Week of September 26

September 25, 1875 – 150 YEARS AGO

Rockland County Journal

AROUND HOME

 ☞  There are some mammoth pumpkins being raised near Mr. Sheppard’s residence, on the Greenbush road. We don’t know whether they are being raised for the Fair or not, but they are monsters. 

 ☞  The Odd Fellows’ excursion to Poughkeepsie came off as per announcement on Wednesday. A good time was enjoyed by those went, but the attendance was not as large as it was hoped it would be. 

 ☞  The suit for the custody of Duncan D. Templeton’s child now under the protection of its grandfather, Col. Templeton, has been decided adversely to the claims of its mother, and the child will remain with its grandfather. 

 ☞  William Onderdonk, Esq., member of the Board, has been authorized by the Board, in their behalf, to receive all money for the keeping of plots within Oak Hill Cemetery, owned by residents of Rockland Lake section. 

 ☞  We don’t think it positively necessary for young men who drive through our village at two or three o’clock in the morning, to open their throats and try to imitate young bull calves besides, the imitation is not a very good one. 

 ☞  Next Wednesday evening, Nyack Division, S. of T. will give a “Sociable” in their room for the enjoyment of its members. Every member is requested to be present. A series of Sociables will be given during the Fall and Winter seasons.

 ☞  The many friends of the family will sincerely sympathize with the bereaved ones when we announced the sad intelligence of the death of Abram Demarest, formerly of Nyack, but late of Petersburg, Va. Two weeks ago last Tuesday he left here in perfect health to return to his home.

September 26, 1925 – 100 YEARS AGO

Rockland County Times

WAGNER HAS ROCKLAND COUNTY RELIC

        Henry Wagner, Clerk of the Surrogate’s Court has in New City an affidavit of the first Surrogate seal of the State dated May 26, 1798. Since this is one of the most valued of Rockland County’s relics, it is to be framed and will be exhibited in the County building. The affidavit is signed with the initials ‘P.T.,’ probably meaning Peter Tallman and contains a description of the Rockland County Seal.

E. E. OSWALD RESIGNS

        It was a great surprise to both scholars and faculty of the Haverstraw High School to learn that Mr. Earl E. Oswald, who has been the physical education teacher for the last five years, had resigned during, the first week of school.

        Mr. Oswald had been offered and accepted a position as Assistant Physical Director of the Mount Vernon schools, a position which would be in the line of a promotion carrying with it a higher remuneration.

        Mr. Oswald has been succeeded by Mr. Glenn Burst who has taught in the Croton High School. Mr. Burst’s home is in Syracuse at which place he also received his training.

        Last year the Haverstraw High School Girls’ Basket Ball team which Mr. Oswald coached won the championship of the county. Mr. Oswald during his period of activity in the Haverstraw High School has made a great many friends who regret his departure but wish him well in his new venture.

September 26, 1975 – 50 YEARS AGO

The Journal News

1776 BICENTENNIAL MURAL

[Image: Bicentennial mural. Photograph by Art Sarno, Journal News Staff]

        Fifty-three 7th grade students of Nina Agresta at Kakiat Junior High School, Spring Valley, are painting a large bicentennial mural depicting 200 years of American history from the founding fathers to the astronauts along one cafeteria wall. Other bicentennial projects at the school will include permanent history exhibits in the halls which have been renamed Washington Avenue, Zenger Alley, Madison Lane, etc., all under the direction of social studies teacher Fred Tunis; a monthly newspaper, “You Were There,” produced in cooperation with the English department; and a series of radio vignettes on historic topics which will be broadcast over the public address system several times a week. Also in the planning stages are costumed re-enactments of great moments in history to be presented at assembly programs; a series of mini-history courses to be offered in cooperation with the audio-visual department; the setting up of an old-fashioned general store; bicentennial pillows and Colonial food prepared by the home economics department; and Colonial music concerts presented by the music department.

This Week in Rockland (#FBF Flashback Friday) is prepared by Clare Sheridan for the Historical Society of Rockland County. © 2025 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.