Curious Bits in Sullivan County History 

May 7, 1912; Sullivan County Democrat

The Erie Railroad observed its eightieth birthday anniversary on Wednesday, having been chartered April 24, 1832, although the line was not completed and opened to traffic until nearly ten years later. Originally built by English capital, the career of the Erie has been marked by many vicissitudes. Some of the most exciting chapters in the history of the road was furnished by the speculative operations of the late Jay Gould. Since the present controlling powers took hold of the company, several years ago, the road has done remarkably well from every viewpoint. So wonderful has been the rejuvenation that the thousands of stockholders believe the day is not far distant when dividends may be forthcoming on their holdings.

May 3, 1912; Liberty Register

The trustees of the Mountaindale school district on Tuesday of last week closed a contract with William Heldingsfielder and N. Soldwedel of Hoboken, N.J., for a new school building to cost $4,675

The new structure will be 31x60 feet, with an extension of 31x27 feet and will contain three class rooms 25x30 feet, complete heating and ventilating plant. The building will be one story high.

The plans were drawn by N. Soldwedel, architect, who also drew the plans for the Livingston Manor National Bank.

April 26, 1912; Liberty Register

One of the most destructive fires visiting Liberty for some time occurred Tuesday forenoon when the Swannanoa, one of the largest summer hotels in the village was practically destroyed.

The fire alarm was given at 9:40 and as the people rushed into the streets, the answer that came in response to the question, where is the fire? Was the Swannanoa

The fire companies responded immediately and in an incredibly short time the three companies were on the scene and working strenuously to check the flames. The building which is at the corner of Buckley Street and Champlin Ave., on very high ground and the water pressure was not sufficient to do the effective work that might have been done under more favorable conditions.

The wind was blowing a terrific gale and was a great handicap to the firemen in their work, although the flames seemed to be checked rather than increased by its severity.

When the firemen reached the building the entire upper portion was ablaze and the flames were coming from the roof nearly the entire length. It was necessary to carry the hose up ladders and fight the fire in this way and too much praise cannot be given the firemen and fire chief Wells for the effective work done by them…

It was a four story wooden structure 40x106 feet, having an annex 28x36 feet and at the time it was built is said to have cost $27,000. It was furnished throughout and accommodated from 100 to 140 people, there being 61 sleeping rooms in the main building.

April 25, 1912, Livingston Manor Times

As train 32, A. Richmyer conductor, passed over Gerow’s crossing, south of Liberty, on Saturday night, the forward trucks of a boxcar jumped the track and ran over ties a distance of half a mile, splintering and breaking them badly.

The train was brought to a standstill about 200 feet from the high bridge that spans the valley of the Mongaup at Ferndale. The fact that no serious wreck occurred was due to the couplings holding fast and not breaking.