By Matt Youngfrau
HURLEYVILLE — July 10, 2001 – In the early 1800s, Sullivan County was mostly farmland, but over time, the eastern end blossomed with hotels and resorts. Part of that evolution was caused by the railroads, and all of it was celebrated on Sunday as the Sullivan County Historical Society held a Town of Fallsburg 175th Anniversary Day at the Sullivan County Museum in Hurleyville.
"I am sorry it's only for one day," commented Legislady Leni Binder, who represents the area on the county legislature.
Binder was among the many to have a table displaying Fallsburg memorabilia.
"They should try to do it again for a longer period of time. It is nice to see the desire for everybody here to share the past," she said.
Others with displays included Fallsburg Building Inspector Allan Frishman, Sullivan County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Tim Hill, and local novelist Irwin Richman.
Each hamlet represented had old photos and items to detail their rich history. Old dresses, postcards, advertisements, hotel brochures, and railroad spikes were among some of the featured items that brought nostalgia to many at the event.
"I remember the area by Old Falls," longtime Fallsburg resident Joel Bakal reminisced. "You couldn't walk for all the cars and couldn't drive for all the people."
A slide presentation was also shown regarding how the railroads changed the town.
"There is rich history in our town," Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Levine remarked. "It is wonderful to see such a big turnout. It shows that the spirit of our community is alive."
Well over 50 people came out to share in the memories. Besides Fallsburg officials, all three Sullivan County legislators that represent Fallsburg – Binder, Jodi Goodman, and Bob Kunis – made it a point to attend the well-received event.
"Fallsburg still looks good for being 175," event organizer and town historian Judy Magie stated. "It took a lot of time to get all this stuff gathered."
She mentioned that all who helped to organize the event did so on a volunteer basis.