Museum News Archives

[ Home ] [ Directions & Hours ] [ President's Message ] [ Area History ] [ Famous Esopians ] [ News ]
[ Event Calendar ] [ Archives ] [ In Memoriam ] [ Links ] [ Museum Shop ] [ About the Museum ] [ Email Us ]

The News Archives

Strawberry Festival - 2008

Edwin and Ruth Ford
Speaker's Series,
Saturday, April 12, 2008

Robert Selkowitz presented a lecture on Chautauqua Communities at the Museum's
Edwin and Ruth Ford Speaker's Series, Saturday, April 12, 2008. Mr. Selkowitz, an
internationally reknowned artist,
illustrated the talk with many of his own paintings of Chautauqua camps.

Robert Selkowitz, the Edwin and Ruth Ford
Speaker for April 12, 2008 illustrates a point
from a book about the Chautauqua
Communities.

	Roger Mabie Speaker Series for November 10th Museum President Alex Contini (right) presents Jack McGuire with a Certificate of Appreciation. Jack presented his impression of Esopus naturalist John Burrough. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Zogg )
	Jack McGuire shares refreshments with museum members. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Zogg )
	Museum members Herb Wilcox, Bea Moore, Olympia Michaelides and Alex Contini discuss Jack McGuire's talk about John Burroughs. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Zogg )

Veteran's Day 2007

American Legionnaire and Living Historians of the 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance
Squadron form the honor guard as Legion Post Commander Michael Melendy salutes after placing the memorial wreath.

Specialist Robert J. Contini of the 42d (Rainbow) Division Band sounds Taps. Contini has sounded taps on Veteran's day since he was 12 years old.

Michael Melendy Commander of Esopus Post 1298, American Legion, conducts the Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Klyne Esopus Museum.

Legionnaires of Esopus Post 1298 of the American Legion stand ready to fire the 21-gun salute during the Veteran's Day ceremony at the Klyne Esopus Museum.

World War II living historians Daniel Contini, Mario Acosta and Mike Holohan form the color guard as guests listen to Debbie Contini, former commander of the 42d Division Band reads passages for the Veteran's Day Ceremony.

Over 75 people filled the museum for the talk.
Dr. Mabee's book on the subject is to be
published soon.

y S

Dr. Carleton Mabee (right) receives a Klyne Esopus Museum Certificate of Appreciation from museum president Alex Contini for his talk about Father Divine.

2007 Strawberry Social - A Huge Success
"A good time was had by all"

The profits will help the museum operate for the remainder of the year.

Members from left, Dottie Grosso, Bea Moore, Gloria Van Vliet and Chris Mabie review the minutes of meetings held during 2006.	The 2007 Annual Membership Meeting was held at La Mirage Restaurant on January 21st.
Trustee Joanne Steele discusses the slate of officers with Kathy and Robert Berger as Trustee Barbara Barton and members Elizabeth and Bob Shelightner review the list of nominees. Dottie Savaria (far right) pays attention to the speaker.
Treasurer Ralph V. Ellis reports on the good financial health of the Klyne Esopus Museum as Trustees Gloria Van Vliet and Chris Mabie listen intently.
Ulster County Legislators Joan Every and Phil Terpening surprise Museum President Alex Contini (l) with a Pride of Ulster County award

Vincent Destasio and Chef Herb Wilcox prepare the fixings for the 2006 Klyne Esopus Turkey Dinner held at the Port Ewen Reformed Church.

Bea Moore and Wilson Tinney share anecdotes while waiting to be seated at the Klyne Esopus 2006 Turkey Dinner.

Vivian Wadlin, Bob Grieco and Norm Bohan discuss setup for the Klyne's 2006 Turkey Dinner at the Port Ewen Reformed Church.

Klyne Trustee and host for the evening, Chris Mabie, reviews procedures with John Coutant, Ray Rice, Joan Every and Marilyn Coffey prior to seating guests for the 2006 Turkey Dinner.

Firemen's Picnic
at the Klyne Esopus Museum
September 16, 2006

Joanna Mignone collects the tickets and guards the door prizes at the Fireman's Picnic.

"Five alarm" chili, hamburbers and hot dogs were among the offerings enjoyed at the Fireman's Picnic.

Anne Hiller, Ann Gordon and Legislator Alan Lomita enjoy the food and community spirit at the Fireman's Picnic. The picnic was the "exhibit related event" held as part of the 2006 exhibit "First Responders of Esopus."

Ron Naccarato and Jim Elsworth of the Port Ewen Fire Department show off the department's 1928 Sanford Pumper at the Klyne Esopus Museum's Fireman's picnic.

	The 42d Rainbow Division Band Concert in the Park Sunday, August 20th The Klyne Esopus Museum and the Town of Esopus hosted the 42d Rainbow Division Band in Port Ewen for a "Concert in the Park" Sunday, August 20th. Under the direction of Sergeant First Class Kent Birchill, the band played music as diverse as Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies to the Looney Tunes Overture. George Gershwin and Irving Berlin melodies as well as the theme from Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean drifted through the air. The audience included former state legislator Lawrence Bennett, town supervisor John Coutant, town clerk Diane McCord and former town Historian Dorothy DuMond. The band performance was arranged by Klyne Esopus Museum member Debbie Contini who plays clarinet in the National Guard band.
	The 34th Annual Strawberry Festival at the Klyne Esopus Museum June 17, 2006 Members and friends of the Klyne Esopus Museum share stories, food and strawberries under the tent at the 34th Annual Strawberry Festival. Bea Moore (left) chats with Sue and Bob McConekey (right) and their guest at the Strawberry Festival held on June 17th. Cooks/Trustees Herb Wilcox (center) and Joanne Steele (left) share recipes with Klyne Esopus member/volunteer Vinnie Destasio. The Salad Bar in the foreground was a hit. "This land is your land, this land is my land...." The talented children from the Maple Ridge Bruderhof sing American folk songs at the 34th Annual Strawberry festival. Singers from the Maple Ridge Bruderhof entertain guests.
	The Klyne Esopus Museum banner is carried by William Benson in the Town of Esopus Memorial Day Parade
	Local Author Marc B. Fried was the Edwin Ford Speakers Series speaker on April 8th Apr. 8, 2006--Author Marc B. Fried (c) receives a certificate of appreciation from Museum president, Alex Contini (r) and historian Edwin Ford. Marc gave a presentation titled "The nature of local Indian, Dutch and English place names" as part of The Edwin and Ruth Ford Speaker's Series. Visit our gift shop link to see how you can order Mr. Fried's books about the Shawangunks.
	2006 Annual Membership Meeting of the Klyne Esopus Historical Society was held on Sunday, January 22, 2006 At La Mirage Restaurant in Ulster Park We had the largest turnout in years. The agenda included: Presidents State of the Museum Message which will also be available in the newsletter which will be published soon. Since the slate proposed by the nominating committee was not contested, one vote was cast for the returning Trustees and four new Trustees The president opened the meeting to questions and suggestions from the floor. Everyone was pleased with the new venue and agreed to have next years meeting at La Mirage as well.
	Other News: Museum president, Alex Contini, Presents the Noble Family with a certificate of appreciation for refurbishing the Museum's historic marker.
	Long-time members Elizabeth and Robert Shelightner (l) enjoy the 2006 gathering of the membership as Trustee Barbara Barton speaks with 1st Vice president Mary Brechter.
	2nd Vice-president Vivian Wadlin and husband John enjoy a conversation with Museum treasurer Ralph Ellis.
	From left to right, museum members Bea Moore and Debbie Contini join Museum guide Dorothy Savaria and Vinnie DeStasio in reviewing the slate of nominees. Herb Wilcox far right does some last minute campaigning.
	Membership Chairman Peter McGowan (l) enjoys a chat with long-time Museum member Dorothy DuMond. Dorothy setup the Museum's extensive library.
	Trustee Dan Terpening discusses future plans with Museum member Bea Moore. Also pictured are John Wadlin and Trustee Chris Mabie in the background and Tommy Contini in the foreground.

Trustee Herb Wilcox congratulates Bea Moore on her 90th Birthday. Bea remains one of the most active members of the Klyne Esopus Museum. Congratulations Bea!

Arthur Noble (l) and son Spencer show off their handiwork. The Noble family including Simon Noble cleaned and painted the Klyne Esopus Museum's historic marker. The marker, which attracts visitors to the Museum, is no longer maintained by the State.

Roger Mabie Speaker's Series of November 12th 2005 Featured:

Mr. Paul C. Huth
Director of Research
Mohonk Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center
His talk is titled, “A Conservation Success Story at Mohonk—What we have learned and what you can do.”

Museum president Alex Contini (r) presents a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Board of Trustees to Paul Huth for his wonderful talk given as part of the Roger Mabie Speakers Series.

Paul Huth talks about the history of conservation and bio-diversity at the Mohonk Preserve.
Read more about Mr. Huth

The Klyne Esopus Museum hosts the Veteran's Day Ceremony conducted by Town of Esopus Post 1298 of the American Legion. The honor guard under the command of Vice-Commander Dennis Helms included active duty Marine Sergeant Louis Valentino who just returned from Djibouti near Somalia on the horn of Africa.

Every year "on the Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month" America remembers the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I with a tribute to Veterans.

Ira Weiner, Commander of Town of Esopus Post 1298 of the American Legion salutes as Private First Class Robert J. Contini plays Taps for the fallen soldiers. Robert is a member of the 199th Army Band, The Governor's Band.


The Musical Martins perform World War II favorites for the Museum's exhibit related show, MUSIC AT THE FRONT.	The Musical Martins perform on the museum's terrace for the appreciative audience.
Norm Dauerer in his field uniform explains the parts of his restored jeep.	Brad Feil of Ulster Park reenacts a Sergeant in 101st Airborne for the show.
Museum president, Alex Contini presents Mike Holohan with a Klyne Esopus Museum Certificate of Appreciation.

"Brian's Guys", living historians from The Duffle Bag, line up to receive a Klyne Esopus Certificate of Appreciation. From the left is Norm Dauerer, Robert Contini, Daniel Contini, Brad Feil, Ray Rigaud, Mike Holohan and Joel and Renee Gonzalez. Norm and Ray brought their restored WWII vintage vehicles.
The Duffle Bag WWII Living Historians The Duffle Bag WWII living historians or, as they refer to themselves, “Brian’s Guys” take pleasure and pride in presenting accurate representations of military personnel and equipment. Most have several thousands of dollars invested in clothing, personal equipment and vehicles. They come together to keep alive the history of America’s “Greatest Generation.” Under the leadership of Brian Benedict, they attend the WWII encampment at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Estate in Hyde Park and Fall activities at West Point. Many travel throughout the country to attend shows and competitions. Brian’s Guys in attendance are: Norm Dauerer—Major in the 106th Cavalry with his restored Jeep “Vada.” Joel & Renee—An officer with the 106th Cavalry and bride. Bradley Feil—Sergeant, a paratrooper with the 101ST Airborne Division. Alexander F. Contini—Tech Sergeant, a reporter for the Stars and Stripes. Robert J. Contini—Staff Sergeant, a 121st Cavalry medic (Reenacting his grandfather Victor M. Contini of Esopus). Daniel Contini—Sergeant, a 106th Cavalry Trooper. Mike Holohan—Corporal, an infantryman in the Forth Army, European Theater 1944. Ray Rigaud—Private, an Aviation Engineer with his restored WC-1 often called a weapons carrier.

Latest News About The Museum & Our Members ***
MELINDA TERPENING NAMED DIRECTOR OF BEVIER HOUSE MUSEUM Melinda J. Terpening, member and former Vice-President of Klyne Esopus Museum is an Adjunct Instructor in Information Literacy at Ulster Community College. She has been named Director of Bevier House Museum in Marbletown. The Bevier House Museum is operated by the Ulster County Historical Society. Terpening has 15 years of experience in museum operations. From 1991-95 Melinda was director of the Klyne Esopus Museum and from 1993-95, was curator and membership coordinator for the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston. She has also worked at Philipsburg Manor Upper Mills, Tarrytown, another historic site. A graduate of SUNY Albany majoring in English, Melinda also holds a master's in Public History from the same university. ***
Klyne Esopus Museum Treasurer Ralph V. Ellis was recently honored by the Boy Scouts of America as their Dutchess County Citizen of the Year.
***
Klyne Esopus Museum president Alex Contini (l) receives the Dutchess ARC's Frank Pessia Memorial Award from the Dutchess Chapter Secretary Ed Desmond. Alex is the Vice-President of Dutchess ARC.
***
Daniel and Robert Contini, cousins, honor the memory of our fallen soldiers during a Memorial Day Ceremony in Port Ewen. Both are members of the Klyne Esopus Museum.
***

Roger Mabie Speaker's Series Featuring: Robert W. Kress, Aviation Engineer Presented: "Space and Flight" September 10th, 2005 Frank Kurtz of Esopus enjoys a visit with old friend Robert Kress who spoke September 10th at the Klyne Esopus Museum. Mr. Kurtz and Mr. Kress worked in aircraft development at Republic Aviation and Grumman Aviation on Long Island and developed and flew model airplanes together. Mr. Kress spoke of his work on Vertical Take off and Landing prototypes as well as his project management roles on the Lunar Module and the F-14 Fighter. It was the Lunar Module that saved the lives of the astronauts during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. The F-14 became operational in 1973 and is the primary fighter aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan.
***
Steven J. DeSalvo (c), Allstate Insurance representative in the Town of Esopus, presents Klyne Esopus Museum Treasurer Ralph Ellis (l) with a donation from the insurance company. Trustee Dan Terpening (r) a member of the museum's finance committee presents Steven with a Museum Certificate of Appreciation. Mr. DeSalvo applied to Allstate Insurance for the grant.
***
The Klyne Esopus Museum shares its Parker Exhibit with the Alton B. Parker School in Cortland, NY. Parker who lived in Esopus was born in Cortland. Students from the Parker School traveled to Esopus in October 2004 to participate in a celebration of Parker's life and presidential candidacy.

	Exhibiting the Pride of Esopus To Preserve, Interpret and Disseminate the History of The Town of Esopus
	The Klyne Esopus Museum, located in Ulster Park, New York, is housed in a former Dutch country church built in 1827. The museum offers a variety of exhibits about the culture, commerce and history of The Town of Esopus.