2008 Marks the 90th Anniversary of the Cannon Free Library in Delhi

It was ninety years ago when the Cannon Free Library was built in the village of Delhi. The library was a gift provided by Henry White Cannon, a Delhi native resident and a very famous national financier. The library is dedicated as a loving memorial to his parents. Mr. Cannon’s vision was for the residents of Delhi to be able to always have access to free books for the betterment of all. He also endowed the library to ensure that his legacy would survive him and benefit generations of people to come.

A local newspaper at one time ran an article which stated: “The need for just this institution is very real, and the site chosen is convenient to all our people. Delhi will appreciate the motive which has prompted the gift, and by the intelligent use which it will make of the library will show that appreciation”.

Who was this philanthropist and Delhi resident? Henry White Cannon was the second son of George Bliss and Ann Eliza White Cannon, born in 1850. His father was born in Cannonsville, N.Y., a town not far from Delhi, which was named after Henry’s grandfather, Benjamin Cannon. Henry was educated and became a clerk and a teller at the First National Bank of Delhi. Later he moved to the Midwest in pursuit of greater opportunities.

Before his twenty-first birthday, he organized the Lumberman’s National Bank in Stillwater, Minn., and was responsible for the bank’s survival through the panic of 1873, when many other banks failed. Though young, he rose to prominence as a banker and became an expert on currency and financial affairs. His financial acumen and proven ability to manage financial institutions through a number of crises, gained him attention in Washington, D.C. In 1884, President Arthur appointed him as comptroller of the national currency – the same year a severe financial crisis caused misfortune and panic in the U.S. Again, Henry White Cannon was credited with exercising great ability and success in navigating the national banking system through the panic of 1894.

Henry became the president of Chase National Bank in 1886 and remained in this position until 1904 when he resigned and became chairman of the board. During the panic of 1893, he was a member of the Clearing House Committee of the New York Clearing House and later became its president. Because of his abilities as a financier, he was a delegate of the International Monetary Conference at Brussels in 1892.

Some additional accomplishments include: Aqueduct Commissioner of New York from 1890 to 1897, Vice President and Director of the United States Guarantee Company and the Brooklyn Union Gas Company, founder of the Museum of the City of New York, trustee of the Grant Monument Association in New York, and an active sponsor of Admiral Perry’s exploration of the Arctic.

Even though Henry White Cannon died in 1934, his gift to the town – the library – lives on. It is not simply a memorial to the man who built it, but serves the community and its people as a place that fosters a love of literature and learning, as well as being an archival source with over 30,000 books and resources on thousands of topics and areas of interest.

The people who serve on the Cannon Free Library Board of Trustees are an example of the commitment and vision of people currently behind this library. Its president, Ray Roach has been on the board since 1972. The vice-president, John Crocker, has been a member since 1957 and the secretary/treasurer, Charlotte Vetter, since 1962. Other trustees include Helen Bramley, Verne Henderson, Mary Jane Henderson, and Al Perkins. Gertrude Stone Cannon, daughter-in-law of Henry White Cannon, was actively involved as a trustee and vice president with the library until she died in 1979. In her last will and testament, she provided funds as a gift in trust for the care, maintenance and future capital improvements necessary to sustain the library.

The current director of the library is Cathy Johnson. She is the 8th director since the library was built in 1918. Today, the trustees, together with the current staff of librarians, have desired to see that the founder’s vision is kept alive and moving forward as the years progress and as technology and culture changes.

I originally spoke to Cathy on April 9th this year, not knowing that it was the exact date for the 90th anniversary. She provided me with much of the library’s history and general information. I was impressed when she spoke with what I sensed was a love for what she does as the director of the library. She mentioned that the relationship between the board of trustees, the library staff, and the public has been very supportive and constructive through the years making it a great joy to work there. Cathy mentioned that the library staff is its biggest asset. Other librarians said the same thing to me - even when the director wasn’t present.

There are a total of eight librarians at the Cannon Free Library, including Cathy Johnson, the director. They include Eloise Henault, Linda Iwanow, Heather Johnson, Margaret Small, Florence Grill, Lynn Oles, and Wayne Metlicke. I had an opportunity to talk with four of them. All of them agreed that meeting the library’s patrons and assisting with their needs is a rewarding experience. They take great satisfaction that the library is a gathering point for many people – especially those with children. Each commented that the library has a friendly and inviting atmosphere. The librarians also said that the library is a supportive environment to work in and that they feel appreciated by their peers, the public and the trustees. It is apparent from my visit that they work well with each other and enjoy learning together. A few of the librarians expressed that the library has so much to offer and is under-rated as a cultural asset in the community.

What’s fascinating about the library is something you sense when you walk through the front door. It is still very much the same library as it was in 1918. The architecture, furniture, and interior of the large reading room are the same as when first built. Over the fireplace in this room hangs a portrait of Henry White Cannon painted by the famous American portrait and landscape artist, Frederick MacMonnies.

While the appearance of the library may be unchanged, it is very apparent that many other aspects about the library have changed with the times. Besides books, the library now offers CDs, DVDs, audio books, computers for public access, music, and even puzzles and puppets for children. In 1981, a large addition to the library was constructed which now serves as the children’s section of the library. It was aptly named the Gertrude Stone Cannon Memorial Wing. This wing can accommodate large audiences for presentations and events sponsored by the library. It has a vast collection of children’s books, display cases, reading areas, restrooms for girls and boys and a small stage for performing.

One of the technological changes very evident when you walk into the library is the computers. If you look for the library card catalog, it is no longer in plain sight. Instead, it is now on computer. The library is part of the Four County Library System which allows it to access vastly more books and resources than the Cannon Free Library, in and of itself, could ever offer. The combined inventory all member libraries in Delaware, Otsego, Broome, and Chenango counties are available to the patrons of the Cannon Free Library through this system. One of the greatest, though understated benefits, of the Four County Library System is the access it provides 24/7 via its website @ www.4CLS.org. This is an outstanding and easy to use website offering users a variety of resources including encyclopedias online, a vast selection of children’s books, novels, genealogy resources, health and wellness information, literature, poetry, business periodicals, newspapers, company and stock market information, teacher and testing resources, full-text articles and reports, etc. The information, unlike that provided by internet search engines, is verified for truthfulness and accuracy. Any person with a library card can access this website any time of the day, order any of the resources available, have them delivered to their local library, and then can pick up to take home and then after enjoy.

The children’s activities are a real highlight and strength for the library. Eloise Henault is the librarian in charge of this area. Story Hour is one of her venues for children to encourage reading, build their imaginations and expand their creativity. It is also a time and place to create lasting friendships with other children and their families. The atmosphere is a relaxed and “child-friendly” environment. All the other librarians commented about Eloise and her gift with children. She has taught quilting classes to the children with them participating in the entire process. She is hosting a Happy Birthday Pajama Party, celebrating the library’s anniversary, for children on April 29th. For 5th and 6th graders, she had a program called ‘Picture Book Detectives’. Currently, Eloise does an after school story time with elementary school children K-3rd grade. This summer, the reading program for youth is called “Catch the Reading Bug”. As I mentioned earlier, the children’s wing is huge and offers many opportunities for children. I know my own children have loved story hour over the years and they were allowed to display their rock and lighthouse collections at the library. This was a big event at that time in their lives.

The Cannon Free Library is also very well known for having featured local or semi-local authors such as:

1. Jim Mullen author of “It Takes A Village Idiot: Complicating the Simple Life”

2. Marty Podskoch author of two books on Adirondack fire towers as well as Fire Towers of the Catskills to name just a few.

3. Jean Craighead George, world famous author of over seventy books including “My Side of the Mountain” and the sequels “On the Far Side of the Mountain” and “Frightful’s Mountain”,
“Julie of the Wolves”, “How to Talk to Your Dog”, “How to Talk to Your Cat”, etc., etc. There is a small area in the library wing devoted to Ms. George featuring some of her books and a map showing the supposed location of the tree house referred to in “My Side of the Mountain” which is based upon a location in Delhi in the area of Bell Hill and Dick Mason Roads, just outside the village. This display and the alleged location for this story have attracted people from distant countries.

4. Dorothy Kubik author of “West Through the Catskills”, “The Story of the Susquehanna Turnpike” and “A Free Soil---A Free People: The Anti-Rent War in Delaware County, New York”.

These are just a few of the authors who have been invited to the library. What is so wonderful about this program is that it gives a chance for local people to meet and greet the authors, as well as discuss their lives and works. Our area is home to a few famous authors and it is wonderful that the library provides this forum.

While I may not be around for the 180th anniversary of the Cannon Free Library, I am very happy to be here for the 90th anniversary. The library has been a pillar and support of the local community. It has led to the cultural betterment of Delhi and has sought to foster greater literacy and a love of literature for all its citizens. If it wasn’t for Henry White Cannon and Gertrude Stone Cannon there may never have been a library, such as we have, in Delhi. Certainly, Mr. Cannon’s gift has allowed us to enjoy a very well endowed library with stacks of wonderful books and resources for many people over a number of generations. Since its beginning, the library’s trustees and staff have been instrumental in the preservation, use and enjoyment of this cultural gem. My hope is that this legacy will continue to thrive for many years to come.

The Fisk House in Bovina - A Great Place to Stay!

When people visit our area they frequently ask me where they can go to spend one or more nights in a relaxing and comfortable place to stay. When asked, I usually recommend The Fisk House, a cozy, inviting and intimate Bed & Breakfast owned and operated by Lee and Roxie Liddle located on Fisk Road (off Rt. 28) in Bovina.

While The Fisk House has only been open since Memorial Day weekend 2006, it has since firmly established itself as a lodging destination of choice amongst travelers. It is certainly one of the most talked-about BnBs in the area. As a matter of fact, it was awarded the New Business of the Year Award for 2006 by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Anyone who stays at The Fisk House becomes acquainted with Lee and Roxie. The care they provide to their guests and warm laid-back manner make it easy for guests to relax, unwind and feel right at home.


The background and history of The Fisk House is rather interesting. Back in 2005, Lee and Roxie were looking around the area for a renovation project, something that needed a major do-over with the goal of placing it back on the market to sell once complete. In their search for such an investment property, they came across the home now known as The Fisk House. It was a seriously run-down home, the victim of substantial neglect and damage. It suffered from a fire just six years before which totally destroyed the living room and staircase. In addition to this, part of the foundation needed repair along with new electric service, furnace and well. The house was in very sad shape indeed and on the auction block when Lee and Roxie stepped in to secure the winning bid.

But this isn’t how the history of the home started. Actually, you have to go back to 1869 when the original structure on the property, a hotel, burned down. The current home was built by Earl and Amy Fisk in 1903 on the same foundation as the former hotel. Earl Fisk sold Rawleigh Products (antiseptic salves, medicated ointments, spices and extracts), which still exist today, to local farms and farm families. Earl and Amy had children and one of their daughters, named Laura, lived in the home not long before it was sold at auction. John Raitt, an author wrote about The Fisk House in his book titled ‘Root in the Road’ and referred to it as the “Hotel at the Hook”. It was given this name because the layout of what is now known as Fisk Road, prior to the construction of Rt. 28 had a turn in it that took the shape of a hook. Unfortunately, this portion of the road which was located near a beautiful stone-work Episcopalian church, which still stands and further enhances the charm and appeal of the entire area, is now gone.


Sometime around 1938-39, a stone bridge was constructed over the Little Delaware River where Rt. 28 lies today. Because of this improvement, the Fisks decided to change the back of their home to give it a more formal appearance by adding a rear porch with support columns, stairway, and large bay doors. These improvements were made sometime between 1938 to 1942.

As the years went by, the home gradually fell into disrepair and neglect. It was truly a sight for sore eyes. Then came Lee and Roxie. With Lee’s construction experience (he is the owner of Second Nature Construction specializing in custom homes and baths, commercial and residential painting, stone and masonry work, and historical restorations) and both Lee and Roxie’s vision for the home’s potential, they are the reason the home was given a second life. Ten hours per day, seven days each week for six months they tirelessly toiled to transform and lovingly restore the home to its original splendor and youth. Every molding, window, piece of trim was either restored or replaced with a historically correct equivalent. All the work Lee and Roxie did turned out to be a labor of love and a house rescue. While they worked on the home, Lee and Roxie fell in love with it and decided that they could never part with it. The home has now become a part of who they are and they greatly enjoy sharing it with their guests.

It’s interesting how what started as a hotel in the 1800s that later burned down and then after became a home has now come to be a Bed & Breakfast, once again caring for the needs of weary travelers. The Fisk House has been restored to its original elegance and ambience along with the added modern conveniences and functionality necessary to provide comfort to its guests. The home has wireless internet, cable T.V. in each room, insulated dividing walls between the rooms to ensure privacy, and air conditioning.


The interior of the home looks much the same as it originally did - except that it now has a total of 3 ½ baths instead of only one. The French doors in the living and dining rooms, while not the originals, are nevertheless from the same period that the home was built and have the original hardware (knobs, hinges, brackets). This is typical of the interior architecture. Roxie told me she fell in love at first sight with the staircase, railing (made of cherry) and landing between the first and second floors. There are five very tastefully decorated and charming bedrooms in the Bed and Breakfast - the Lavender Room, Rose Room, Peach Room, Cottage Room and the King Room. The Fisk House also has a comfortable living room, formal dining room, and modern spacious kitchen with center-island and eating area.

Outside there is a lovely field-stone porch overlooking the backyard along with an in-ground swimming pool for their guests. Lee and Roxie also rehabilitated a barn across the road from The Fisk House that serves as a multi-dealer antique store and art center featuring high quality antiques and collectibles.

The Fisk House is inseparable from its loving rescuers and restorers – Lee & Roxie Liddle. Together, the home and its owners make for a wonderful, charming, and friendly lodging experience for visitors to our area of the Catskills. Abundant outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, skiing, and shopping are all in close proximity to the BnB. Or, if travelers simply want to rest, relax and restore their souls, there is no finer place around than The Fisk House.

You can find out more about The Fisk House online at http://www.fiskhouse.com/. You can also read about the Fisk Barn Antique & Art Center at http://www.fiskbarnantiques.com/.

George Stewart - An Icon in Delhi

When people ask me about the some of the most interesting people and places around Delhi, I invariably think of George Stewart. George is a local icon. If you haven’t met him or visited his store, Stewart’s Department Store located at 85-87 Main Street in Delhi, you’ve been denied a real pleasure. George is now 88 years young and has been working at the store since he was a boy.

“Stewart’s”, as it is simply called, started as a department store under a different name circa 1883, the same year the building it is located in was built. When you enter through the front door, you are stepping back in time. There is a certain quality and comfort to that. Not much has changed regarding the store in terms of its appearance or the way business is done since the earlier part of the 20th century – except that Stewarts now accepts debit and credit cards. Stewart’s, by the way, sells men’s and women’s clothing, baby clothing, bulk cloth, suit jackets, ties, buttons, ribbon, hats, Woolrich sweaters, wallets, belts, underwear, socks, boy scout supplies, etc.

Here’s some of the history- While it was founded by Aaron Stern, Chauncey Stewart (George’s father), purchased the business in 1926 and subsequently purchased the building in 1928, just before the great depression. George remembers that times were rough during these early years; however, his father did his best to pay the bills and keep the business going. George said he believes the stress of those years probably shortened his father’s life, though his dad remained active in the business just a few months before he died in 1970. With the assistance of two farmers turned investors, Chauncey was able to keep the doors of the business open and survived the depression.

According to George, his father Chauncey was excellent as a storeowner and manager– good with his customers and a genius at calculating figures. He sold goods that were, for the most part, similar to those that the store still offers today, except in the early days, the store also sold rugs, linoleum, and dress patterns, which it no longer carries. Through the years, a lot has changed in the world, however, not much has changed at Stewarts except the names and faces of customers, cloth sizes, and prices. For instance, bib overalls once sold for $3.95 at Stewart’s. Hard to believe, isn’t it?

After WWII, George returned to Delhi and worked in the store. There were plans for George to have a store in Margaretville; however, they never materialized. George officially took over the store in 1966. George was faithful and dutiful by following in his father’s footsteps and conducted business as his father had done for many years before him. To George, his guiding principle through the years has been the ‘golden rule’ – do to others, as you would have them have them do to you.

As the years went by George has had to deal with recessions and competitors. Life was never easy and there was always plenty of competition for Chauncey and George in Delhi. In the earlier years there were five other stores very similar to Stewarts right in the village of Delhi. Years later, there was Ames Department Store and more recently Walmart just 20 miles away in Oneonta. When asked how he dealt with the competition, he said that these larger department stores actually helped his business, as opposed to hindered it. His product availability, knowledge and personal touch tended to win out over cheaper prices and lack of good retail customer service in the long run.


While a lot people have patronized Stewart’s over the years, there was perhaps no one more famous than Allen Ginsberg. George told me that Ginsberg came into his store when he was up in our area on a visit back in 1994. Ginsberg told George that he couldn’t find tan khaki pants in a 28” long size anywhere – not even in New York City. Well, guess what, George just happened to have them in stock. Ginsberg became a good customer of Stewart’s immediately.

I’m happy that though the world has changed so much during my forty some-odd years, some things like Stewart’s have remained relatively unchanged. While I’m not afraid of the future, I love and take comfort in some of the quality things from the past. Stewart’s is one of those quality things. Thank you, George, for who you are and what your store means to all of us who love and appreciate you.

Spring Hasn't Yet Arrived - However It Is On Order!

I looked out the window early today and saw about 3 inches of snow. Hmm! Not unusual for this time of year but also not very welcomed. I decided to post the following poem because it expresses how most people feel at the end of winter and standing on the threshold of spring. Hope you enjoy it!

Goodbye My Winter Suit
By N. M. Bodecker

Goodbye my winter suit,
Goodbye my hat and boot,

Goodbye my ear-protecting muffs

And storms that hail and hoot.

Farewell to snow and sleet,

Farewell to Cream of Wheat,

Farewell to ice-removing salt

And slush around my feet.

Right on to daffodils,

Right on to whippoorwills,

Right on to chirp-producing eggs

And baby birds and quills.

The day is on the wing,

The kite is on the string,

The sun is where the sun should be -

It's spring all right! It's spring!

Annual Maple Weekend in Delaware County - March 29th & 30th

Now that winter is transitioning to spring, we have a mini-season here in Delaware County known as maple syrup season. It is during this time when the nights are typically freezing cold and the days are warm causing the sap to run so it can be gathered from the maples to produce that almost heavenly elixir called maple syrup.

It is a harvest from trees that is not only sweet and delicious to taste, but serves as a healthier alternative to sweeteners such as refined sugar. Maple syrup has been a wonderful and naturally derived food for centuries and its popularity only continues to grow. This coming weekend, March 29-30 marks the 13th annual maple weekend in New York State. It is a big event here in Delaware County. During this weekend, many maple producers are having open-houses allowing the public to see and experience the world of maple syrup production. You and I will get to see, learn about and appreciate all the aspects of maple syrup making. The process involves tapping the trees, gathering the sap, boiling the sap into syrup, and then bottling the syrup or utilizing it to make confections, spreads, etc.

I had the privilege of spending some time today with Tom Kaufman who is an owner of Catskill Mountain Maple (http://www.catskillmountainmaple.com/) along with Duane and Karen Lafever. It is located outside Delancey, NY just 6.5 miles outside Delhi on Charlie Wood Road off County Rt. 2 (Andes-Delancey Road aka Bagley Brook Road). Tom has owned Catskill Mountain Maple for 28 years and has worked together with Duane & Karen Lafever since 1987. Together they tap around 4000 trees (that’s a lot of maples!) on 91 acres and are looking to produce 1000 gallons of maple syrup this season. So far this season, they have produced 500 gallons.

If you have the chance you won’t regret visiting Tom & Duane this weekend during their seasonal open-house. It will be a big event for Catskill Mountain Maple with literally hundreds of people coming out. It’s a great time for family, friends, and all.

The picture herein shows Tom next to his oil-fired evaporator that looks to me like a steam locomotive. Tom told me that it can process 75% of 400 gallons of sap per hour. He also has a reverse osmosis system which is where the sap actually gets boiled first before going into the large evaporator. This process is a great energy saver because it removes 75% of the water before it boils in the evaporator. He explained to me that the sap has 2% sugar content and this is elevated to an 8% higher content due to the reverse osmosis process. The reverse osmosis machine is the same that is used on large cruise ships and naval ships to desalinate water-pretty impressive technology.

Tom has an obvious passion and love for maple syrup production. It’s hard work but it is also truly one of those things that make you feel a little closer to the earth. Karen Lafever was in the sap house today while I was given the tour. She and Tom will be spending the next few days preparing the showroom for the public to see. The showroom consists of maple production equipment, which Tom & Duane sell, from manufacturers such as Maple Pro and LaPierre/Waterloo/Small. The showroom will also feature Tom, Duane and Karen’s maple products for the public to sample and purchase this weekend. The basic products are syrup, candies and creams. The specific products include the following: maple granulated sugar (used in baking and as a sweetener), maple popcorn, maple mustard (a delicious spread), maple pumpkin spread, maple coated nuts, butter milk pancake mix (Karen tells me this is incredibly delicious), and oatmeal pancake mix, etc. By the way, Duane and Karen also have their own farm and maple products business known as Maplewood Farm & Orchard located in Delhi (http://www.maplewoodfarmny.com/).

While the syrup is not certified organic, Tom explained that it easily could be because the process is entirely natural and nothing is introduced in the production that compromises its organic nature. It is nothing less than 100% pure maple syrup.

I hope you will take the time to come visit Tom, Duane and Karen this weekend at Catskill Mountain Maple. There will be food, fun, tours and lots of all-natural and truly delicious maple syrup and products for sampling and for sale. See you there!

Catskill Mountain Maple Sap House & Showroom

Spring Has Arrived!

While the calendar says that spring offically dawned on 3/20, we local residents know that it occurs a little later than this date. A better indicator that spring is, at least on its way, is the presence of some of our seasonal residents, better known as the robins. These fellows are the true harbingers of spring. Their arrival doesn't mean that the temperature is yet spring-like; however, their optimistic presence shows that spring is not too far behind.

If you talk to your friends and neighbors every year around this time, sooner or later the discussion will turn to the robins. First, it was my sister-in-law, who spotted one a little over a week ago. She promptly notified me and my wife. Thenafter, my wife saw one in the back yard. Now, I see a great number of them, even entire flocks.


While these little feathered fellow residents go about their business, they are unaware of the joy and hope they give the human residents after the long but beautiful winters we endure. So, offically, we welcome them and together we will look forward to a new spring here in the mountains and hills of Delaware County.