Ashokan Reservoir Collection

Olive Free Library

Men With Surveying Equipment - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

332

Dates of Original:

1908-1915

Historical Context

The Ashokan Reservoir construction began in 1908 to provide drinking water for the residents of New York City, and was completed in 1915. It is said that 2,300 people were relocated, more than 500 buildings moved or demolished, and 2,600 graves were transferred to other cemeteries. Eleven hamlets were flooded or relocated: Ashton, Boiceville, Brodhead’s Bridge, Brown’s Station, Glenford, Olive, Olive Bridge, Olive City, Shokan, West Hurley, and West Shokan. A large workforce was required for such an endeavor and they were housed in segregated camps around the area.

Scope of Collection

When completed, the collection will include a sample of what the library has in it’s archive including: photographs, postcards, and documents.

This project is partially supported with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to the New York State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS; imls.gov) and administered by Southeastern NY Library Resources Council.