Life Before the Reservoir

Olive Free Library

Street Scene In The Ashokan District, Near Brown's Station, In The Catskills NY Site Of N Y Water Supply - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

372

Historical Context

Prior to the construction of the Ashokan Reservoir, the Town of Olive and its surrounding hamlets were thriving communities. The Ulster Delaware Railroad brought thousands of visitors to the area to escape the dirt and heat of the city during the summer and many boarding houses were created to house them. Boarding houses were a major form of income in the area, but there were many other businesses as well. The Town of Olive was home to over 35 mills, several tanneries, cooperages, bluestone quarries, harness shops, stores, restaurants, and hotels.

Scope of Collection

When completed, the collection will include a sample of what the library has in its archive including: photographs, postcards, land deeds, town budgets and other documents.

IMLS Logo

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.