On-Ti-Ora Chapter of the NSDAR celebrates 100 years

CATSKILL―On Saturday, April 11, the Catskill-based On-Ti-Ora Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated its 100th anniversary.  
A program, “The Farmer’s World in Greene County,” was presented by Ted Hilscher, Esq.
Hilscher started this project in 1991, when he most serendipitously had the opportunity to speak with a local farmer as his Greene County home tour duties were not needed as originally planned. This afforded the opportunity for a walk along a road in East Durham that led Hilscher to Ralph Hull.
During their conversation, Hilscher learned that the farmer’s life had massively changed in the transition from horse to tractor. It became clear that a record of this history was of vital importance, lest this history be forgotten. The data: Greene County census shows the decline from 90 percent of the population in 1790 being farmers to only 55 percent in 1900. By 1930, it had declined to 28 percent and now only two percent of the population in all of New York state are farmers.
Another key realization Hilscher learned was all the businesses that supported the livelihood of the farming community: veterinarians, mills, wagon makers, blacksmiths, creameries. Farmers in turn supported the community. For example, Alice “Ma” Robins ran a school kitchen purchasing all the food needed from local farmers. As late as 1910, there were nine blacksmith shops in Catskill alone, with Horton’s livery housing 100 horses in the village.
After the meeting, light refreshments were served.  A virtual option was also offered for those who couldn't attend in person.