On the October 2023 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History, we welcomed Frank Eberling and his brother Ray Eberling, New City, Rockland County, NY natives, for a discussion about the early days of New City and the wagon that their grandfather used to carry mail on New City’s Rural Free Delivery routes at the turn of the 20th century. [Read more…] about Crossroads of Rockland History Podcast Features Eberling Mail Wagon
Post Office Murals of Henry Varnum Poor
On the latest episode of Crossroads of Rockland History, the new documentary, “The Murals,” which delves into the art of Henry Varnum Poor, formerly of New City, NY. The film features his New Deal era post office murals in Chicago. Filmmaker TG Jamroz spoke about how and why these murals were made by Poor; why they feature writer Carl Sandburg and architect Louis Sullivan; and how they inspire people today. [Read more…] about Post Office Murals of Henry Varnum Poor
The Germond Family Murders: A Forensic Conclusion to a Cold Case
The multiple murders of James (Husted) Germond; his wife, Mabel; and their two children, Bernice and Raymond, at their Dutchess County farm in November 1930 is one of the most famous crimes ever committed in the Hudson Valley.
Despite contemporary attention from Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Pinkerton Detectives, and more recently from amateur sleuths and the press, the Germond murders went unsolved until Dr. Cookingham’s investigation. [Read more…] about The Germond Family Murders: A Forensic Conclusion to a Cold Case
The Destruction of Jackson Avenue: A Story of Nyack Urban Renewal
The June episode of Crossroads of Rockland History focused on a new documentary, “What Happened to Jackson Avenue: A Story of Urban Renewal.“ Host Clare Sheridan spoke with the filmmakers Hakima Alem and Rudi Gohl. She also heard from members of the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Craig Smith and Elise Stone, who are producing the film, which covers an urban renewal program in Nyack, NY in the 1960s and 1970s that removed 125 families, 79% of whom were Black. [Read more…] about The Destruction of Jackson Avenue: A Story of Nyack Urban Renewal
Zita Johann: Rockland County’s Classic Movie Star
Zita Johann (1904–1993), best known for her role in The Mummy (1932) starring Boris Karloff, lived for many years in Rockland County. The latest episode of Crossroads of Rockland History explores a new book on the actor by local author Tom Stratford, Along Came Zita (BookBaby, 2023). [Read more…] about Zita Johann: Rockland County’s Classic Movie Star
Getting There: Rivers, Roads, Rails Exhibit in Rockland County
The latest episode of the Crossroads of Rockland History podcast explored “Getting There: Rivers, Roads, Rails,” the new exhibition opening at the The Orangetown Historical Museum & Archives on April 23rd, 2023. Mary Cardenas, Orangetown Historian and museum director; Elizabeth Skrabonja, exhibition curator; and Steve Schwinn, member of the Board of the Friends of the Orangetown Museum were the guests. [Read more…] about Getting There: Rivers, Roads, Rails Exhibit in Rockland County
The Avon Company’s Historic Roots in Rockland County, NY
Beginning as the California Perfume Company, the Avon company called Suffern, NY home for more than a century, making it one of the longest continuously running businesses in Rockland County. Host Clare Sheridan welcomed Rockland County Historian Craig Long back to the program for a lively discussion about the history of Avon, its impact on Rockland County, and the role women, including the first “Avon lady” P.F.E. Albee, played in its success. [Read more…] about The Avon Company’s Historic Roots in Rockland County, NY
Rockland History: Pearl River Public Library
On the January 2023 Crossroads, host Clare Sheridan welcomed James Cassetta of the Pearl River Public Library in Orangetown, Rockland County, to the program. In honor of its 60th anniversary, the library is inviting the public to share personal recollections in videotaped interviews. Memories including moving to Pearl River and living and raising families there will be compiled and edited to create a film for posterity. We learned about the library’s history and this interesting oral history project. [Read more…] about Rockland History: Pearl River Public Library
A Dutch Holiday Traditions Podcast
On the December 2022 Crossroads of Rockland History, Jennifer Brooks, Public Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Historical Society of Rockland County, joined host Clare Sheridan to discuss Dutch Holiday Traditions.
They traced the line between the traditions of early Dutch settlers in Rockland County and surrounding areas to the growth of our modern American Christmas and explored the history behind our holiday traditions. Where did they come from? Who is Saint Nicholas, and how did he become Santa Claus? Why is the December season known for gift-giving and charity? What’s with the tree and the chimney? And what does any of this have to do with religion? [Read more…] about A Dutch Holiday Traditions Podcast
Celebrating Artist Edward Hopper (1882-1967)
2022 marks the 140th birthday of Edward Hopper (1882-1967). On the November episode of Crossroads of Rockand History, we learned about the events celebrating this important American artist, who was born in Nyack, in Rockland County, NY. [Read more…] about Celebrating Artist Edward Hopper (1882-1967)