Phyllis Beechert (2014)

Phyllis Beechert, daughter of Roy and Dorothy (Cook) Kelsey, is a life-long resident, born in Cooksburg, and schooled, first, in Cooksburg, then Durham, and finally Greenville—graduating with the GCS Class of ’43—and that sense of community has defined Phyllis’s life.

            Phyllis’s father had driven the Stage Route delivering mail, and later made trips to the Catskill Railroad Station, picking up freight and delivering it to the Cooksburg, Preston Hollow and Potter Hollow area. Her father, when automobiles supplanted the horse, would drive the Kelsey Bus Line, with daily trips made to the Catskill Point on the Hudson River, meeting the Day Boat sailing up from New York City.

Phyllis married Edwin Beechert, whom she had known from high school, adopted two children, moved to Greenville’s South Street, worked as a housewife and at a variety of places throughout town (most fondly, at Van Auken Express, with Ruth Van Auken, a fellow Cooksburger), and watched her new house be constructed on Rt 32 north of Bryant’s, becoming involved with the community in her own right and as a companion of her husband’s activities (Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, GCS School Board, and others).

            After enduring her husband’s death in 1977, and her mother’s death in 1978, Phyllis followed a lifelong dream and became a licensed practical nurse in 1981, working at Albany Medical Center and later, as many know first-hand, in private home care when needed in the area.

            She finally retired in 2001, and later moved to Country Estates.

            However, it is not these “ordinary” details of life for which we recognize Phyllis Beechert. It is the many other activities of Greenville life that she undertook, and fulfilled, in her pleasant and productive manner.

            Among them:

• Charter member/life member (1969) Greenville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary

• Member Greene County Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary

• Charter member/life member Greenville Rescue Squad in 1971; served 22 years; held office of secretary in early years

• Dispatched emergency fire/rescue calls from home, 24 hours a day (for years)

• Elected treasurer of Greenville Fire District #1 in 1978 by registered voters living in the boundaries of Greenville Fire District; appointed secretary of Board of Commissioners after assuming office of Treasurer at Fire District reorganization meeting 1978 to 1999

• Served as Election Inspector annually and for other referendum votes during several years

• 1950 to 2000 – volunteer for American Cancer Society, served on Board of Directors in Greene County, coordinating door-to-door campaigning annually in Town of Greenville; also coordinated Greene County for two years

• Member of Christ Episcopal Church in 1950 to present; member of Women's Guild; Altar Guild; various terms as member of Vestry; two terms as Senior Warden

• Member of Greenville Local History Group since it formed in 1989

• Member of Community Partners

• Supporter of Greenville Library

• Treasurer Greenville Area Interfaith Council and Greenville Area Food Pantry, 12 years, assisting in the Food Pantry operation until present time

• Served as Chairman of Election Inspectors for Greenville Central School, updating voter register for an annual school district election and budget vote, other referendum votes, etc., that have taken place at various times during a period of 25 years

• Was instrumental in organizing volunteer transportation for patients undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and dialysis therapy

• Went to nursing school in 1980

• Many training classes required for Emergency Medical Training

• Chosen the 2010 Greene County Senior Citizen of the Year; followed by annual Legislative appointment to the Greene County Senior Advisory Board

The Greenville Local History Group recognizes Phyllis Beechert’s years of service—given unselfishly, gracefully, kindly—and for being an integral part of Greenville life.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

David Battini (2014)

“… Since moving to Greenville in 1967, his life has been one of working with youth and volunteering…. David’s life continues to be one of service, not only to the Town of Greenville but to all of Greene County.”

- Phyllis Beechert, in her nominating letter for Greene County’s “2012 Outstanding Contribution for Senior of the Year.”

David Battini was born in 1942 in Astoria, NYC, attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, before arriving in Norton Hill, at a house newly built for his parents, Joseph and Marguerite, in 1967 (where his parents permanently came to reside in 1972).

            College majors in Political Science and History, college minors in Naval Science and Philosophy, and life-long hobbies of gardening, fishing, and hunting attest to Dave’s diverse interests in life.

            Dave started teaching in 1968 at the Durham Central School, first teaching self-contained junior high classes and then, when Durham merged into Cairo-Durham, teaching high school classes for over twenty years until he retired in 1998.

            It is, however, Dave’s other activities that earn this recognition, reinforcing and testifying to Dave’s belief that small town sensibilities allow and encourage people to come together, solve arising problems, and contribute to the welfare of the town.

            Boy Scouting in Greenville is such a testament to Dave’s small town sensibilities. Starting as Assistant Scout Master in 1969, Dave became Scout Master in 1971 and has since devoted thousands of hours, leading boys and young men to the ideals of the Boy Scouts – character, citizenship, responsibility, physical fitness, leadership. The “Boy Scout” building next to All Arts Matter (the former Presbyterian Church) has seen many a lit window on a Wednesday evening over the past forty-some years, with Dave, and with the support of many other community members, leading this community endeavor.

            Greenville Troop #42 has guided 54 Eagle Scouts, 53 of them with Dave as Scout Master. Over 100 merit badges await the scouts as they progress through the ranks, but it is the consistent week-to-week, month-to-month, year-to-year regimen that not only defines their attainment of goals but also attests to the consistent leadership Dave and others have provided.

            Whether it be the fabled cross-country trips, with stops of military bases, churches, and other scout buildings; to the storied Philmont two-week hike at Cimarron, NM; to the ice-fishing forays to local ponds and lakes; to the ceremonies of advancement and achievement that connect young scouts, family, community, and life ideals, Dave is at the forefront.

            The other significant effort that this community recognizes is Dave’s involvement in the Rescue Squad, a volunteer group that is still active (as of late 2013). Dave was one of about twenty founding community members in 1972 who helped “solved one of our community’s problems with local volunteerism.” Fundraisers have helped purchase new vehicles, the first one costing $13,000, compared to those today that cost $150,000. And then there is the training requirement which, depending of the level attained, requires a minimum of 200 hours.

            But, Dave’s presence is especially felt, more so in his “retirement” years, when the call goes out for an EMT. And Dave responds to more calls than anyone else in Greenville—some 125 calls per year.

            Dave’s other activities are not unnoticed either:

• ·    Greenville Volunteer Fire Company, since 1970, usually as a Fire-Policeman; has served as Secretary and VP, at various times

• ·    delivers NYS EMS training

• ·    Greenville Republican Committee member (one of the earliest supporters of John Faso)

• ·    Town of Greenville Board of Assessment Review (chairman)

• ·    Greene County EMS Council and REMO Basic Life Support Provider of Year (in a six county region)

• ·    member of Greene County Rural Health Network

• ·    Greene County Paramedic program, treasurer

• ·    Meal on Wheels, substitute driver

• ·    American Heart Association certified instructor

• ·    REMO Executive Board

            Dave says he is satisfied with a small town like Greenville, where individuals can make a difference, where neighbors help neighbors, and all of it happening without an overarching bureaucracy.

            And the Greenville Local History Group is more than satisfied, actually, so very proud, to recognize our small-town neighbor and friend from Carter Bridge Road.

by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Walter Ingalls (2012)

Walter Henry Ingalls' entry to the world, and Norton Hill, was announced in his Grandmother Carrie Ingalls’ diary (1886-1893, 1913-1951: transcribed by Don Teator):

July 27, 1930 Sunday

Very pleasant day. Randall & Clarabel here for the fore-noon. & to dinner. A nice baby boy arrives at Stanleys at Noon. All very much pleased. We drove over to Warrens to So. Westerlo Kenneth came down to Warrens with us. Went over to Stanleys to see the new baby.

On September 20, she …went to Stanleys to look after the baby…

Finally on October 8, a name appears. …A little cloudy but no rain. Trum. at the mill sawing to-day. Eleanor & little Walter Henry came to spend the day with me…

And what a full, productive, and charitable life it has been.

Walter was born into a family that had first settled in the area in the 1790s, barely a mile from where Walter has lived his entire life. His father, Stanley (Stub), married Eleanor Goff, and had four children: Edna, Randall (Buddy), Claribel, and Walter. Stanley’s career included farming, the teamster business (horse, then by truck), and logging (which led directly to the GNH business: 1937-present).

It is in this milieu that Walter entered, grew up in Norton Hill, graduated from GCS as Salutatorian of the Class of 1948, married Shirley Burnett, and had four children: Kaaren, Kevin, Krista, and Kay.

Walter’s father initially tried to discourage him from immediately entering the family business.  Walter earned a business degree from Albany Business College, and then plunged headlong into the business, his career choice for the next fifty years.

He tackled all of the jobs that a small, and growing, business entailed, from the hardest physical labor to the leadership role it demanded. A sawmill built off-site was meant to foster growth but ran headlong into the tough economy of the 1970s. Finally, in 1997, Walter ended his relationship with GNH on a more formal basis to settle into “retirement.”

Although Walter claims he usually does not seek the many volunteer and civic duties he has assumed, he somehow seems to acquire them quite easily, and has done so from an early age.

He was the class president every year in high school.

Even before graduation, Walter joined the volunteer fire company, and found himself president of that organization at age 20, and would serve a host of functions over the ensuing years – fundraisers, new trucks and equipment. He was instrumental in moving the Norton Hill fire house up and over the hill from the Methodist Church to its new site, including making it taller to house the bigger, modern trucks. Walter, an active member for over fifty years, had not missed a fire call, save for the times when he was on vacation or away from home.

Another organization that has benefited from his, and his family’s, efforts is the Greenville-Norton Hill Methodist Church – the merger, the expansions, choir (again, for over fifty years), and a host of committees and functions that needed a willing person.

Walter was persuaded into running for the School Board, just in time to see the construction of the Senior-Junior High School in the late 1960s, and to wrangle with some of the administrative challenges of that period.

Another civic group that Walter joined, and still is active in, is the Rotary Club – a community organization that currently meets weekly and is instrumental in giving a helping hand to so many efforts in the community. Again, concerned he would not have the time to do a fair job, Walter joined and continues to exert his personal best and to enroll the best of many around him, earning the highest honor of a “Paul Harris Fellow” in the organization for his outstanding community involvement.

Adding to this list, Walter has accepted positions on a variety of Boards, most notably as Chairman of the Board at the Greene County Savings Bank. Others include the Chamber of Commerce, the Republican Club, the Greenville Medical Building committee, the Planning Board, and assuming his wife, Shirley’s, position on the Greenville Library board after her passing.

Walter enjoys traveling (an RV is a common conveyance), takes pride in his children and grandchildren, enjoys history of all levels, and is a great resource of the town’s collective memory.

His giving of time and effort to his neighbors and friends is often remarked upon. Walter drives people to doctor’s appointments or to the hospital, fills in on an emergency basis, facilitates ways to help people, spreads a compliment or supportive word, and all of this with his own usual travails of life.

Above all else, when asked to describe Walter Ingalls, everyone says the same thing, from neighbors, friends, and community members: “Walter is an honest, humble man.”

Today, having passed his 80th birthday, Walter remains active, still cutting his own firewood. He suffered the loss of his wife Shirley in 2008, and recently married Donna Winans. Walter’s philosophy in life is that the best time of his life is this very moment. He continues to be one of the Greenville area’s most notable public role models.

Walter Henry Ingalls, the Greenville Local History Group is proud to recognize the efforts of an unassuming person who has managed to do so much above and beyond the usual call of duty.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Harriett Rasmussen (2010)

Harriett Abrams Rasmussen was born in 1925 to Estella Griffin and Charles Leslie Abrams on Main Street, Cairo, at home, which at the time was the Cairo Garage, later the A&P. She graduated from Cairo Central School with the Class of 1942 and then attended Albany State Teachers College until 1946.

            She married Cas Rasmussen in 1951, moved to Greenville in 1954, and raised two sons, Brian and Barry. Greenville has been the beneficiary of her efforts ever since.

            One of our local treasures, Harriett will modestly decline such an appellation, claiming she is one of those quiet laborers, helping out in the background. She is a member of the United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill, has taught Sunday School, is a member of the local historical societies, DAR, etc.

            It is, however, her genealogical and historical interests, and the melding of those efforts with the Greenville Local History Group, that inspires this calendar’s recognition.

            A major “labor of love” undertaken from 1992 through 1997 was the transcription of Richard E. Taylor’s diaries of 1858-1902. Harriett would transcribe each year’s diary (each year was usually written in a 3” x 6” booklet, as shown in photo) in longhand each year, and then summarize, in classic story-telling style, the major points for one of the GLHG’s monthly meetings. Making connections between the people mentioned in the diary, she came to know who were family, neighbors, and community members. Day to day life details, as well as regional events, interweave in this life story. 

            In addition, Harriett has transcribed parts of the Eleanor Ingalls diary (1912-1950), as well as a year or two of a few other diaries. Those diaries with years in common, including the Carrie Ingalls diaries of 1878-1951 transcribed by Don Teator, can be compared.

            Another effort of Harriett’s was to explore local cemeteries and transcribe the stones’ information onto cards and paper, waiting for more connections to be made.

            A particularly useful document was the written account of a day’s riding of Greenville’s and West Greenville’s roads with Uncle Burdette Griffin in 1996. He recalled who lived where in earlier years and some attending stories along the way.

            Other local history sources – magazine articles, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks (especially the Hannay albums of newspaper clippings that spanned the start of the 20th century), church records, etc. – combined with the stories of her youth, as well as the stories gathered over the years, have been the framework for Harriett’s stories and connections.

            And, in that soft, gentle voice that others lean forward to catch every last word, Harriett tells the stories of her life and the stories that other people requesting information have asked for. A few years after the Taylor transcription, a request came in from Arkansas for information about a Howard Taylor, who, according to the Taylor diary, had left home at age 19, rarely to be heard from again. The inquirer had information about Howard’s family and was thrilled to learn about the diaries and rest of the family.

            And Harriett will record the “stuff” the rest of us have dismissed as “just life.” Whether it be waitressing at a local resort  (see August), living through WW2 years in Greenville, memories of Balsam Shade, the demolition of the Sherrill House, school activities, or the memories of family, the Historian’s files are fuller and better for the printed accounts.

            Although Harriett was not born in Greenville, she has many local connections. She has documented details about a variety of families and relatives: Griffin, Evans (see December), Utter, Purinton, Abrams, Rundell, Elliott, Ellis, Tripp, Wright, and others. Harriett will also find in her files pieces of information that may help someone else in their family puzzle. For those trying to find answers to local history and family history, Harriett truly is a treasure.

            So, it is in fondness, we remember, somewhat in amused awe, when Harriett tells a story that might tell, in a fictional but typical example, about my neighbor whose grandmother lived in Freehold, the grandmother’s neighbor’s father fought in the Civil War, came back and married the mother of John Smith, whose children now live in the Jones house in Norton Hill, where Susie Brown lived in the 1940s, and… the stories and connections flow on.

            It is with the pleasure of hearing a good story and knowing a good person that the Greenville Local History Group dedicates the 2010 calendar to Harriett Rasmussen.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

The Alberta Lodge and the Singer Family (2009)

Isabelle Stroell was born on October 13, 1914 in her grandparents’ home in Newark, New Jersey. John Singer was born on March 10, 1909. After graduating from high school, Isabelle managed one of the bakeries owned by her family in New York City. John worked for the Consolidated Edison Company and on weekends worked at Henry’s Bay View Inn on the Long Island Sound, which was a popular dining spot for the New York Yankees. There, he met Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto and Yogi Berra, to name a few. Isabelle and John met on a blind date in June, 1934 and, on November 21, 1936, were married. They both were wonderful dancers and the following year won the Harvest Moon Ball for All-Around Champion Dancers. They put this hobby on hold when their family began to grow.

            Each summer, Isabelle and John vacationed for two weeks in Greene County. Friendly, outgoing, ambitious, and desirous of owning their own business, Isabelle and John also wanted a safe place for their two daughters to grow up and get a good education in a beautiful country town. While vacationing in Greenville in 1949, they had a realtor show them places for sale. They often remarked that the first time they drove up the road and saw The Alberta Lodge they fell in love with the house and property.

            That was it! They were going to open a resort. Not knowing all the hard work and sacrifices necessary to make the business successful, they bought Alberta on March 17, 1950 (St. Patrick’s Day would bring them luck, they said). The next day, Isabelle, John, and their two daughters, Jeannette and Linda, rode in their car to Freehold with as many belongings as would fit; John’s brother-in-law drove a truck with furniture, clothing and household items. Today Jeannette (beside mom) and Linda (on dad’s back) recall that time. “Approaching the driveway of our new home, we could hardly believe that we were going to live in this huge house with all its open fields, and nothing else in sight of our property. The snow on the frozen ground was two feet deep, and the cold and damp house had not been lived in for 10 years (1940-1950). Thank goodness Isabelle’s Mom had made a large jar of soup along with rye bread and coffee cake for us to eat as our first meal in our new home. Needless to say, none of us slept well that first night. The next day was both exciting and a little scary for us girls, going from room to room and just imagining the good things we would find; it was like a treasure hunt… and it was all ours.”

            When Isabelle and John bought Alberta, they knew that it had not been open for 10 years and that there was no guest list – they had to build up their business by themselves. When the Arloff family owned and operated the Alberta Lodge as a resort from 1924 to 1940, they named the resort after their daughter, Alberta; the Singers decided to keep the name. From March through the beginning of July, Isabelle and John were the carpenters, painters, wall-paperers, landscapers, etc., trying to get the house ready to open.

            On July 4, 1950 the Singers opened “their” Alberta Lodge. They depended on family and friends as guests; Isabelle did all the cooking, baking, and reservation-taking for the first couple of years; and John planned all the activities and took care of the maintenance and yardwork, while their daughters did the dishes by hand. One family member took care of the rooms, and a friend was the waitress. They were happy to have a dozen guests a week the first season (1950) they opened – July 4 through Labor Day Weekend. The second season saw 20 to 30 guests per week, the fifth season 50 to 60 guests, etc. Each year as the business grew through recommendations, they hired more employees, and the season was extended from Memorial Day Weekend through the last weekend in September. Many improvements were made over the years; the barn on the property was converted into a nightclub “The Hay Loft,” while a pool, motels, bungalows, cottage, tennis courts, etc. were added.

            The Singers love their guests as family, and the guests felt the same way about the Singer family. In 1979, John thought it was time to retire as he and Isabelle had built Alberta from a farmhouse in 1950 to a beautiful and prosperous business of 120 guests a week. It was mixed emotions for all. The Alberta Lodge was sold in 1979, and Isabelle and John moved to their home overlooking the ocean in Boca Raton, Florida. During the summer, they would stay in Greenville visiting friends and family.

            Isabelle died on August 26, 1986, three months before celebrating her and John’s 50th wedding anniversary. John died on November 7, 2007 four months before his 99th birthday. Isabelle and John are both buried in the Greenville cemetery.

            Isabelle and John always said they were so happy they moved to the Greenville area with their daughters. It was a great place to live, to own a business and to have made so many wonderful and caring friends.

- written by daughters Jeannette Rose and Linda Berger

Arnold Nicholsen (2002)

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Peter and Gurine Nicholson (Norwegian ancestry), Arnold and his parents moved to Greenville in 1920 when he was six. Arnold graduated from GCS in 1931, attended the University of Alabama and Columbia University, and help train WWII troops at Bethany College (WV).

After the war Arnold returned to his parents’ boardinghouse/farm and assumed responsibility for the resorts development in the 1940s. He married Mae Zulch in 1940 and they had three children – Gary, Wayne, and Gail. Arnold oversaw a string of changes and improvements – new buildings, Lake Loree, a golf course – until his death, and his influence exudes even today.

Active in community affairs, Arnold served as Town Supervisor, Chairman of the Greene County Board of Supervisors, member of the Masonic Lodge, charter member of the Freehold Fire Company, and president of the Chamber of Commerce.

During his tenure as Town Supervisor between 1952-1962, Arnold oversaw the modernization of Greenville’s road system, the erection of the town building, the initiation of the Old Timers Christmas party, assessment equalization, and a greater use of business practices.

His tradition of business success and community spirit still lives with his children and grandchildren on top of his “sunny hill.”

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

William Vaughn (2002)

Born in Medusa in 1913, Bill Vaughn was one of six sons of Thurman and Mildred Vaughn. After graduation from GCS in 1931, Bill worked in NYC before returning to Greenville to work for Stevens and Son on Main Street.

He served in WWII, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant. Bill married RoseAnn Spidelier and they had one daughter Diana. Bill purchased the grocery business from Stevens and Son and moved it across the street to the first floor of the Masonic Temple. He sold this business in 1961 to his brother in order to devote full time to his Greenville Postmaster position.

In addition, Bill served as past master of the James M. Austin Lodge #557 F&AM., a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Greene-Ulster Masonic District, a member of the Grand Lodge Officers of New York, a Past Commander of the Greenville American Legion-Post #291, a charter member of the Greenville Rotary Club, life member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Co, a former member of the Greenville Area Association of Commerce, a Past President of the Greene County Postmasters Association, a Warden of the Christ Episcopal Church, and a Director of the Greenville Cemetery.

In his spare time, Bill was an avid golfer. He passed away in 1993.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Captain Leslie I. Gumport (2002)

Born in New Jersey in 1897, Captain Gumport, as he was widely known, lived an active life in the military and engineering worlds. He served under General Pershing in the Mexican Border Campaign in 1916 against Pancho Villa, and he served and was wounded in France during WWI. Afterward, Captain Gumport worked in the civil engineering field until he was recalled to active duty for WWII.

Capt. comport retired from the service to his farm on Sunset Road, just over the county line north of Norton Hill. In Greenville, Captain Gumport started the annual Memorial Day parade and pond ceremonies which he directed until his death. Captain Gumport also served as a Commander of American Legion Post #291 as well as the Greene County American Legion, a former Scoutmaster of the Greenville Troop #42 Boy Scouts, a Past President of the Norton Hill Wildlife Club, a Greene County Federation of Sportsman Clubs representative to the New York State Conservation Council, Chairman of NYS Boat Launch committee, and a member of the American Society of Military Engineers. With other community members, Captain Gumport helped create the present day Veterans Memorial Park. He passed away in 1966.

He married Rose Harrison in 1920 and they had one son, David L. Gumport, who resides in Greenville with his wife, Harriet.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Harry and Clarissa (Edwards) Ketcham (2002)

A constant theme in Greenville’s local history is the contribution of a person or couple who has made Greenville home. Harry and Clarissa Ketcham embody that tradition.

Harry Mack Ketcham, or Prof, was born in Brooklyn in 1910 but lived most of his growing up years in Vermont. He graduated from Leland & Grey Seminary in Townshend, Vermont, and then Vermont State school of Agriculture, and next from the University of Vermont in 1940. He grew up on his dad’s dairy farm, and was employed by the Farm Bureau in Brattleboro.

Clarissa Leslie Edwards, or Cris, was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1912. She graduated from Brattleboro public schools in 1930, YWCA school of Domestic Science in 1933, YWCA school of Domestic Art in 1934, and in 1938 from Keene, NH, Teacher’s College with a BE degree in Home Economics. She taught for two years at Charlestown, New Hampshire.

Prof and Cris met on a blind date in 1937 and married in 1940 in Brattleboro. Prof’s first job was at the Greenville Central school District, succeeding Leonard Palmer as Ag teacher. They settled into and fixed up a house on Irving Road where Cris still lives. For children – Clarissa, Stuart, Henry, and Harry – filled in the kitchen family.

Harry’s influence was especially felt at GCS where he taught agriculture for almost three decades. Many a country boy learned not only agriculture in Prof’s classes but also how to conduct oneself in life. Judging quality, maintaining discipline, and working together applied not only in class but later in life. In addition to leading the Future Farmers of America club at Greenville, Prof helped a variety of students complete and hold their own in state, regional and national contests.

Harry’s interest lay not only with teaching. He was a town committeeman for Cooperative Extension and served as a Tax Assessor for Greenville. He would earn his Master’s Degree from Cornell while running his hobby farm. Prof was known for many a good deed for a neighbor or person in need.

Cris contributed to Greenville in ways felt today also. She served as a 4-H leader and instructor, as well as a temporary assistant 4-H County Agent. She was a member of the Concordia Circle and substitute taught at school.

One of Cris’s passions was genealogy and, as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, became organizing Regent of the Johannes Hardenbergh Chapter and served both as NSDAR State Vice Chairman of Genealogical Records and as NY State Custodian. She is also active in a half-dozen other lineage societies.

Both Harry and Cris were members of the Presbyterian Church, and a history of the second half of the 20th century of this church would certainly have to cite the Ketchams. Both served as Clerks of the Session, and Cris was instrumental in the 1990 restoration of the church steeple/belfry. Earlier, in 1985, Cris had completed their research and paperwork that enabled the church to be placed on the National and State Registers for Historical Preservation. Also on the registers are the Public Library and Village Pond, all part of the land grant given by Augustine Prevost to Greenville.

Harry’s death in 1984 ended his active contribution to Greenville; many will continue to recount what he taught and practiced. Cris continues her list of endeavors for Greenville. Although both Harry and Cris link their ancestry to some other place, the Greenville area is a better and richer place for their community efforts over the past sixty years. For this, the Greenville Local History Group recognizes Harry and Clarissa Ketcham.

- by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

Rev. Richard B. Clark (2001)

Born and raised in Canton, Ohio in 1910, Father Clark attended Staunton Military Academy, VA and Phillips-Andover, MA and graduated from Kenyon Bexley Seminary in 1936 with a Master of Divinity Degree Cum Laude.

He worked in and out of the church until 1950 when he began serving Christ Church, Greenville and Trinity Church, Rensselaerville. For 32 years, Father Clark was dedicated to his church, ministered to needs, and showed concern and interest in his town.

He started the local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous, chaired the town’s recreation program, served as the chaplain of the Greenville Center Nursing Home and as the Diocese’s Rural Dean, was a member of the Kiwanis Club, and was president of the Area Council of Churches.

In 1938, father Clark married Jane Bulger who selflessly supported her husband’s efforts. Therefore children include William, Margaret, Richard, Jr., and Sally, all of whom graduated from Greenville Central School. He passed away in 1988.

by Don Teator, Greenville Town Historian

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

Edna Ingalls Adams (2001)

Born in Surprise in the Town of Greenville in 1914, Edna was the oldest child of Stanley Ingalls and Eleanor Goff. She graduated from GCS in 1933 and married Rev. Norman Adams in 1934

Edna moved with Norman to his churches in Richfield Springs and Troy in New York before moving to western PA. Edna would return summers to Norton Hill, which would become her retirement home. Edna and Norman’s children are Annella, Noel, Tim, and James.

Always a person known for her interest in the community and its history, Edna, along with her sister Claribel Gardiner, compiled in 1976 an album of photos of houses of Norton Hill and brief house histories. In 1980, Edna became Town Historian for Greenville where she collected information about the various aspects of town history. She wrote several articles for the Greene County Historical Society Journal as well as for local newspapers. She not only was part of one of the town’s earliest families but she also was instrumental in the recording of our town history. She passed away in 1996.

- 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