Week of October 16
October 14, 1876 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
A DELIGHTFUL RESIDENCE
There are very few residences in this county or any other that can boast of a more delightful location than the new one now in course of erection for Mr. John J. Lawrence, at Sparkill. Situated on a pleasant elevation, with its front facing Sparkill village, it commands a fine view of the picturesque little Sparkill valley, with green hills, adorned now with autumn’s beautiful tints, rising to a respectable altitude on either side. On the north from this place the eye takes in the long range of hills which continue to the upper part of our county, and on the south and southeast it rests upon a scene which possesses all the beauty that makes out-of-door nature attractive. Almost at the feet of this lovely residence are the Sparkill station and the post office, which form a scene of activity at different hours during the day. The dwelling itself is a model of fine architecture and has been planned by a wise head. in good taste. It is now all enclosed and rapidly approaching completion, and we can congratulate Mr. Lawrence already upon its beautiful appearance even in its present unfinished state. When it is fully completed, and furnished and occupied by Mr. Lawrence, we are sure the occupant will have a place where he could easily pass a century in solid and pure enjoyment, if he should be so fortunate as to live that long.
October 15, 1926 – 100 YEARS AGO
Nyack Evening Journal
OPENING OF DEER SEASON FINDS ALL SPORTSMEN READY---Many Nyack Hunters Have Already Left for Adirondack Where New Season Opens Today---Others Prepare for Invasion of Gamey Sections Tomorrow
Nyack, Oct. 15---Although the hunting season on small game has been open for the past few weeks, disciples of Nature in Nyack and Vicinity today were engaged in oiling and over hauling equipment, buying ammunition, and generally preparing for today's opening of the deer season in the Adirondacks and the partridges, squirrel and rabbit season hereabouts.
Veteran hunters and novices alike were scanning the hills and sniffing the odors of burning leaves borne through the haze over the hills. The red gods of the forest and chase have called and this morning the dawn was greeted with a salute by ride and shotgun and the aerid [sic] odor of smokeless powder will be abroad in the land.
Several hunting parties will leave for the Adirondacks tomorrow afternoon.
October 13, 1976 – 50 YEARS AGO
Our Town
LIBRARY LOOKS TO AUCTION FOR EXTRA MONEY
[Image: Alfred Bristol, Carol Klein and Cathy Lorentz show some of the items to be sold at the Tappan Library Auction, Donations are still being sought of saleable items. Library hopes to raise $5,000, Our Town News]
When the final hammer falls on the last item to be auctioned Monday, October 18, staff members and supporters of the Tappan hamlet library hope the receipts will total $5,000 - or close to it.
That's how much the library needs to meet the rising cost of book acquisition, heat, and light for their historic building in the hamlet center, and other expenses.
"We want to continue our present level of services," explains Mrs. Eleanor Ackerson, director of the library. "And the only way we can do this is by raising money."
John Edelmann, assistant vice-president of the world-famous New York auction firm of Sotheby Park Bernet will be lecturer and auctioneer for the library. At 7:30, Edelmann, an expert on oriental rugs will speak on the topic, using some of his own prized rugs to illustrate his remarks.
The auction will start immediately afterward at the William O. Schaeffer School.
The library is looking for donations of items to be auctioned, such as jewelry, household items, art objects, books, "or any item, functional or artistic,” says Mrs. Ackerson. Items sold are tax deductible for the donor, at the selling price.
Mrs. Ackerson advises that furniture items, because of limited space available, cannot be accepted. For those who cannot deliver their donations to the library, pick-up service can be arranged by calling the library, Alfred Bristol or Cathy Lorentz.
This Week in Rockland (#FBF Flashback Friday) is prepared by Clare Sheridan for the Historical Society of Rockland County. © 2026 by The Historical Society of Rockland County. #FBF Flashback Friday may be reprinted only with written permission from the HSRC. To learn about the HSRC’s mission, upcoming events or programs, visit www.RocklandHistory.org or call (845) 634-9629.
