“As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town we call home, the New Pine Plains Herald wants to hear from you!”
This was the invitation to readers in the Herald’s March 23 issue to participate in the town’s Bicentennial year of 2023 by sharing stories. The My Pine Plains series kicked off with Daisy Sindelar, then-managing editor, writing about her grandmother’s ease in the waters of Stissing Lake.
In the nine months since that first piece, 17 readers have contributed memories and photographs of life in Pine Plains—with the final tale of the year, published on Dec. 22, pushing abroad into Stanfordville.
The Herald will be continuing the series beyond this year, welcoming stories of all the towns it serves in addition to Pine Plains—Ancram, Gallatin, Milan and Stanford.
In this final issue of 2023, the 25 My Pine Plains pieces are linked below. Horses, bikes, fish and cows turned up often, plus one hobby horse; Pine Plains Central School figured in many; Stissing, whether Mountain, Lake, or House, identified locations for climbing, swimming, skating and rejoicing—frequently with family and friends.
Happy New Year!
Lessons In Swimming, and Everything Else by Daisy Sindelar
She learned the dreaminess of swimming, the pleasures of reading.
Celebrating A Milestone in The Company Of Friends by Ginger Dowd
In a small town, there was no loneliness, but rather a birthday party surrounded by those she knew and loved.
Growing Up With Nothing To Do Kept Us Plenty Busy by Alvis Upitis
Yes, they did stack empty beer cans in a pyramid under the stoplight at midnight.
Late In Life, A Memorable Friendship by Mike Manning
Delivering free meals, he was lucky enough to strike up a friendship with Harry Holleufer.
A Time To Remember by Emily Bostwick Henry
The pickup truck service for kids on hot summer days, from the center of town to Stissing Lake, earned Charlie LaDue a new pair of pants.
Growing Up, It Was the Whole Wide World by Emma Henderson
From our youngest contributor – hometown is forever…and where your saved box tops could get you a free ice cream at Stewart’s.
A Horse Walks Into a Bar… by Curtis Simmons
The list of rides changed over the years, from trike to bike to car to motorcycle – and then, there’s that horse…
Life on The Farm Meant Long Rides on the Bus by Roger Snyder
Vinnie and Quinnie drove, and ruled, the big yellow school bus between farm and school.
A Brief and Glorious History of the Local Softball League by Calvin Knickerbocker
The Shekomeko Chiefs met Irv Jackson’s All-Stars and the author homered off Clyde Chase, much to his amazement.
Need the Secret to a Happy Life? by Denise Jordan Finley
Connie Nuccio credits her long life to good nutrition, music and being surrounded by family.
A Ride to Remember by Grace Bensing Dietrich
Having sewn her dress, apron and hat, the author rode in a cart pulled by oxen in the Community Day parade.
Random Notes of a Senior’s School Day in 1953 by Calvin Knickerbocker
For a senior in high school at Pine Plains Central School, it was a long day, with a 15-cent lunch.
Growing Up Around American Legion Post 426 by Bart Tenore
At the Legion Hall, you got to watch the New York Giants or – there were the other times, when you had to pick and shuck corn.
An Explosion Rocked the School by Roger Snyder
The upperclassman sidled up, and got him into trouble.
Fire Tower Rescue, 18 Septembers Ago by Linda Dorrer
He finds a dog abandoned on top of Stissing Mountain, secures a rescue, and the author adopts Rosie, making a good memory for all.
A Misadventure on Stissing Mountain by Mike Manning
Forging ahead on his own trail, he quickly realizes that was a mistake.
Farm Kids on the Radio in New York City by Calvin Knickerbocker
It was exciting – being on the radio and (almost) seeing tv for the first time!
When Movies Were a Weekly Event by Murphy Birdsall
It seemed possible creatures could come right off the screen.
Halloween Horror – An Expensive Physics Lesson by Roger Snyder
Who knew that dark paint, thick plate glass and a bright shining sun did not mix well?
The Long Walk Home by Roger Snyder
Against the Brooklyn Dodgers, the New York Yankees played a perfect game; the author paid for it with a walk.
My First Date by Barry Chase
Asking was hard – but, more importantly, he knew how to fox trot, waltz and cha-cha.
The Trip to the Hardware Store Was Supposed to be Simple by Robert Lyons
Going to Roosters without a list is not the most efficient way to shop.
Tomatoes for Victory by Trudi Kappel
The new gardeners harvested a bounty of tomatoes in the summer of 1942.
On Frozen Pond by Roger Snyder
They could skate and sail with the wind, across the solid ice.
Mount Disposal…or Ski Dump? by Chip Couse
Volunteers create a ski run at the landfill in Stanfordville, complete with a rope tow!