday owning to the illness of the pastor, Rev. C. A. Johnson, and others who usually attend. – Mrs. Sadie Holman, who was taken seriously ill during Christmas week, is beginning to sit up a little. Mrs. Mabel Clark of Whitehall is still caring for her. Mrs. Holman’s son, Rollin Thomas, was here from Albany to see her last week.

North Hebron: Among those taking the regents examinations in Granville this week are Florence Hill, Lila Mills and Cecil Hicks. – Julius Woodard returned from Albany Tuesday evening after passing a few days with his daughter Ruth at the Albany hospital. – A party of over fifty people passed a very pleasant time at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Temple White Friday evening. Mr. and Mrs. White are about to move to Granville, where he has a position in the Farmers’ bank. Their friends regret their departure from this place.

South Hartford: Edward Gibson passed Tuesday in Hudson Falls. – The milk from this vicinity is now going to the Glens Falls Dairy company, while the roads are so bad. – The eighth grade of our school is engaged in taking regents examinations at the Hartford high school this week.

West Hartford: Children from our districts are trying regents examinations in Hartford this week. – Fred Taylor of Greenwich, was a week-end guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Taylor. – Ruth Huggins has resumed her school work in Pawlet after a week’s vacation with her parents.

West Hebron: Regents examinations were held this week at the high school. – Several relatives from this place attended the funeral of Mrs. Phoebe Campbell last Saturday at Shushan. – Miss Emma Hay, assistant teacher at the school, has resigned her position and her place has been filled by Miss Kathryn Fay.

Truthville: Grip is quite prevalent and the doctors report it as taking different forms. – The friends of John J. Wing will be pleased to know that he is improving in mind and body at his home in Yonkers, New York – The ice harvest was crippled by the recent thaw, which moved the ice over the dam. Now another crop is looked for as it is nearly six inches thick. V.W. Race has cleaned the snow from a portion of the dam.

West Pawlet: Men have been busy harvesting ice for Hood’s creamery and Fayen’s creamery. – Mrs. Albert Roberts of Granville, recently visited her niece, Mrs. Barden Nelson. – Mrs. Kenneth Glines and daughter Virginia of Albany, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Rogers. – Jennie Mullen of Rupert, who attends the West Pawlet high school, was taken to the Cambridge hospital Friday to be operated on for appendicitis.

North Granville: The Misses Irene and Mary O’Donnell called on Mrs. Jennie Stoddard at Mrs. Howard Carpenter’s Sunday afternoon. – The W.C.T.U. held a meeting with Mrs. Colburn Wednesday afternoon of last week.

Hillsdale: Frank Sheehan visited friends in Cossayuna Tuesday. – Mr. and Mrs. Horace Bush have moved to the Myron Bennett farm. – Miss Henrietta Smith of Albany, passed the week-end at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brodie Smith.

Raceville: Mrs. J.E. Jones is confined to the house with grip. – N.H. Jones of Poultney, called at C.W. Race’s Tuesday. – Mrs. Henry Park and little daughter of Middletown are visiting at Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Lobdell’s.

State Road: Evelyn Roberts spent Saturday in Granville. – Guests at Roy Parker’s recently were Mr. and Mrs. Lavery and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Thomson and daughter. – Florence Sweet substituted for Elizabeth Griffith at the Quaker street school Monday on account of the illness of the latter. – Anthony McDonough took a load of young people to North Granville Tuesday evening to attend the large grange affair. There were twenty-five in the load.

Middle Granville: Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Thomas and daughter of Hoosick Falls, spent Friday last with his mother. – The many friends of Miss Florence Malampy, who is at the Albany City hospital, will be glad to learn that she is making a good recovery and it is expected that she will soon be able to return home.

Slateville: Several from here attended the party at Mr. and Mrs. Temple White’s Friday evening. Mrs. William Moore of Cavendish, Vt., was a recent visitor at the home of her sister, Mrs. Henry Clayton.

East Poultney: Mrs. William Landry, who has been ill, is better. – William Lake of Middletown, was a week-end guest of Phillips Wescott. – Fred Carlton attended the Farm Bureau meeting and Sugar Makers banquet in Rutland recently.

Slyboro: C.T. Hicks is in Ballston this week. – C.T. Hicks made a business trip to Salem Saturday. – Miss Mary Norton spent Saturday with Mabel Merithew. – Arthur Hicks is confined to the house with the prevailing epidemic.

Porter: Farmers have begun their ice harvest. – Most of our grip victims are now convalescent. – The Misses Dorothy Allen, Jennie Morehouse and Marion Doubleday of district No. 14 have been trying regents examinations at Salem this week.

Next week, other news Items of the Jan. 26, 1923 issue will be recalled, including items in the local and personal mention columns for the Village of Granville.

Granville Then & Now – January 19, 2023

Banks and basketball big news in 1923

By Erik Pekar

Last week in “Granville Then and Now,” and in the Jan. 12, 1923, issue of the Granville Sentinel, previews were given of two basketball games, both to be held at Corinthian Hall in Middle Granville. One of them, the Granville town team vs. the St. Mary’s All-Stars; the other, between the Granville Post of the American Legion’s “married men” and “single men” teams. Both games’ results were reported in the Jan. 19, 1923, issue, and again below.

The result of the town team vs. St. Mary’s game was received too late to be included when last week’s paper went to press, and so it appeared this week; it was a well-fought win:

“Rivalry unsurpassed and frenzied enthusiasm ruled supreme in Corinthian Hall last week Thursday night, when the challenging St. Mary’s basketball team met the Granville town team and went down to defeat before them in the most exciting and most interesting game that was ever played between two local teams. The score was 19-13.

“To most of the spectators the game was a revelation, as everyone present with very few exceptions came to see the Granville town team mop the floor and dust the Corinthian Hall basketball court with Tommy O’Brien’s Shamrocks. The regular Granville team too looked for a walk away and were somewhat surprised to see the Shamrocks holding them to a close score. No mistake should be made as to which is the better team. The regular Granville team was all there as they have been all this season, they played their usual excellent game, and to the basketball game followers they were the choice from the go.”

It was also noted that Harry McCarthy of Poultney was referee and Morris Rote-Rosen was timekeeper and scorer.

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The American Legion’s married vs. singles game had an even closer result, as reported by Morris Rote-Rosen in his American Legion column:

“With Mike Minogue, last year’s hero, sitting on the sidelines and sympathizing with his co-sufferers, the married men of the Granville post went down to defeat to the single fellows, in the scheduled basketball game which was played on the Corinthian Hall basketball court Friday night with the score of 6-2.”

Time has its way of changing things, especially over a century, and we note those changes again. St. Mary’s Academy of Glens Falls survives, albeit merged with St. Alphonsus’ academy. The academy also had a high school and with it athletic teams. Once a common opponent on the wooden courts, diamond and gridiron, St. Mary’s has not fielded any of these teams in decades, as their high school was discontinued after the 1984-85 school year.

As for the Legion’s basketball game, such programs were common among the World War I charter members of the Granville Post. All those members have long since gone to their reward. If one attempted to put on either game today, one would run into difficulties, among them finding a sponsor, and finding interested players. Even if players could be found to place two teams of quints on the court, it is likely that few would watch a basketball contest of local adults playing each other. Such a situation is nothing new; by the late 1940s the area semi-pro basketball teams were already seeing dwindling attendance numbers, and by the 1960s the teams had long since gone defunct.

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An intriguing news item appeared in Morris Rote-Rosen’s American Legion column of Jan. 19, 1923: “Again there is talk about securing a clubhouse and rooms for the Granville Post. It was talked somewhat the past year but nothing definite was done about the matter. The fact that it is being brought up again may mean the acquisition of some kind of a clubhouse for the local Legionnaires during the present year.” Talks would be made within a year with the Granville Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers), but they did not go through. The Granville Post of the Legion would have to wait until the 1940s before they would get their own “clubhouse,” on Columbus Street.

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The reorganization of Granville’s banking institutions for 1923 and election of new directors and officers were reported in the Jan. 12, 1923, issue of the Sentinel. Granville then had three banks; the Farmers’ National Bank, the Granville National Bank, and the Washington County National Bank. All of the bank elections occurred on Jan. 9, with the exception of the Granville National Bank directors’ election of officers for 1923, which was held Jan. 11.

The Washington County National Bank’s stockholders elected for directors Arthur H. Morrow, George H. McDonald, M. F. Roberts, Frank Beecher, Daniel D. Nelson, John M. Hulett, Simeon M. Rising, Patrick J. Cullen, Michael J. Hayes, M. Waite Hicks and Lee F. Phelps; the directors then elected for officers: president, M. F. Roberts; vice president, Lee F. Phelps; cashier, D. D. Nelson; assistant cashier, Anna Williams; teller, Thomas J. Glines.

The Farmers’ National Bank’s stockholders elected for directors F. T. Pember, H. J. Stevens, F. C. Sheldon, R. E. Warren, J. E. Norton, E. R. Norton, D. R. Haskins, John H. Pember, J. H. Andrus and T. D. Townsend; the directors the reelected the same officers: president, F. T. Pember, vice president, H. J. Stevens; cashier, John H. Pember; assistant cashier, J. R. Stevens; teller, Roy I. Williams.

The Granville National Bank’s stockholders elected for directors D. D. Woodard, Robert O. Owens, W. A. Tenney, S. E. Everts, R. G. Hayes, O. P. Munson and D. J. Evans; two days later, the directors elected for officers: president, D. D. Woodard; vice presidents, Robert O. Owens and O. P. Munson; cashier, D. J. Evans; assistant cashier, Miss Lillian M. Conant.

Two of the banks closed in the early 1930s, from the effects of the bank runs in the early years of the Great Depression. The third bank, the Washington County National Bank, merged with a Glens Falls bank. Through later corporate bank mergers it has a descendant firm today, TD Bank, which operated its branch on Main Street until it was closed several years ago in favor of a drive-thru location.

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A new branding effort has been unveiled for a Poultney business. Taps Tavern, 158 Main St., was renamed on Jan. 3 as the Poultney Pub. The change was effected by Whitney VanBuren, the proprietor of this popular Poultney establishment, who has owned it since April 2021. The business has had other names before. The new branding of the Poultney Pub was designed by Abigail Stone Designs and the new sign was designed by Danny Lang. VanBuren noted in a release on the rebranding that the new name is “a celebration of place” and that “there is only one Poultney”. Best of luck to the Poultney Pub on the rebrand.

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Since the last time we made note of prospective spaces for businesses on Granville’s Main Street, last August, the landscape has changed somewhat. Of the two storefronts that were available for rent, neither are available now; one is now occupied by an operating business. 23 Main St., which had for sale signs in the window until recently, is no longer available; the signs and window covers were recently removed, and records indicate that the building sold last summer. The 20 Main St. building has had a price drop again to $90,000. This was most recently Morse’s, and for many years prior had been the famed Scotties. Most of the equipment from Scotties and Morse’s has been removed from the building, so it is a “clean slate” for a new business to start from. Hopefully, Granville may have some new businesses open in these buildings in the near future; they would be welcomed by the community.

Granville Then & Now – January 12, 2023

Granville legend John ‘Hector’ Norton turns 99

By Erik Pekar

New Year’s Eve was warm with temps in the 40s and a light drizzle of rain. By the evening a fog appeared, dissipating overnight. New Year’s Day was sunny for much of the day, temps reaching into the high 40s. The warmer, milder weather stayed around last week. Our optimistic weather “prediction” turned out right; the start of 2023 was neither chilly-cold, nor were deluges of rain pouring from the skies like on New Year’s Day of 1923 or in early January of 1998.

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Yearly reorganizing and elections of officers were of the order this time a century ago, as attested on the front page of the Jan. 12, 1923 issue of the Sentinel. The Granville Post of the American Legion held its annual meeting Tuesday and chose the following officers: commander, Paul R. Manchester; vice commander, Morris Rote-Rosen; adjutant, William E. Roberts; treasurer, Arthur J. Williams. Michael T. Minogue, Harold E. Paul and Patrick G. Tierney were chosen for the executive committee.

Some organizations had yet to hold their meetings as of the Jan. 12 issue. The Mettowee Lodge, No. 559, I.O.O.F. (Odd Fellows) was to hold their special meeting on Friday night; the officers had been elected but not installed yet. Mettowee Grange was to install their officers on the next Monday night, and its leaders asked “if all members in arrears will kindly pay their dues it will assist the secretary in straightening up the books for the past year.”

Of the organizations above, none exist today save for the Granville Post of the American Legion, which recently reached the centenary mark. The Mettowee Lodge of Odd Fellows, the Mettowee Grange, and other named groups such as the Granville Masonic Club, the Women’s Guild of Trinity Church, and the Granville Poultry Association, have all gone defunct.

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Basketball was also in the conversation, in the same dated issue: “The Granville high school basketball five easily defeated a five made up of Rutland high school players on the community hall basketball court last week Friday, score 45 to 21. Granville had the game its own way all the time. The Rutland boys put up a good game but were outclassed. During the last part of the game, Coach Hodgkins had his entire second team on the floor opposing the Rutland players, but the latter seemed just as helpless against the second team, the only difference was that the players of the second team could not score with as much ease as the first-string men. The (scoring) honors were evenly divided between Hugh Williams, Kenneth Norton and Bishop Vail. ‘Bish’ has the makings of a star for G.H.S. He is improving with every game and goes through seemingly hard plays with ease. While the G.H.S. players won easily they missed the support of ‘Jim’ Evans who was out of the lineup and who expects to be restored to good standing for the next game.”

Semi-professional games had also piqued the interest of the local fans. Two of them were coming up, both to be staged at Corinthian Hall court in Middle Granville. One of them, the Granville town team vs. the St. Mary’s All-Stars, was actually held the night before the dateline of the paper. Its door money was to have 50% be “given to the American Legion Auxiliary for the general fund of the Granville town tablet memorial of the World War.” The other game was to be between the Granville Post of the American Legion’s “married men” and “single men” teams.

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Basketball is still of local interest for high school athletes and their fans and supporters, as can be evidenced by the crowds at their games. Semi-professional basketball, on the other hand, has gone the way of such things as rural professional baseball, cigar store newsrooms, soda counters, and barbers that also shave. The name of Coach Hodgkins will draw a blank for many, even those who are well versed in Granville’s athletic history. Hodgkins was one of a few long-forgotten physical education teachers and coaches at Granville High School during a period of several years where such programs existed prior to the hiring of Sam Eppolito in 1926. Middle Granville’s Corinthian Hall was the top floor of the Middle Granville Union School building, an iconic building in “Middle” in its time but torn down in the 1970s when old school buildings were seen only as run down “fire traps” and not as buildings viable for renovation or restoration.

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A Granville legend will celebrate his birthday tomorrow, Jan. 13. John “Hector” Norton will turn 99 on Friday. Many of Granville’s “long-timers” will know him as part owner of the Wilson’s clothing store, which operated on Main Street for many years, as well as his civic involvement with such organizations as the Granville Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Chamber of Commerce. Best wishes that he will enjoy the day, and hopefully a small get-together will be held to celebrate the occasion. We wish “Hector” a Happy Birthday, and many happy returns of the day.

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The relocation of the Granville town offices to the new town building has been completed. The building was purchased by the town in late 2021, with renovations following. Most of the town offices and files were relocated at the end of April 2022; May 2 was the first day open at the new building. Some items remained; these were moved later. Over three days within a week, on Dec. 19, 20, and 22, the town highway department moved to the new building the collections, files, and archives of the Granville town historian; this was the last of the town offices in the old building. With moving completed, the old town building has been completely vacated by the town of Granville. The town first occupied the building as lessees in March of 1964 and bought the building in October of 1973. A span of primary occupation of 58 years and a month, and of just over 49 years of ownership.

The old town hall building was declared as surplus and was placed for auction in November, on the same website used by Washington County for foreclosed property auction. The winning bid of $61,000 was made by someone from the New York City area who contemplates using the building for office space. The transfer of ownership was projected to take place around the start of this year. Congratulations to the Town of Granville on completing the big move to the new building and selling the old building. Best wishes to the new owner; may their plans be successful.

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Main Street for the past few weeks has been illuminated by the pleasant glow of Christmas lights. From the decorative building-outline lights to the strands strung on wires above the street, down to the colorfully lighted Christmas trees, the street is in tune with the season. Over the Christmas week, Christmas music emanated from speakers set up in front of the post office building. Several of the storefronts were decorated, to varying degrees, some more elaborate than others, all getting into the spirit of the Christmas holiday season.

With Christmas now behind us, the end of the Christmas holiday decorations is near. The lights in Veterans Memorial Park and other Christmas decorations put up by the Village DPW and the village volunteers, will be shut off on Monday, Jan. 15; the decorative building outline lights on many of the village business buildings will be turned off around that time as well. The decorations put up by many people in the Granville area made the nights and all showed the Christmas spirit. A big thank you goes out to everyone who decorated for the Christmas holiday season.

Granville Then & Now – January 5, 2023

1923 arrived in ‘torrents’ of rain

by Erik Pekar

Happy New Year to the Granville area! 2023 has arrived. With 2022 now behind us, let’s briefly look back on the good things that happened during the year: the reopening of the Haynes House of Hope in January … the announcement of the Granville Community Foundation reaching its $1 million fundraising goal for 2021 … the Hartford varsity girls basketball team winning the Section II Class D championship title in March, and making it to the state semi-finals … Granville’s town offices move to their new building … the annual Town Wide Yard Sale … the start of road work and improvements … the Memorial Day parade … the relocation of the Route 22 Farmers Market … the return of the Penrhyn Car Show in Middle Granville … the school year meeting its end at graduation ceremonies, held in the traditional “normal” form … the fireworks show commemorating Independence Day.

Continuing into July: new playground equipment at the Granville Elementary School … new crosswalk curb ramps on Main Street … the completion and opening of Poultney’s Slate Quarry Park … Granville gets mentioned in another regional newspaper … the creation of the Granville Ladybug Garden … the start of the Granville-Whitehall football merger … the Granville Community Days held in early September, with the dinner program on Friday and the carnival type event on Saturday … the Autumn Leaves Car Show … the revelation that an Amazon “last mile package center” is coming to Granville … Granville-Whitehall football wins its first game as a merged team … the Granville Baptist Church’s 140th anniversary of its edifice … the finishing of the final touches on the new Church Street bridge … new concrete sidewalk sections on Quaker Street … a lively, civilized Halloween night in Granville … the Veterans Day parade … the Festival of Trees … the annual tree lighting ceremony … Granville Lighted Tractor Parade … all the nice Christmas holiday decorations around the Granville area.

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Christmas Day in the Granville area was quiet. There were fewer cars on the road than usual, people having already reached their destinations for the day. Families were gathered for the occasion, eating the Christmas meal, and perhaps exchanging presents as well. The sun was shining all day, with the temps reaching the high 20s, and little wind. Businesses honored the day as well; most were closed, with only Chapman’s, Cumberland Farms and Stewart’s remaining open.

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Another historic moment took place in Granville on Dec. 1. This was the night of the first two matches of the first-ever Granville girls’ wrestling team. Several schools have started such a program this year; until now it has never been attempted in the area. Close to a dozen Granville girls expressed interest and are on the team for its inaugural season. Granville won the first match against Watervliet, during which McKenna McKnight won the first victory. The second match was lost to Salem-Cambridge. Best of luck to the new program.

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An advertisement in the Jan. 5, 1923 issue concerned vehicle storage: “We are now prepared to store automobiles by the month or season. it is better to run a car into a warm place while in town than to take chances on a frozen radiator. We have such a warm fireproof garage at a nominal charge. Gasoline and air inside out of the weather. Drive in from the street level, directly onto our main floor. We will take care of your wants. Just leave it with your orders, whatever they may be. We do the rest. – Granville Motor Sales Co., L. A. Rathbun.”

The idea of storing one’s transportation device out of the weather was not a foreign one in the early years of the automobile. A similar concept had been known for years as the livery stable, where one kept their horse and buggy when in town. The livery workers would have fed the horse and fixed up the buggy, just as “Lou” Rathbun and his employees would have serviced the automobile entrusted to be stored by them. Advancements in automobile design, as well the shelter of home car garages, made such a service as provided by Rathbun obsolete.

As for the Granville Motor Sales building, it was on North Street just north of Main Street and was later known as the Mettowee Garage. It was torn down in the early 1970s by the First National Bank of Glens Falls to make way for their new bank building for their Granville branch, which closed several years ago, by then a branch of TD Bank. The building is now set to become the home of Land Craft Wellness.

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Granville entered 1923 with a downpour of rain. The Jan. 5, 1923 issue of the Sentinel noted: “New Year’s day in Granville was a quiet one. The banks were closed and the stores pulled off the same stunt at noon. Jupiter Pluvius furnished amusement for old and young in the way of a regatta which set a premium on rubber boots and umbrellas. The chief of the rainmakers began making preparations late in the afternoon of the last day of 1922.

Rising temperatures and an overcast sky augured rain and it came late Sunday evening in a spring like downpour. Throughout the night the rain came in torrents melting a portion of the foot of snow which fell last week and flooded field and highway. Monday morning residents awoke to gaze upon a mist-enshrouded 1923 upon roofs which Sunday had been hidden beneath white blankets – bare and glistening in the January rain.

“The rain continued throughout the day until streets were almost impassable. The snow, melted and softened by the deluge, became more deeply rutted by every passing vehicle, then dissolved to join the enlarged streams flowing at each roadside. Depressions in the road were quickly filled and assumed the proportions of small lakes. Walking was almost an impossibility.

“The mercury, which had run the whole gamut of thermometrical emotions during the week, from 20 degrees above zero to 20 below, making the round trip several times, wearied of the lower regions Sunday and took a trip up the tube, arriving at a maximum of 44 degrees above zero Monday.

“It was a real but rather premature thaw and just what the county needed for wells and streams were short of water and many farmers were worrying about a supply of aqua pura for their stock. Just to show people that such a thing was possible, the Mettowee river went on a rampage and furnished a “wash-day” for the filthy banks in the village. The (proverbial) ‘oldest inhabitant’ does not recall such a deluge of water as swept down the river Monday afternoon. The ‘thaw’ certainly has relieved the water shortage.

“Other than flooding cellars the thaw caused no damage about town. The railroad near Rupert was submerged and the evening train was delayed an hour.”

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Another deluge of rain came through the area some 75 years later, on the week of Jan. 8, 1998. More than three inches of rain fell in as many days in the Granville area. The Mettowee River and Indian River overflowed their banks in places. The village sewer system was infiltrated by storm water. The parking lot at the Granville McDonald’s turned into a pond, with several inches of standing water. No damage was reported on town roads. In any case, the writer of the 1923 article would have agreed with the idea that “Jupiter Pluvius” returned in January 1998 to furnish Granville with “amusement” once more.

On the other hand, the weather was more of the regular entering 1948, and was particularly chilly entering 1973. Hopefully 2023 is starting off mild, with neither chilly temps nor deluges of rain.