Near Andes in Delaware County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Reflections on a Way of Life
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 29, 2021
1. Reflections on a Way of Life Marker
THE DELAWARE AND NORTHERN RAILROAD served these communities from 1905 to 1942. A gas-driven car known as "the Red Heifer” delivered mail and transported passengers up and down the valley. Samuel R. Rosoff, known as Subway Sam for his work buiding New York City's subway, bought the D&N in 1929. In 1942, he reached a settlement with New York City to cease operation, making way for the reservoir. Rosoff's company built 15 miles of tunnel for the developing water system.
AT THE TIME OF CONSTRUCTION of the Pepacton Reservoir in 1947, the valley produced cauliflower and other vegetables which were shipped to New York City. There were many fine dairy farms. Several homes in the valley were filled with boarders from New York City and many people came to fish in the East Branch.
THE RESERVOIR CONSTRUCTION displaced 974 people from four villages and outlying farms. Also removed through eminent domain were 36 businesses, 8 churches, 5 schools, 4 post offices, and 13 cemeteries.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Pepacton Reservoir (here, next to this marker); The New York City Water Supply Sustem/ A Living Watershed (here, next to this marker); Covered Bridge Pool (approx. 7.3 miles away); The Beaverkill Covered Bridge (approx. 7.3 miles away); Lest We Forget (approx. 7½ miles away); Dedicated to All Andes Veterans Who Served (approx. 7½ miles away); Stone School House (approx. 7.9 miles away); Old Stone Schoolhouse (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Andes.
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 29, 2021
2. The Red Heifer
The crew of the Red Heifer included (left to right): Clare Cowan, Engineer; Harry Odell, Mail Clerk; Ray Winner, Express Messenger; Howard Liddle, Conductor. Ed Baumgardner Collection
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 29, 2021
3. Shavertown and Arena
Students posing outside the school at Arena Berna Vanbenschoten Collection
A gathering at Atkins Store in Shavertown Russell Shaver Collection
A gathering at Atkins Store in Shavertown Russell Shaver Collection
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 29, 2021
4. Reflections on a Way of Life
Unidentified group on a hand car at the D&N's Union Grove station. Nora Finkle Collection
While most structures were razed when the valley was cleared for the reservoir, some were moved to new locations on higher ground. Alton Weiss Collection
While most structures were razed when the valley was cleared for the reservoir, some were moved to new locations on higher ground. Alton Weiss Collection
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, August 29, 2021
5. Reflections on a Way of Life
The area's farmers displayed their success at an annual agricultural fair in Shavertown.
Jacobson Collection
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2021, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 2, 2021, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
