Scott M. Ellis (2001)

Born in Lamb’s Corners in 1898, Scott Ellis embodied the spirit of that made 20th century Greenville Central School District.

He married Elgirtha Ingalls in 1917, and started teaching at Sunside for two years. He then taught one year at Norton Hill to all eight grades before moving on to the Greenville Free Academy where he taught elementary grades as well as high school math. In 1929, Scott was appointed Principal of the Greenville Free Academy for one year until centralization created the Greenville Central School District when he was appointed the Supervising Principal. For the next 34 years, Scott Ellis guided GCS as it became a central part of the community fabric. He oversaw the building projects of 1932, 1949, and 1954, and was instrumental, although not administrating at the time, in the building of the high school. Regarded as conservative, demanding, and fair, Scott Ellis expected quality from his staff and students until he retired in 1964.

Residing on South St, Greenville, Scott was always in reach of his life work, and set the example for the rest of the community. The school community honored Scott Ellis by memorializing his life work in the naming of today’s elementary school – the Scott M Ellis Elementary Building. He passed away in 1981.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Fred & Leona [Powell] Flack (2001)

Fred and Leona Flack have been an integral part of our town forever. They provided us with a marvelous bakery for years before moving to Freehold. Leona has always been a sustaining force on the Library Board, while Fred has served as Town Chair, Town Supervisor, and County Legislator and Treasurer. Fred and Leona have truly made a difference to the quality of our lives through their dedicated services.”

-Anna T. Pratt

Born in Coeymans Hollow, Fred Flack was razed on the Alcove Road farm his parents moved to in 1924. He attended the local one-room school house until 5th grade, and then to GCS when it opened in 1932. Fred would work on his father’s farm until 1946.

Leona Powell was born in Medway, attended the one-room schoolhouse in Medway until eighth grade, and graduated from GCS in 1941.

Fred and Leona met at a Medway Congregational Church party, and were married on New Year’s Day, 1943. In 1946, they opened one of Greenville’s Main Street’s pleasant memories, Flack’s Bakery, where they worked side-by-side for 23 years. For most of those years, they lived on South Street in Greenville.

During this time, Fred and Leona were active in the Cub Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, Old-Timers Christmas party, and Greenville Fire Company. They raised two sons, Dick, who graduated from Kansas State University, and Jeff, who graduated from the University of Maine.

Fred was elected town supervisor in 1964, and had been on the Republican Committee for several years before. Next, he was elected to the Greene County Legislature representing Greenville, New Baltimore, and Durham. In 1970, Fred was elected county treasurer and served until his retirement in 1980. He was also asked to serve as Interim County Administrator – a newly established office in the county. 

Meanwhile, Leona served on the Cooperative Extension Board, the Office of Aging Board, and a newly formed Greene County Health Board which became the Central Assessment Unit. Leona’s main interest is the Greenville Public Library for which she was a trustee for 20 years. She was chairperson of the new extension, an effort that led to the 1996 library edition (refer to the Sept 1997 calendar). Leona served a five-year term on the Mid-Hudson Library Board, and was recognized as this five-county Board’s Trustee of the Year in 1986. 

In their retirement on Red Mill Rd., Fred serves as a trustee for the Freehold Fire Company and spends time as a Mr. Fix-It for the community. Leona keeps busy volunteering at the Library. 

In many ways, Fred and Leona represent Greenville – raising a family, working in the community, being good neighbors. It is, however, for their lifetime of service, effort, and achievement to our town that the Greenville Local History Group recognizes Fred and Leona (Powell) Flack.

By Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian.

Gerald Ingalls (2000)

Born in Greenville in 1912, Gerald Ingalls, or Jerry, as he was better known, lived almost his entire life on Ingalside Road. Since the Ingalls family settled in the area in the 1790s, it seems that everyone knows someone who is related to the Ingalls. Jerry graduated from the Greenville Free Academy in 1929 and the Albany business College in 1933.

Jerry, along with wife Annella Dinnel, helped and later succeeded Jerry’s parents (Warren and Margaret) in the running of Ingalside Farm that could take in 160 guests.

Gerald was an active community member, involved with the Christ Episcopal Church, Greene County Extension Service, Catskill Valley Historical Society, the Republican Party, Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, Fire and Home Administration, and the Boy Scouts, among others.

More importantly, it was Jerry style that made people appreciate and welcome his contributions. He was a natural storyteller with a warm sense of humor, and was willing to talk to anyone about almost anything. Many remember Jerry driving around town in his truck, accompanied by his dog. He especially liked sports, the Civil War, and trains. He loved his family, home and community, leaving a personal imprint on Greenville and warm memories in people’s hearts. He passed in 1995.

By Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian.

Harry Mack Ketcham (2000)

Born in Brooklyn in 1910, Harry graduated from Vermont State School of Agriculture in 1928, University of Vermont in 1940, and Cornell (Master’s Degree) in 1950. Harry and his wife Clarissa (Cris) moved to Greenville in 1940 and bought a house on Irving Road in 1953 (still lived in by Cris).

Harry, or Prof, as he was respectfully dibbed by the Ag boys, started teaching at the Greenville Central School District in 1940 and taught there for 29 years. In addition to his teaching, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club became the center not only for the learning of agricultural skills, but for the learning of many of life’s lessons. Many of the FFA’s skills included knowing the area and economy of the area, the judging of quality, maintaining discipline in life, and working together in a small-town, rural area. More than a few of Greenville’s Ag boys went on to state, regional and national contests, competing well and honoring their teacher who expected excellence.

Harry passed in 1984, and is remembered as a person who would look after the less fortunate; whether it be the sharing from his garden, or by doing some good deed for a neighbor or community member.

Dr. Kenneth L. Bott (1999)

Born in Troy in 1903, Kenneth Bott graduated from St. Lawrence University and from Albany Medical College, after which he began his general medicine practice in Greenville in 1929. Many area residents can attest to his service, character and home visits. In 1962, a large turnout at Shepard’s Farm, honored his then 33 years of service, most of which was done without a day of vacation. His first two births were Walter Ingalls and Clara Lamb Waldron, according to a 1962 Times-Union article. Dr. Bott would continue to have office hours until 1982. He also donated the land that became the site for the Greenville Medical Center on Route 26A. Dr. Bott, and his family – wife Eva Button, children Kenneth and Carolyn – lived on Route 81 about one-half mile east of the four corners. He passed away in 1985.

John I. Ver Planck (1999)

John I. Ver Planck, or John I, as he was widely known, was born in Norton Hill where his father Isaac had operated a carriage making shop. After Isaac’s death in 1912, John I.’s uncle Albert Bell continue the business until 1922 when John I. took over. Although he still dealt with wagons and sleighs, he gradually began selling other goods, the kind we associate with the mid-century general store, and “John Eye’s” store was known as the classic general store. In addition to his own business, John I. was active in a myriad of town activities, Justice of the Peace being one of them. John I. married Viola Teeple in 1931 and had one son, John (Jack). He passed in 1982.

Orloff and Jeanne [Yates] Bear (1997)

Orlie Bear’s family has lived in the Greenville area for nearly a century.

His father Burdette Bear moved from the Medusa Road, where Orlie was raised to age 16, to Plattekill Road. Orlie attended the one room schoolhouse in Norton Hill and graduated from Greenville Central School in 1936, his senior class being the first to go all for high school years in the new school. After school, he worked on his father’s farm for 10 years.

Meanwhile, a Hartford, CT girl, Jeanne Gibbs Yates, graduated from Bulkley High School in 1939 and from Syracuse University in Art Education in 1943. Her first job was at Greenville where she met and married Orlie in 1944. Their first home was in Gladys Golden’s house on South Street before building their current house about one-half mile east of Greenville’s four corners.

Orlie bought Stevens’ Feed and Farm Supplies in 1947, moving it to their house in 1950. Also, he drove bus for GCS for 32 years, and delivered coal and building materials. From 1955 until 1975, Orlie operated his own dairy farm. Meanwhile, Jean was busy raising a family (Orloff, Richard and Katherine), and would substitute teach at GCS.

Many people remember Jeanne for the town offices she held. The first woman to be elected in the Town of Greenville, Jeanne was Town Clerk from 1945 to 1983, followed by her stint on the Town Board from 1983 until 1995. Meanwhile, Orlie was a member of the Republican Committee for about 30 years.

Both are recognized 4H leaders in Greene County – Orlie for 31 years and Jeanne for more than 50 years. Both are members of the Green County Youth Fair Board – Orlie for more than 35 years and Jeanne for about 10 years. They have been members of the Greenville-Norton Hill United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years.

In addition, Jeanne was a member of Eastern Star for 50 years and of the Woman’s Concordia Circle for nearly 40 years. Orlie has been an Associate Board Member of the Altamont Fair for 20 years.

Jeanne has been busy, returning to her pen and ink drawing, entering exhibits and shows in Greene County and Suwannee County. In 1994, Orlie and Jeanne celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Although Orlie and Jeanne have done what most Greenville folks do (make a living, raising family, etc.), it is for their public service, unselfishness, and good spirit brought to Greenville that the Greenville Local History Group recognizes two people, both as individuals and as a couple, who have left their imprint on Greenville’s second half of the 20th century.

By Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian.

Rev. Charles Rice, Jr. (2000)

Born in Brooklyn in 1917, Charlie Rice was one of life’s goodwill ambassadors who made Greenville a better place. He became acquainted with the area through the Ingalside resort. After a distinguished World War II career (Distinguished Flying Service, a ribbon he frequently wore), Charles bought the Griffin house on Ingalside Road, a house that is still in the family.

Charlie was ordained in 1959 at Greenville’s Christ Episcopal Church and soon left to his first parish near Buffalo. He would return in the mid-1970s to serve in Ashland, Cairo and Palenville. As a staunch Legionnaire, Charlie became Department Chaplain for NYS, and later was National Chaplain in 1984-1985. He offered invocations at the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as for the NYS Assembly and Senate.

Charlie was a member of numerous organizations and loved golf. It was, however, the way that he shared of himself that many people remember him – wonderful, always a smile, willing to talk, patriotic, marvelous, warm, always helping are typical descriptions of this man. Charlie love Greenville, and his smile symbolized his love. In return, Greenville loved Charles Rice. He passed in 2008.

By Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Leland and Curt Cunningham (1999)

A look at twentieth century Greenville history shows that one of the keystones of the Greenville area is the Cunningham family.

Three generations span this century.Ambrose J. Cunningham, Lee’s uncle, bought the property of Elmer Hunt in 1898, selling animal feed and furniture. In 1931, Ambrose established a funeral parlor. Instead of having a loved one die, being embalmed, and lie at home until the funeral, which was a usual practice, people could have the Cunninghams assist during these personal ordeals at the Cunningham Funeral Parlors.

Leland, or Lee, as most know him, was born in 1913. His father, Lester, brother of Ambrose, died when Lee was ten; Lee’s mother, Elizabeth’s Spees, a descendent of one of the earliest settlers of Greenville, then married Ambrose.

Lee graduated from the Greenville Free Academy in 1931 and was known to be an excellent athlete. After attending the Worsham College of Embalming in Chicago, Illinois, he received his license at age 21. He had already been working with “Dad” (as Lee called Ambrose) as a teenager. Lee would eventually purchase his Dad’s business in 1945.

Lee married Clarice Palmer of South Westerlo in 1934 and had three children – Carol in 1939, Curt in 1941, and Judith in 1943. After Clarice’s death in 1964, Lee married Gertrud Geiger Graf in 1965.

Although son Curt’s first interest was to be a state trooper, he would become the third generation in the funeral home business. Curt graduated from GCS in 1959, from Alfred State Technical in 1961 and from the Simmons School of Embalming (Syracuse) in 1963. He too had worked in the business before his official schooling, enough so that his apprenticeship was easily earned. He purchased the business in 1981.

One of Curt’s businesses was that of being the local ambulance, something the family had done before, and Curt had done from age 16, unto the Greenville Rescue Squad formed in the early 1960s.

Curt married Joan Terech Matera in 1991, and has two step-daughters – Brenda and Melissa – as well as three daughters from an earlier marriage – Leslie, Ruey and Christine.

Lee and Curt, however, have been much more than businessmen. Both are known for their community activities. Lee was the County Coroner for twenty years, as well as a member of the Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, and Knights of Pythias. In addition, he was a charter member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Company and the Rotary. Lee would often be seen clearing the pond in winter and mowing the park lawn until the Town assumed the responsibility. In addition he had been a Town Councilman. Lee enjoys gardening the funeral home has one district beautification awards, playing tennis, washing cars, mowing lawns, and helping with funerals.

Curt has also been a County Coroner and a Town Councilman, as well as a Town Supervisor, which, at the time, in his early 20s, made him the youngest in the state. Curt often would help with the mowing of the Park lawn, and now enjoys a game of golf.

Furthermore, a community-wide contribution that both have made is their presence during our times of grief and loss. Curt states that his goal is to help people in trying times and to make people more comfortable in their distressing times. Lee agreed, noting the numerous times he is sought for advice and help.

Many of us see a close father-son relationship. Curt admits that he had big shoes to fill, that his father was a tough act to follow, and that he hoped he had come close to filling those shoes. Lee feels that the relationship with his son is a wonderful one, that Curt has fulfilled every dream of his, and that things have been done as Lee would have like them done.

Currently, the tradition of Ambrose, Lee, and Curt Cunningham is carried on by Todd J. Valenti who has been at the funeral home since mid-1995.

Thus, the Greenville Local History Group recognizes not only the accomplishments of Lee and Curt Cunningham, but also their sharing of the community’s moments of bereavement. To have worked with dignity and sympathy for so much of this century is testimony to the way these men have represented what Greenville means.

Al Bryant (1999)

Born in Schenectady in 1908, Al Bryant spent his younger years in Athens. He worked at a variety of stores in Hudson, Albany and Oneonta before moving to South Westerlo in 1941 to partner with Ezra Winn. He soon became the sole owner and ran the store until 1961 when he moved into the new 4800 square-foot store he had built on Route 32 in Greenville. The store was expanded in 1968, again in the mid-1970s, and once again in the 1980s to its current size of over 50,000 square feet. The creation of Bryant’s Country Square and its variety of stores, and the accompanying employment of dozens of community members, made Bryant’s one of the major shaping forces of Greenville in the 1970s and 1980s. Al married Pearl Winn Bailey and had one son Alexander (Zan). Al Bryant passed in 1994.

Bunny and Ossie Gundersen (2000)

Because of their quiet and modest manner, a newcomer might mistake Bunny and Ossie to be just a happy couple who have lived in Greenville most of their lives. Their modesty does not truly attest to their accomplishments.

Ossie Oswald was born in 1918 on Staten Island. In 1938, he came to live with his brother-in-law and sister, Tom and Goodie Salvesen, who ran a boarding house and farm just north of Greenville Center’s four corners. 

Bunny was born Lola Ida Tallman in 1920 on the site that was known as Breezy Knoll, and now exists as a Buddhist temple on Rt. 81 between Ingalside Road and Maple Avenue. Her family moved to the Mary Talmadge place (currently, the Evans Griffin house) on Rt. 81 in the late 1920s when her father started his well drilling business.

Bunny graduated from GCS in 1940 and went to work for Mrs. Tanner as a telephone operator where she worked until 1949 when the office closed.

Ossie and Bunny don’t remember how they met but he recalls liking her voice on the telephone. They would often go to the Livingstonville square dances on Saturday nights with her friends as well as skating on the Greenville pond in the winter.

They were married in the Methodist Church parsonage in Greenville on January 26, 1945 on a very snowy day. Later that year, they purchased the Annie Coonley place on East Red Mill Road and had a dairy farm there until 1980 when they sold the farm to the Weeks family.

In addition to farming, Ossie worked as a substitute rural mail carrier from 1962, then as a postal clerk in the Greenville office from 1964 until his 1984 retirement. Bunny worked in the GCS cafeteria from 1955 until her retirement in 1975. She also drove a small school bus to Cairo and Rensselaerville

Ossie and Bunny have a daughter Joan who lives and works in Kingston, as well as a son Roy who married the former Diane Andresen. They have two children, Gina and Eric. Roy lives locally, having managed Roy’s Roundtable. Ossie and Bunny enjoy attending the Rhinebeck Fair. In their retirement, the Gundersens enjoy meeting their friends and having lunch at their favorite restaurant in Norton Hill.

However, they GLHG recognizes Ossie and Bunny Gunderson for another side of their life. They are recognized as two of the most giving, selfless volunteers in the area. Bunny was the chairwoman for the Greenville Old-Timers Christmas party for 31 years, and Ossie was her right hand. (This party, first initiated by Arnold Nicholson in 1960, is still held.) In 1995 they were presented with a plaque commemorating her many years of service. Bunny was also a 4-H leader for the Greenville Gremlins, teaching the older scouts how to make Norwegian cookies. In addition, the garden club was well served and represented by Bunny’s efforts.

Before the establishment of Meals on Wheels (a program that delivers meals to the shut-in elderly), Bunny could often be seen carrying her basket filled with a cooking and baking to the home of a shot in. When Meals on Wheels did start, the Gunderson’s were two of the tireless volunteer drivers. Furthermore, they would volunteer to take people to the doctor when needed. Many can attest to their long list of good deeds done quietly.

This giving of themselves has made the fabric of Greenville’s life a kinder, gentler place. Ossie and Bunny’s years of service and volunteerism leads the Greenville Local History Group to recognize two people who not only represent the essence of our area, but also inspire us to contribute to our community.