Bethel in Kauneonga Lake in Sullivan County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Kauneonga Lake
Town of Bethel
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2026
1. Kauneonga Lake Marker
Kauneonga Lake
Town of Bethel
The Town Center
Before the Town of Bethel was incorporated in 1809, John K. Beekman built the first gristmill and saw mill at the outlet of White Lake located near the Town Square in 1804. The hamlet of Kauneonga Lake has a long history as the location of the town government offices, pharmacy, general stores, boat liveries, and grand hotels.
The Columbia
Left: The Columbia stood across the street from the lake on Horseshoe Lake Road. Max and Rose Cabin bought the Columbia from Max Waldheim around 1912.
Post Office
Right: The Kauneonga Post Office opened on June 7, 1897 with Charles Winters as Postmaster. It was renamed to North White Lake on December 18, 1905, and to Kauneonga Lake on April 1, 1921. The change came as the result of a petition signed by a majority of the patrons. One of the few original buildings still standing, it was renovated in 2011.
The Empire Hotel
Above: The Hotel Fulton was owned by Charles H. Fulton. Fulton owned 150 acres that he used to cultivate fresh, wholesome foods for the hotel table. The Fulton could accommodate 100 guests and had 200 feet of piazzas
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Vassmer’s General Store
Right: John C. Vassmer bought the town’s general store in 1911 and it was operated by the Vassmer family until it sold in 1954. The building copied off on the right is the Kuhn and Elting Drugstore that later became Ed Neumann’s. Both buildings are still located in Town Square today.
Public Service in a Small Town
Like many small towns across America, civic groups are the heart of the community. Fire companies in the Town of Bethel have always been a central focus of volunteerism and in 1920 The North White Lake Engine and Hose Company was established. To honor residents serving in the armed services during World War II, a “Roll of Honor” was erected in this square. The stone monument now located in the center of the park was dedicated in 1988 to replace the original and the town square was renamed the Bethel Veterans Park in 2009.
Far Left A group of proud and dedicated volunteer fireman pose with their trucks in front of the original firehouse, circa 1943.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2026
2. Kauneonga Lake Marker
The marker is located north of the monument in Bethel Veterans Park.
Left The Kauneonga Lake Ladies Auxiliary and Firemen stand at attention during the 1943 unveiling and dedication ceremony for the “Roll of Honor” memorial.
Vassmer & Woodstock
Vassmer’s General Store was made famous by the Woodstock documentary, labeling owner Art Vassmer as the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Man” after hundreds upon hundreds of concertgoers bought out his entire supply. Officially closing in 2004, the building served as one of the last true “Mom and Pop” general stores in the county, and sold everything from hammers and nails to bread and butter.
Nearly 500,000 people descended upon White Lake for the 1969 Woodstock Art and Music Fair making it the third largest city in New York that weekend.
Erected by Town of Bethel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.
Location. 41° 41.147′ N, 74° 49.901′ W.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2026
3. Bethel Veterans Park
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and in the Hudson Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bethel Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 250 Years of Liberty (a few steps from this marker); Spreading Peace and Love (within shouting distance of this marker); Borscht Belt-Bethel / Borscht Belt (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woodstock (approx.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 29, 2026
4. Kauneonga Lake Post Office
The nearby post office opened June 7, 1897.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
