Society to host town historian

The Putnam Valley Historical Society will host a talk by town historian Dan Ricci on Saturday, June 9, on Putnam Valley and the surrounding area during the American Revolution. It will take place at 2 p.m. at the Putnam Valley Library, 30 Oscawana Lake Road.

Dan Ricci

“While no great armies met here on the farms and dusty lanes of what would become Putnam Valley, the Revolution surrounded the tiny hamlet on the outskirts of Philipstown, enveloped it, and intruded upon the lives of its residents,” Ricci wrote in a statement. “Colonial soldiers from the larger garrison to the west encamped themselves in our wooded hills where they found a better and easier supply of firewood, water and natural food.

“The Old Crofts Inn/Tavern at the junction of Church and Oscawana Lake Roads was a major watering hole for both Skinners and Cowboys, considered the worst elements on both sides of the war by some. And let’s not forget the smallpox inoculation center located here in the valley, a lovely addition to any community.

“Grain for the colonial army stationed in Peekskill was milled in nearby Mahopac Falls. And local farmer and militiaman John Paulding — one of the captors of the British Spy, Major John André (who struck a deal with Benedict Arnold) made a house on Mill Street his home. That building still stands and remains a private residence.”

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