Interesting family facts from Obituaries - Thomas Jefferson Austin

 

Interesting family facts from obituaries.

 

In researching Stratford families I came across an obituary for Thomas Jefferson Austin a Stratford resident. Thomas passed away in March of 1894. at the age of 86. Despite being an obituary for Thomas the article also provided family history. What I found interesting was the description of the personal traits of the Austin boys. 

 

"The Austin boys were quite above the average size, possessed great physical power and some of them were marvels of mathematical ability." 

 

This article also provide insight in both the hardships of the family and the family accomplishments.

 

 

The court case of the People vs Henry Cool Et All

 

The court case of the People vs Henry Cool Et All 

 

In 1885, the Forest Commission was established to protect land in the Catskill and Adirondack mountains. This commission raised a case against Stratford Resident Henry Cool for trespassing and cutting down trees in a lot in Jerseyfield. The trial, held on October 17th,1887, addressed issues related to tax assessment, property occupancy and the state takeover due to nonpayment of taxes. Mr. Cool, who did not own the property, claimed he had been given permission to cut trees.

 

Through the case it was found that the taxes had not been paid on the property for 3 years and the state took over the property. At that time notice was not required to advise that the state in fact now owned the property.

 

Cool and his associates was charged with cutting down 226 trees at $50.00 per tree for a total of $6,250. A high price even in today’s standards.

 

In a further (pictured) article on November 15, 1887 it was advised that it was an incorrect statement that Mr Cool along with Henry Jones and Samuel Webster had stolen timber. They had in fact bought and paid for the timber from the party who had the deed.

 

 

Stratford Fire Department - Furnishing the new Fire House

 

 

 

 

In 1961 in order to furnish the new Stratford Auxiliary Fire department the Stratford Volunteer Fire Department and Women's Auxiliary held a Variety Shower. A list was made of all items required for the fire house. Each member chose an item and brought it to the event. As always refreshments were served with homemade pie and coffee.

Helterline Store - 1916

 

A picture of the Helterline Store dated 1916.  Located  on what what then would have been Maple Ave., but is now 29A.    David Helterline built this store in about 1895, around the same time that he built his house at the corner of 29A and Piseco Rd.   The store was named D. Helterline & Son when it opened.    In 1898 due to the ill health of David Helterline , the store was transferred to Nicholas Helterline to continue the business.

The Stewart's Landing- The Black Hole

 

 

 

 

In a 1995 interview with Stratford Resident George Lepska, which was conducted by Betty Brown and Karen Gniewek, George Lepska discussed the Stewart’s Landing Black Hole.   George described the location of the Black hole.  The Black Hole is located above the Long Level as it turns toward the bank.   There is a dark stretch of water which they call the Black Hole.   Area legend is that the Black Hole is over 100 ft. deep.