text:
Kent, New York

Town of Kent is a town in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 12,900 at the 2020 census. The name is that of an early settler family. The town is in the north-central part of the Putnam County. Many of the lakes are reservoirs for New York City.

History
Kent was part of the Philipse Patent of 1697, when it was still populated by the Wappinger tribe. Daniel Nimham (1724–1778) was the last chief of the Wappingers and was the most prominent Native American of his time in the Hudson Valley.

The town was first settled by Europeans in the mid-18th century by Zachariah Merritt and others, from New England, Westchester County, or the Fishkill area. Elisha Cole and his wife Hannah Smalley built Coles Mills in 1748, having moved to that location the previous year from Cape Cod. Coles Mill operated until 1888 when it was submerged under West Branch Reservoir. Around this same time the northeastern part of the county was settled by the Kent, Townsend, and Ludington families, among others. The father of Hannah Smalley and his family moved to Kent about two years before Elisha Cole and his family.

Kent was a part of the Frederickstown Precinct which was chartered in 1772, the rest of Frederickstown consisting of the future town of Carmel and the western parts of the future towns of Patterson and Southeast. Other early family names were Townsend, Smalley, Kent, Dykeman, Barrett, Cole, Boyd, Wixon, Farrington, Burton, Carter, and Ludington.

The present-day intersection of Interstate 84 and Ludingtonville Road was the home of Col. Henry Ludington and his daughter Sybil, who was said to have ridden 40 mi one night in 1777 to call up her father's militia during the American Revolutionary War. A statue of her stands on the shores of Lake Gleneida across from the Putnam County Courthouse.

When the towns of Carmel and Patterson were split from Frederickstown in 1795, the remnant, constituting the current Kent, was established as the "Town of Frederick". Until 1812 it was part of Dutchess County. The town's name was changed to "Kent" in 1817. A small portion of the town of Philipstown was transferred to Kent in 1877.

The major population center of the township is Lake Carmel, a settlement around an artificial lake of the same name developed in the 1920s. Historically the population centers had been Farmer's Mills and Luddingtonville, little of which remain, and Cole's Mills, none of which remains.

Much of early Kent's economy was based on dairy farming for the New York City market, but with many reservoirs being constructed in the late 19th century for drinking water for the same city, most of the farms were submerged, and the dairy industry was all but abandoned by the 1920s. At that point, and because of the advent of the automobile, Kent started to attract new residents from the city.

The town is served by the Carmel Central School District and, for the majority of residents, by the Carmel Post Office. Kent is home to the 82.5 ft Nimham Mountain Fire Tower, located in the Taconic Hills. Built by the State of New York and the CCC in 1940, it is the tallest remaining fire tower in New York state and appears on the National Historic Lookout Register. The Chuang Yen Monastery which is home to the largest indoor statue of Buddha in the Western Hemisphere is also located in Kent.

Geography

Kent is rugged and hilly, sitting atop the interior ridges of the Hudson Highlands some 60 mi north of New York City in the north central portion of Putnam County. It borders the towns of Philipstown and Putnam Valley to the west and southwest; Patterson to the east, and Carmel to the south. The northern town line is the border of the Dutchess County towns of East Fishkill and Pawling. Two state parks, Wonder Lake in the east and Fahnestock in the west, a portion of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and thousands of acres of open space under the permanent protection of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, offer recreational opportunities.

The town is home to a number of lakes which were once popular with summer residents but now have become year-round communities, including Sagamore Lake, Kentwood Lake, Lake Tibet, China Lake, Palmer Lake, and White Pond. Kent is also home to two reservoirs that are part of the New York City water supply system, with much adjacent land purchased by it for conservation through the Watershed Preservation Program. These include Boyds Corner and West Branch, with the latter being the east-of-Hudson terminus of the important Catskill/Delaware supply.

Interstate 84 and the Taconic State Parkway pass through the town.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,009 people, 4,868 households, and 3,748 families residing in the town. The population density was 344.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,353 housing units at an average density of 131.8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 93.81% white, 1.41% African American, .14% Native American, 1.24% Asian, .01% Pacific Islander, 1.81% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.77% of the population.

There were 4,868 households, out of which 38.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $72,346, and the median income for a family was $79,716. Males had a median income of $51,634 versus $38,575 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,984. About 4.2% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The town of Kent is governed by a town board which meets at a town hall in the hamlet of Kent Lakes. Laws are primarily enforced by officers of the town's police department.

Communities and locations in Kent

 * Allen Corners – hamlet in the northwestern part of the town
 * Berkshire Terrace – hamlet in the northern section of the town
 * Camp Hines – locale
 * Carmel Park Estates – locale
 * Clear Pool Camp – locale
 * Coles Mills; a hamlet, now submerged in the West Branch Reservoir, in the southern part of the town
 * Clarence Fahnestock State Park – state park in the western part of the town
 * Farmers Mills – a hamlet in the northwestern part of the town
 * Gipsy Trail Club – a locale
 * Hill & Dale Country Club – Palmer Lake Community
 * Lake Carmel – hamlet in the eastern part of the town
 * Kent Cliffs – a locale
 * Kent Corners – a hamlet north of Lake Carmel village
 * Kent Hills – a hamlet south of Ludingtonville
 * Kent Lakes – location of the Town Hall
 * Kentwood Estates – hamlet in the northern part of town
 * Ludingtonville – hamlet near the northern town line
 * Meads Corners – a locale
 * Nimham Mountain Fire Tower – tallest historic fire tower in New York state
 * Richardsville – a locale
 * Seven Hills Lake – a locale
 * Wonder Lake State Park – state park in the eastern section of the town
 * Yale Corners – a locale

Notable people

 * Lewis Ludington, businessman, lumber baron, and real estate developer was born here.
 * The composers John Corigliano and Mark Adamo, a married couple, divide their time between their homes in Manhattan and Kent Cliffs.
 * George Whipple III, lawyer and society reporter for NY1, grew up here and ran for town supervisor in 1969, when he was 14.

title: Kent, New York


text:
Lake Carmel, New York

Lake Carmel is a hamlet and census-designated place in the town of Kent in Putnam County, New York, United States. The home of over half of the town of Kent's population of 8,282, the hamlet is centered around Lake Carmel, a 1.6 mile long manmade lake in the southeastern corner of the township and just north of hamlet of Carmel within the town of Carmel.

The lake and surrounding community was developed by the Smadbeck brothers, who excavated and dammed a swamp in the 1920s and sold lots through the now-defunct New York Daily Mirror. The hamlet is the seat of the volunteer Lake Carmel Fire Department; its fire district covers the eastern half of the township, and of the Kent town government.

Geography
Lake Carmel is located at 41.46028°N, -73.66167°W (41.460268, -73.661663). According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 5.5 sqmi, of which 5.2 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi, or 6.35%, is water.

The community is west of Interstate 84, accessed at Exits 58 and 61. Lake Carmel mail can be addressed to Carmel or Kent Lakes as well as Lake Carmel.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,663 people, 3,019 households, and 2,351 families residing in the region. The population density was 1,678.0 PD/sqmi. There were 3,167 housing units at an average density of 613.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.96% White, 1.50% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.84% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.93% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.22% of the population.

There were 3,019 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 17.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the community, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the area was $70,678, and the median income for a family was $76,514. Males had a median income of $49,615 versus $37,292 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $27,253. About 3.9% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Lake Carmel, New York


text:
Mahopac, New York

Mahopac ( or ) is a hamlet (and census-designated place) in the town of Carmel in Putnam County, New York, United States. Also known as Lake Mahopac, the exurb is located some 47 mi north of New York City, on US Route 6 at the county's southern central border with Westchester County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,933.

History
Mahopac was originally inhabited by the Wappinger people, an Algonquian tribe. The hamlet's land was part of a huge tract encompassing all of today's Putnam County patented in 1697 by Adolphus Philipse, son of a wealthy Anglo-Dutch gentryman, known as the Philipse Patent. During the French and Indian War, Wappingers throughout Putnam County traveled north to Massachusetts to fight for the British.

When the British Crown refused to return their land after the war, most Wappingers abandoned the area, concentrating in Stockbridge, Massachusetts before relocating with other displaced Native Americans elsewhere. Farmers and their families migrated to Mahopac from as far away as Cape Cod and rented land from the Philipse family. Wheelwrights and blacksmiths set up shops to assist the tenant farmers.

Although no battles were fought in Mahopac during the American Revolution, the area was strategically important due to its location. With troop encampments in nearby Patterson, Yorktown, West Point, and Danbury, Connecticut, it was a cross-roads between key Colonial garrisons. Soldiers were stationed in Mahopac Falls to guard the Red Mills, an important center for grinding grain and storing flour for the American troops.

Upon Colonial victory in the Revolution, the Tory-sympathizing Philipse family lost its claim to the land, which was then resold to farmers and speculators by New York State. After the incorporation of Putnam County in 1812 the Mahopac area grew steadily. By the middle-19th century the hamlet had become a summer resort community. The New York and Harlem Railroad brought vacationers north from New York City to Croton Falls. Hotels would often have competing races of decorated horse-drawn coaches bringing passengers from the train to Lake Mahopac. After the Civil War a direct rail spur was laid, creating boom times for the village.

The locale remained primarily a summer resort until after World War II, when nearby highways such as the Taconic State and Saw Mill River parkways began to make travel by automobile convenient. With the passing of the New York Central Putnam Division's last passenger service to Mahopac in 1959, the hamlet evolved into a year-round community, many of its residents making the commute to New York City.

Lake Mahopac

The hamlet of Mahopac encircles 587 acre Lake Mahopac. It contains three islands, Fairy, Petre, and Canopus, all privately owned. Fairy Island sports multiple homes accessible via a short causeway; Petra boasts the Massaro House, a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired residence, and a Wright-designed bungalo, the A. K. Chahroudi Cottage; Canopus is undeveloped. Boating, fishing and other water sports are permitted on the lake. Slips and support services are provided by two marinas.

The world record brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), which weighed 7 lb, was caught in Lake Mahopac on August 1, 2009 by angler Glenn Collacuro.

Besides Lake Mahopac, other lakes within the Mahopac CDP include Kirk Lake, Lake Casse, Lake Secor, Teakettle Spout Lake, and Long Pond. Lake Mahopac is within the Croton River watershed yet not a part of the New York City water supply system's Croton Watershed. Kirk Lake, a controlled lake in that system, is both.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Mahopac CDP has a total area of 16.7 sqkm, of which 13.7 sqkm is land and 2.9 sqkm, or 17.57%, is water.

While the hamlet of Carmel is the seat of government for Putnam County, Mahopac is the largest population center in the town of Carmel and hosts its Town Hall.

Both Mahopac (ZIP code 10541) and Mahopac Falls (10542) have their own post offices.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,369 people, 2,943 households, and 2,258 families residing in the hamlet. The population density was 1,585.3 PD/sqmi. There were 3,260 housing units at an average density of 585.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.1% White, 2.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.0% Asian, 0% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.9% of the population.

There were 2,943 households, out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.6% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.7% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the hamlet the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $95,189, and the median income for a family was $91,148. Males had a median income of $52,315 versus $36,419 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $44,494. The percent of persons below poverty level was 5.0%.

The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $407,900.

Schools
The Mahopac Central School District is divided into five schools: three K-5 schools (Lakeview Elementary School, Fulmar Road Elementary School, and Austin Road Elementary School), a middle school for grades 6-8 (Mahopac Middle School) and a high school for grades 9-12 (Mahopac High School).

Pronunciation
The name "Mahopac" is believed to be an indigenous word meaning "Great Lake" or "Lake of the Great Serpent". Long-time area residents affirm that the pronunciation "Ma-HO-pac" – consistent with other Native American named local communities such as Mohegan and Mohansic – was used by residents until the hamlet's large population expansion and demographic shift in the 1960s and '70s.

In spite of a 3–2 vote by the Carmel Town Board in favor of the traditional pronunciation, the modern-day first-syllable-inflected "MAY-o-pac" is used by a large number of residents today. Stressing the similar pronunciation of other Native American communities nearby, lifelong Mahopac resident and retired Putnam County legislator and assistant to the Putnam County Executive Regina Morini affirmed, "Mohegan, Mohansic, Mahopac. The accent is on the second syllable".

title: Mahopac, New York


text:
Nelsonville, New York

Nelsonville is a village located in the town of Philipstown in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 624 at the time of the 2020 census.

Nelsonville Lies in the Hudson Highlands directly east of the village of Cold Spring. On Main Street, the border is roughly demarcated by the western property line of the Baptist Church at the height of land, and by the property line along the rear of the church lot, extending south toward the Cold Spring Cemetery.

Along with its neighbor, Cold Spring, the village is known for being a small, picturesque enclave with a historic housing stock. It is a popular weekend and fall foliage destination for New York City residents, and the origin of several well-known hiking trails that traverse the Hudson Highlands. The village is served by the Cold Spring Metro-North Railroad stop on the Hudson Line.

History
Nelsonville is named after the Nelson family, early residents in the area. The West Point Foundry Association's operations supported many of the residents of the settlement, directly or indirectly. It was incorporated as a village in 1855. The post office opened in 1888.

Geography
Nelsonville is located at 41.42444°N, -73.94417°W (41.424550, −73.944170).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.0 sqmi, all land.

Immediately to the north of Nelsonville is Mount Taurus, known to residents of Nelsonville as Bull Hill.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 565 people, 222 households, and 154 families residing in the village. The population density was 541.6 PD/sqmi. There were 246 housing units at an average density of 235.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.28% White, 1.77% African American, 0.35% Asian, 0.71% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.72% of the population.

There were 222 households, out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,000, and the median income for a family was $67,778. Males had a median income of $42,206 versus $45,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,853. About 3.6% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Nelsonville, New York


text:
Patterson, New York

Patterson is a town in Putnam County, New York, United States. The town is in the northeastern part of the county. Interstate 84 passes through the southwestern section of the town. The population was 11,541 at the 2020 census. The town is named after early farmer Matthew Paterson. The reason Patterson was spelled with two "t"s was due to the looseness with which Paterson spelled his own last name.

History
The town was first settled around 1720 in The Oblong, which was a disputed area in southeastern Province of New York also claimed by the Connecticut Colony. The Oblong was a strip of land approximately 1.81 miles wide (2.91 km) between Dutchess County, New York, and Connecticut, ceded to New York in the 1731 Treaty of Dover. Between 1720 and 1776 a large number of mostly Connecticut families settled in the southern Oblong. They could not settle west of it because that land was privately owned by the Philipse Family. It had been granted a patent for virtually all of the remainder of the area of the future Putnam County.

The first such settlers in the Oblong were the Hayt family, who built a house at The Elm in 1720. Another early settler was Jacob Haviland, who settled Haviland Hollow in 1731. The first village in Putnam County, the hamlet of Patterson, was originally called Frederickstown. The eastern part of the future Putnam County was called Southeast Precinct (not the same as the current town of Southeast).

The Philipses were Loyalists during the Revolution and left the area. The state confiscated their land, selling it off. In 1788, the former Philipse portion of the Oblong was chartered as the Town of Southeast; the remainder of the region was chartered as the Town of Fredericktown in Dutchess County, New York. In 1795, Fredericktown township was split into four parts: 1. the Town of Carmel, 2. a part which was combined with the northern half of Southeast and became the Town of Franklin, which was renamed the Town of Patterson in 1808, 3. a part which was combined with the southern half of Southeast and became the new, much larger town of Southeast, and 4. the remnant of the town, which was the Town of Frederick for a while. It was renamed as the Town of Kent in 1817.

Notable people

 * Henry Ludington - local resident, father of Sybil
 * Sybil Ludington – local Revolutionary War Hero
 * Elizabeth Montgomery – Actress spent her childhood summers in Patterson and resided there for many summer seasons until her death in 1995.
 * Pete Seeger – musician
 * Martha-Bryan Allen – Broadway actress, aunt of actress Elizabeth Montgomery; the actress owned a summer estate in Patterson, which was sold to the State of New York after her death and became part of Wonder Lake State Park.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.9 sqmi, of which, 32.3 sqmi is land and 0.6 sqmi  (1.95%) is water.

The northern town line is the border of Dutchess County, New York, and the eastern town boundary is the border of Connecticut.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,306 people, 3,529 households, and 2,678 families residing in the town. The population density was 350.4 PD/sqmi. There were 3,746 housing units at an average density of 116.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 91.28% White, 3.56% African American, 0.16% Native American, 1.27% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.95% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.01% of the population.

There were 3,529 households, out of which 41.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.0% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 36.8% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 6.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $66,250, and the median income for a family was $75,746. Males had a median income of $50,161 versus $37,975 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,103. About 3.7% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.0% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Two main thoroughfares run through Patterson, NY State Route 22 & State Route 311. State Route 22 runs through every town on the East side of Putnam County, and runs directly through the Business District of Patterson. I-84 passes in the southwest and houses Exit 18 for Route 311. Metro-North Railroad has rail commuter rail service to New York City via the Harlem Line, with the Patterson train station in the town center.

Government
Patterson is governed by a town board. The town hall is located on New York State Route 311 in Patterson. Law enforcement services for Patterson are provided by the New York State Police and the Putnam County Sheriff's Department.

Communities and locations in Patterson

 * Barnum Corners – A hamlet west of Putnam Lake.
 * Camp Brady – A location in the western part of the town.
 * Cascade Farm and Farm School Inc. – A small Community Supported Agricultural farm on Harmony Road off Rte. 292 in Patterson.
 * Fields Corners – A hamlet in the southwestern part of the town.
 * Haines Corners – A hamlet southwest of Haviland Hollow.
 * Haviland Hollow – A hamlet northwest of Putnam Lake.
 * Patterson – A hamlet in the northern section of the town.
 * Putnam Lake – A hamlet west of the lake named Putnam Lake, which is in the eastern part of the town, by the Connecticut border.
 * Steinbeck Corners – A hamlet in the southern part of the town.
 * Thunder Ridge – A ski area located north of Putnam Lake.
 * West Patterson – A hamlet west of Patterson hamlet.
 * Haviland Hollow Farm – A polo and equestrian facility, built on historic Colonial River Farm located on East Branch Road in Patterson.
 * Watchtower Educational Center, (Watchtower Bible School of Gilead) a religious school, office, and residence complex operated by Jehovah's Witnesses using the legal entity the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania; the facility draws thousands of domestic and international visitors each year to its free guided tours and by-invitation educational programs.
 * Wonder Lake State Park – An 1100+ acre state park on the western side of the town, off Interstate 84.

title: Patterson, New York


text:
Philipstown, New York

Philipstown is a town located in the western part of Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 9,831 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1697 Adolphus Philipse, a wealthy Province of New York landowner and merchant, purchased a tract from Dutch traders which received British Royal sanction as the Highland Patent. Comprising roughly 250 square miles, it extended approximately 13 miles along the eastern shore of the Hudson River, from Annsville Creek to the Fishkill Creek, and eastward some 20 or so miles to the border of the Colony of Connecticut.

Philipstown was first settled in the westernmost of this parcel circa 1715. In 1754 the Highland Patent, subsequently known as the Philipse Patent, was divided among Philipse heirs into nine parcels. In 1788, Philipstown was established out of the three river lots and part of a fourth inland to the north, becoming one of the three original towns in what is now Putnam County. In 1806 a very small portion north of the Hudson Highlands by the mouth of Fishkill Creek was split off from Philipstown and given to the Town of Fishkill.

Philipstown's main population centers are the village of Cold Spring, the hamlet of Garrison, and the village of Nelsonville. In 1806, part of the town was used to form the town of Fishkill. Putnam Valley was part of Philipstown until 1839, and a small portion of the town north of Putnam Valley was transferred to Kent in 1877.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 51.6 sqmi, of which 48.8 sqmi is land and 2.8 sqmi, or 5.39%, is water.

The western border of Philipstown is the Hudson River, with the Orange County towns of Highlands and Cornwall, as well as a small sliver of Stony Point in Rockland County, on the opposite shore. The northern town line borders the Dutchess County towns of Fishkill and East Fishkill, with the southern town boundary bordering the Westchester County town of Cortlandt. Kent and Putnam Valley border the town on its eastern side.

Media
Philipstown has two weekly newspapers: The Highlands Current, founded in 2010 and published on Friday, and the Putnam County News & Recorder, founded in 1868 and published on Wednesday.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 9,662 people, 3,685 households, and 2,591 families residing in the town. The population density was 198.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,164 housing units at an average density of 85.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 93.1% White, 1.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.9% of the population.

There were 3,685 households, out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 20, 3.8% from 20 to 24, 21.3% from 25 to 44, 35.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

As of 2016, the median income for a household in the town was $102,097, and the median income for a family was $127,034. Males had a median income of $84,313 versus $64,348 for females. The per capita income for the town was $52,755. About 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 4.3 of those age 65 or over.

Government and emergency services
Philipstown is governed by a town board. The town hall is located at 238 Main Street (New York State Route 301) in Cold Spring, New York. Primary law enforcement services in Philipstown are provided by the New York State Police and the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. The village of Cold Spring has its own police department. Fire and medical emergency services are provided by the Continental Village Fire Department, the Garrison Fire Department, the North Highlands Fire Department, and the Village of Cold Spring Fire Department.

Communities and locations in Philipstown

 * Cold Spring – the village of Cold Spring is by the Hudson River.
 * Constitution Island – location by the Hudson River.
 * Continental Village – hamlet in the southeastern part of the town.
 * Clarence Fahnestock State Park – state park in the northeastern section of the town.
 * Fahnestock Corners – locale
 * Forsonville – hamlet in the southern part of the town, southeast of Garrison.
 * Garrison – hamlet by the Hudson River.
 * Garrison Four Corners – location southeast of Garrison.
 * Glenclyffe – hamlet near the Hudson River.
 * Graymoor – hamlet in the southeastern part of the town.
 * Hudson Highlands State Park – state park in the southwestern part of the town.
 * Manitou – hamlet in the southwestern corner of the town, by the Hudson River.
 * McKeel Corners – locale
 * Nelsonville – village northeast of Cold Spring.
 * North Highlands – hamlet northeast of Nelsonville.
 * South Highland – hamlet by the eastern town line.
 * Travis Corners – a locale east of South Highland.

title: Philipstown, New York


text:
Putnam Lake, New York

Putnam Lake is a hamlet and census-designated place in the eastern part of the town of Patterson in Putnam County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 3,844. Putnam Lake is adjacent to the Connecticut border, which is crossed by a number of local streets. The community surrounds a lake, which is also called Putnam Lake.

Geography
Putnam Lake is located at 41.46944°N, -73.54361°W (41.469378, -73.543671).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.3 sqmi, of which 3.9 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi, or 10.21%, is water.

Demographics
As of the 2010 census, there were 3,844 people, 1,407 households, and 985 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 997.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,427 housing units at an average density of 369.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 78.7% Non-Hispanic white, 13.8% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% African American, 1.6% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, and .3% other races. 2.20% of the population were of two or more races.

There were 1,407 households, out of which 33.3% had own children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.3% were married living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30% were non-families. 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the CDP, the percent of the population 16 years and over was 78.3%, 18 years and over 75%, 21 years and over 71.8%, 62 years and over 13.9%, and 65 years and over 11%. The median age was 40.4 years. The population is split 50.6% male and 49.4% female.

In 2000 the median income for a household in the CDP was $62,695, and the median income for a family was $70,156. Males had a median income of $50,532 versus $31,694 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,114. About 1.7% of families and 2.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

History
Up until the end of World War I, Putnam Lake was a small rural hamlet called Valleyville, consisting mainly of dairy farms. In the years leading into the Great Depression, failing farms were bought by developers McGolrick Realty Co. in association with Warren and Arthur Smadbeck, to create a recreational community for New York City citizens.

In 1930, the State Line Golf and Country Club in association with the Smadbecks' New York Daily Mirror Holding Co. bought five farms, totaling 1111 acre of land in Patterson, encroaching New Fairfield, Connecticut. Morlock Brook was dammed, flooding the area of Valleyville, creating the 200 acre lake.

The area around Putnam Lake was divided into 11,000 plots, each 20 by, which were to be occupied by summer cottages, general stores, restaurants, gas stations, dance pavilions, and taverns. The New York Daily Mirror first published advertisements for the community in 1931, and 75 percent of the lots were sold in the first year. Some 2000 homes were built by 1932, which made Putnam Lake the most densely populated community in Patterson, if only for the summer. Some families made Putnam Lake their year-round residence, and a school house was constructed where the Veterans of Foreign Wars building now stands on Fairfield Drive.

The Putnam Lake Property Owners Association, now known as the Putnam Lake Community Council, was formed in the 1930s, with Herbert M. Holton as its first president. The PLCC was, and still is, a volunteer organization which collected dues from families living in Putnam Lake. The PLCC once provided paved roads, electricity, and fire protection, as well as social and recreational activities for Putnam Lake families including the community swimming pool, clubhouse, and tennis court. The PLCC now owns and is responsible for the beaches, parks, Memorial Field, and the boat house.

In May 1952, Memorial Field, to be dedicated to the Putnam Lake casualties of World War II, was proposed to replace the swimming pool, which had not been used since the early 1930s because it was contaminated with seepage and infested with leeches. Construction proceeded through the leadership of Henry Sherer, and in 1955, Edward Angerola, chairmen of the Memorial Field committee. Tiles were used to divert water running through the ground, and fill was brought in from the land surrounding the firehouse. Memorial Field's baseball diamond and field is used in the warmer months.

In 2011 a petition was circulated to create a park district. The petition was certified by the Town of Patterson and the property and assets were transferred to the Town at the end of 2012.

title: Putnam Lake, New York


text:
Putnam Valley, New York

Putnam Valley is a town in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 11,762 at the 2020 census. Its location is northeast of New York City, in the southwestern part of Putnam County. Putnam Valley calls itself the "Town of Lakes".

History
The retreating glaciers of the last ice age did much to shape the landscape of Putnam Valley, including the shearing of hills to expose springs (creating, for example, Bryant Pond) and leaving the glacial deposits of stone and large boulders. The current area of Putnam Valley was occupied by paleo-Indians, followed by the historic Wappinger Indians who lived by the many lakes. Dutch and English farmers moved into the area toward the end of the 17th Century.

In 1697, the Highland Patent was granted to Adolph Philipse. The first settlers arrived circa 1740. In 1745, the Smith property was sold to the Bryant family, who renamed their pond Bryant Pond and the nearby hill, Bryant Hill. The Smith family homestead is the oldest house in Putnam Valley, located just east of the Taconic Parkway on Bryant Pond Road.

Putnam Valley incorporated in 1839 as the town of Quincy, when it was separated from the town of Philipstown, and it took the name "Putnam Valley" in 1840, possibly because local inhabitants were not favorably impressed by John Quincy Adams.

In 1861, a small part of the town of Carmel was added to Putnam Valley.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.0 sqmi, of which 41.4 sqmi is land and 1.6 sqmi, or 3.72%, is water. A total of 14,089 acres of Clarence Fahnestock State Park lie within the boundaries of Putnam Valley, and 1,000 acres are owned by the Hudson Highlands Land Trust, an environmental preservation trust in the Hudson Valley

The southern town line is the border of Westchester County.

The Taconic State Parkway passes through the eastern part of the town. New York State Route 301 straddles the town's northern border.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 10,686 people, 3,676 households and 2,874 families residing in the town. The population density was 258.2 PD/sqmi. There were 4,253 housing units at an average density of 102.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.54% White, 1.60% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 1.28% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.28% of the population.

There were 3,676 households, of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.28.

Age distribution was 26.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

The median household income was $72,938, and the median family income was $82,576. Males had a median income of $56,976 versus $36,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $31,215. About 2.7% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Putnam Valley Central School District operates three schools: Putnam Valley Elementary School starting at kindergarten, Putnam Valley Middle School starting at 5th grade, and Putnam Valley High School starting at 9th grade. The district was created in 1934, and was dedicated in 1935.

The high school is the most recent addition to the district, being built in 2000. It uses geothermal energy for heating and cooling, has three computer labs, a performing arts center and wireless Internet access in all classrooms. Before the high school was built, Putnam Valley students were previously sent to neighboring town high schools including Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, Peekskill High School or Walter Panas High School, all of which are in Westchester County.

In grades 5 through 12, every student is issued an Apple laptop or Chromebook. Apple laptops are guaranteed to be given to those in 9th grade and above. This is a program that sets the school apart from others in the area. The Putnam Valley High School's laptop agreement form reads, "Putnam Valley Central School District issues computers and school monitored email accounts as one way of furthering its mission to teach the skills, knowledge, responsibilities, and behaviors that students will need as successful and responsible adults".

Transportation
Rail service is provided by Metro-North's Hudson Line at the Peekskill station in Westchester County, which is a 15 minute drive southwest from Putnam Valley.

Government
The Town of Putnam Valley is governed by a town board. The town board consists of a Supervisor, Jaqueline Annabi and four town board members: Louie Luongo, Christian Russo, Ralph Smith and Stacey Tompkins. The town hall is located at 265 Oscawana Lake Road in Putnam Valley. Law enforcement services for Putnam Valley are provided by the New York State Police and the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. Fire protection is provided by the Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and medical emergencies are served by Putnam Valley Ambulance Corp Volunteers.

Communities and locations in Putnam Valley

 * Adams Corners – A hamlet in the southeastern part of the town.
 * Amen Hill – A hill inside the Putnam Valley Park, known for its steep slope.
 * Appalachian Trail – The Appalachian Trail runs through the town of Putnam Valley.
 * Bullet Hole – A hamlet by the eastern town line.
 * California Hill State Forest
 * Christian Corners – A hamlet north of Oscawana Lake.
 * Clarence Fahnestock State Park – A state park partly in the northern part of the town.
 * Crofts Corners – A hamlet in the southern half of the town.
 * Dennytown Lake – Historic lake in the hamlet of Dennytown.
 * Dennytown – A hamlet near the western town line.
 * Floradan Estates – A privately owned cooperative community located just south of the Town Park.
 * Gilbert Corners – A hamlet west of Oscawana Lake.
 * Lake Peekskill – A hamlet near the southern town line that includes a small body of water called Lake Peekskill.
 * Oscawana Corners – A hamlet south of Oscawana Lake.
 * Oscawana Lake – A lake in the center of the town.
 * Putnam Valley Town Park – A town park primarily in the southern part of town.
 * Roaring Brook Lake – A hamlet around Roaring Brook Lake, east of the Taconic State Parkway.
 * Roaring Brook – A historic stream running through the town and across the Taconic State Parkway. Flows into Roaring Brook Lake.
 * Sunnybrook – A hamlet by the southwestern shore of Oscawanna Lake.
 * Three Arrows Cooperative Society – A cooperative colony near Shrub Oak.
 * Tompkins Corners – A hamlet in the eastern part of the town. The United Methodist Church there, now closed, is the only building in town listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

title: Putnam Valley, New York


text:
Southeast, New York

Southeast is a town in Putnam County, New York, United States, so named for its location in the southeastern corner of the county. The population was 18,058 at the 2020 census. The town as a whole is informally referred to as Brewster, the town's principal settlement; the latter is also an incorporated village within the town's borders. Interstate 84, Interstate 684, U.S. Route 202, US Route 6, and NY 22 are the primary routes through the town.

History

The first settler arrived circa 1730. The area first exploited was called "The Oblong," and was outside of the land claimed by the Philipse Patent. Due to a border dispute between New York and Connecticut, the area between the undisputed border of New York and the undisputed border of Connecticut was an approximately 4 mi area which ran the full north-south dimension along the state line, in what are now Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Columbia Counties. This was called the Oblong. Land was sold in this area, both by the governor of New York and the King of England for Connecticut, with conflicting deeds. The boundary was settled in New York's favor by the 1731 Treaty of Dover.

A small portion of the Oblong, namely the portion in the Philipse Patent (now Putnam County), was alternately known as Southeast as it was the southeasternmost town in Dutchess County. It consisted of the four-mile-wide section of land along the Connecticut border, going the full north-south dimension of what is now Putnam County, i.e. the eastern part of the current town of Patterson, and the eastern part of the current town of Southeast. The western parts of those two current towns were part of the large Phillipse Patent which had not yet been divided into towns.

The most heavily settled areas of the "Oblong" version of Southeast were the "city" of Frederickstown, now the hamlet of Patterson, and the area called Sodom. This version of Southeast was founded in 1788, and formed the southeast corner of Dutchess County. In 1795, Frederickstown, the town that had been Southeast's neighbor, was divided into the present towns of Carmel, Kent, and Patterson, the latter two known at first as "Frederick" and "Franklin", and at the same time, Southeast lost its northern half to Patterson, and expanded to the west to become the shape it is now. Putnam County split from Dutchess in 1812. The most densely populated area in the town today is the village of Brewster.

Post offices
The first "South East" post office was established in 1797, when the town was still a municipality in Dutchess County. On June 12, 1812, the county of Putnam was established from six Dutchess County towns: Carmel, Kent, Patterson, Philipstown, Putnam Valley and Southeast. These two dates provide a frame of reference for the dates of operation of each Southeast post office.

Before the establishment of centralized post offices, local offices were established in general stores, railroad depots and other public venues in densely populated areas. In Southeast, there were nine individual post offices, each with distinctive postmarks:
 * Brewster's Station from 1850 to 1883
 * Brewster from 1883 to date
 * Doanesburgh from 1839 to 1855
 * Dykman's from 1851 to 1894
 * Dykemans from 1894 to 1935
 * Milltown from 1826 to 1867
 * Putnam Lake Branch 1959 to 1968
 * South East 1797 to 1812 (Dutchess County)
 * South East 1812 to 1857 (Putnam County)
 * Tilly Foster 1881 to 1958

By September 1968, the last of these local offices was closed, and the only post office for the town of Southeast and village of Brewster was located at 20 Main Street with the postmark "Brewster, New York 10509". In the 1990s this USPS branch relocated to 3 Mount Ebo Road in the Doansburgh section of Southeast, no longer in the village of Brewster, but retained the "Brewster 10509" name and ZIP code.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.0 sqmi, of which 32.1 sqmi is land and 2.9 sqmi, or 8.35%, is water. The town contains several reservoirs that supply New York City.

The eastern town line borders Fairfield County, Connecticut, and the southern town boundary borders northern Westchester County.

Metro-North Railroad's Brewster station and Southeast station serve the town, and are located on the Harlem Line. From Southeast, express trains to Grand Central Terminal take about 80 minutes.

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 18,058, 7,058 households, and 6,516 families residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town was 71.95% White, 0.027% African American, 0.69% Native American, 2.65% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 10.3% from other races, and 11.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.239% of the population.

There were 6,516 households, out of which 22.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.4% had a male householder with no wife present. 77.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 22.0% from 18 to 24, 78.0% from 25 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years.

The median income for a household in the town was $104,167, and the median income for a family was $119,232. About 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Southeast is governed by a town board. Southeast town hall is located on New York State Route 22 in Brewster, New York. Law enforcement services for Southeast are provided by the New York State Police and the Putnam County sheriff's office. The village of Brewster has its own police department.

Communities and locations in Southeast

 * Bog Brook Reservoir – A reservoir near the center of the town.
 * Brewster – A centrally located village within the town.
 * Brewster Heights – A hamlet west of Brewster village.
 * Brewster Hill – A hamlet north of Brewster village.
 * Deans Corners – A hamlet in the southwestern part of the town. [[Image:Two Horses at Tilly Foster Farm, Southeast, New York.jpg|thumb|Horses at Tilly Foster Farm]]
 * Deforest Corners – A hamlet in the northeastern corner of the town, northeast of Sears Corners.
 * Doansburg Preserve – a 13 acre preserve; one of the Putnam County Land Trust properties.
 * Drewville Heights – A hamlet in the southwestern part of the town.
 * Dykemans – A hamlet on Route 312, north of Brewster Hill.
 * East Branch Reservoir – A reservoir east of Brewster and south of Bog Brook Reservoir.
 * Fieldstone Pond – Condo community off Doansburg Road.
 * Milltown – A hamlet near the eastern town line.
 * Peach Lake – A hamlet in the southeastern corner of the town, located at the northeast shore of a small lake also called Peach Lake.
 * Sears Corners – A hamlet by the intersection of Routes 22 and 312 in the northeastern part of the town.
 * Sodom – A location east of Brewster village.
 * Tilly Foster – A hamlet near the western town line.
 * Tilly Foster Mine – an abandoned mine adjacent to Tilly Foster Farm Museum.

Notable people

 * Laura Branigan, singer, songwriter, and actress
 * Julius Baker, most highly regarded flutist of his generation; principal flutist of the New York Philharmonic, founding member of the Bach Aria Group
 * Chester Beach, sculptor
 * Fanny Crosby, hymnist
 * Ava Fabian, playboy model and actress
 * Maurice R. Greenberg, former chairman and CEO of AIG
 * Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in 1961
 * James Kent, Chancellor of New York 1814–23
 * Mark Rivera, saxophone player (Billy Joel, Elton John, Ringo Starr)
 * John Wolff, Georgetown University law professor

title: Southeast, New York


text:
Averill Park, New York

Averill Park is a census-designated place within the town of Sand Lake in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. The population was 2,098 at the 2020 census.

The community is named after the local Averill family. It is located on Route 43, south of Crystal Lake and east of West Sand Lake.

The Sand Lake Baptist Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

History
Originally known only as part of greater Sand Lake, the community along with neighboring towns grew with the nineteenth-century development of wool and cotton textile manufacturing by local watermills and knitting factories along the Wynants Kill tributary of the Hudson River. By the 1880s, several independent local mills produced hosiery, undergarments, and knit shirts.

The hamlet was named Averill in 1880 after a local leading family, then in 1882 renamed Averill Park in promotion of local summer-resort development and of the Troy & New England Railway, a never-completed trolley and freight line intended to connect the city of Troy, New York with the mills and summer resorts of Averill Park and its “upstate Coney Island” recreational Crystal Lake Beach, and with the mills of the neighboring town of West Sand Lake. The local mills declined after the increasing efficiency of steam and electrical power improved competition from regional factories, and were then destroyed by a 1891 river flood. The Faith Knitting Company (later Faith Mills), founded in 1897, restored local industry by buying and re-equipping the old mills and rehiring local labor. Other late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century firms included Jake Warger’s Dry Goods Store; Gilbert Beebe’s blacksmith shop; Stout’s Hardware; and Park Pharmacy, where Jerry Lewis worked as a soda jerk in 1942 when his father was a superintendent at Faith Mills.

Mid-nineteenth- to early twentieth-century seasonal hotels included Al’s Place, Hilke’s Averill Park Hotel (previously housing Scram’s Collegiate Institute), Traveler’s Rest (aka Sand Lake House, Tillotson’s Hotel, and Wagner’s Hotel), the Lake View Hotel (aka Blake’s and the Gabler Hotel, later housing the Averill Park Female Seminary), and Clum’s. For mill workers and townspeople, Faith Mills’s Clubhouse was “the entertainment center of the town for many years,” complete with dance hall, motion picture parlor, cafeteria, bowling alleys, pocket billiard room, and shower room.

Faith Mills’s decline, and with it that of Averill Park, began in the Great Depression, during which local textile mills did not regain business till 1932. During World War II, manufacture of wool blankets and long woolen underwear for the military earned Faith Mills four rare “excellence in production” Army-Navy "E" Awards.

From 1955 to 1962, Faith Mills, by then one of only three remaining U.S. manufacturers of woolen long underwear “considered obsolete by most persons” as the market shifted to cotton undergarments, was sold to holding companies and downsized to one factory in Averill Park employing as few as 54 workers, finally closing in 1962. In 1965, the factory was to manufacture a “floor-sweeping compound” and become a warehouse for corrugated shipping containers, employing 15 workers.

2010 demographics
As of the census of 2010, The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.4% White, 6.5% African American, 4.1% Asian, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.4% of the population.

There were 571 households in the CDP, out of which 41.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.09. In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males. The median income for a household in the CDP was $44,000, and the median income for a family was $49,367. Males had a median income of $34,909 versus $26,890 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,226. About 8.0% of families and 17.3 of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 19.1% of those age 65 or over.

2000 demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,517 people, 597 households, and 420 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 507.2 PD/sqmi. There were 628 housing units at an average density of 210.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.89% White, 1.26% African American, 1.46% Asian, and 1.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.99% of the population.

Schools

 * Averill Park School District
 * Averill Park High School
 * Miller Hill - Sand Lake Elementary School
 * Specialty Schools
 * Luis LaBoy Technical School
 * Crenshaw Charter School
 * Taborton Alternative School

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Averill Park has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Sites of interest
Arts Letters & Numbers, on Burden Lake Road, is a nonprofit arts center offering workshops, performances, and residencies, housed in a complex including the former Sand Lake Cotton Factory, which operated as Arnolds, Hunt & Co. until 1875 and was later run by Faith Mills; and also the residence built by mill owner George Arnold.

Hollywood Drive-In Theatre, on New York State Route 66, is a four-hundred-car drive-in theater built in 1952.

title: Averill Park, New York


text:
Berlin, New York

Berlin is a town in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. The population was 1,808 at the 2020 census. The town is named after Berlin in Germany, although natives pronounce the name differently, with the accent on the first syllable.

The town of Berlin is located on the eastern border of the county and is often pronounced with an emphasis on the first half of the name.

History
The town was first settled circa 1765. It was named a town in 1806 and formed from the town of Petersburgh, one of the many New York towns with a German name. On July 25, 1962, Berlin was a site to the 1962 Berlin Explosion, Where a Semi-Truck full of 7000 gallons of propane crashed and blew up in the town killing 10 including the truck driver.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 59.9 sqmi, of which 59.7 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi  (0.45%) is water.

The highest point is Berlin Mountain, 2,818 feet (859 m) above sea level, near the Massachusetts border in the Taconic Mountains. The Taconic Mountains form a barrier in the eastern part of the town so that no existing road connects the town to Massachusetts. The western portion of the town is part of the Rensselaer Plateau.

The eastern town line is the border of Massachusetts.

Berlin is home to the source of the Poesten Kill, which begins at Dyken Pond, in the northwestern corner of the town.

Adjacent towns and areas
The Town of Stephentown is to the south, and the Town of Petersburgh lies to the north. The Town of Sand Lake, and the Town of Poestenkill are at the western town line, and the Towns of Williamstown and Hancock in Berkshire County, Massachusetts are on the eastern border.

Economy
Going back in time, Berlin had its economic roots as a center for dairy farming, however many of the farms have been subdivided in the last decades of the 20th century. The town now serves primarily as a bedroom community for the Albany, NY capital district, but retains some notable industries. Like many small communities, Berlin has relied on one or two key employers for economic growth. These have primarily included W.J. Cowee, LLC, a manufacturer of wood products, and the Henry J. Seagroatt Co., a producer and distributor of flowers and supplies. In neighboring Petersburgh, NY, the high tech industry is represented by Taconic, a worldwide manufacturer of PTFE and dielectric materials.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,901 people, 729 households, and 500 families residing in the town. The population density was 31.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,034 housing units at an average density of 17.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.42% White, 0.05% Native American, 0.32% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.00% of the population.

There were 729 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.9% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.4% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,875, and the median income for a family was $42,464. Males had a median income of $30,500 versus $26,088 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,733. About 9.7% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.0% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

Communities and locations in Berlin

 * Berlin – The hamlet of Berlin on NY State Route 22. It was formerly called "North Berlin" after it was settled circa 1800.
 * Bucks Corner – A hamlet at the junction of County Routes 40 and 41 in the western part of the town.
 * Center Berlin – A hamlet south of Berlin village, on NY State Route 22.
 * Cherry Plain – A hamlet in the southern part of the town on NY State Route 22.
 * Cherry Plain State Park – A state park in the southwestern part of the town.
 * Dyken Pond – A small lake located in the northwestern part of the town.
 * Round Pond – A private pond in the western part of the town.
 * Spring Lake – A private lake in the western part of the town.

Climate
This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Berlin has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

title: Berlin, New York


text:
Brunswick, New York

Brunswick is a town in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. The municipality was originally settled in the early 18th century. During its history, it had been part of Albany County, Rensselaerswyck, and Troy, before its incorporation in 1807. It is bordered on the west by the city of Troy; on the north by Schaghticoke and Pittstown; on the east by Grafton; and on the south by Poestenkill and North Greenbush. The population was 12,581 at the 2020 census. The source of the town's name is not certain, though some claim it comes from the source of its first inhabitants from the province of Brunswick-Lüneburg in Germany.

The town was historically agricultural, but began experiencing suburban sprawl in the later decades of the 20th century, which continues currently. Historically, most of the developments have occurred around the town's two major thoroughfares: New York Route 7 and New York Route 2, known locally as Hoosick Road and Brunswick Road, respectively. Brunswick became a popular place to settle in upon the completion of the local highway system in the Capital District, especially the upgrade of Route 7 into a four-lane highway in the 1980s.

Colonial era
The first settlement in Brunswick dates to 1711 to 1715 at Haynersville. Since Haynersville is located just at the current town line with Pittstown, it is currently impossible to be more specific about dates without knowing on which side of the town line various individual farms were.

In the records, Haynersville was first called simply "Hosek Road". This is in reference to the public manor road that went north from the manor along the east side of the Hudson to where Troy now is, and then turned east across the area to Hoosick on the Vermont border, (the latter half of the road is basically today's Route 7, and is still known as Hoosick Road).

The Hoosick Road was a vital link to the then frontier settlement at Hoosick, (settled in 1688), and which formed a link to both Bennington, Vermont and Williamstown. Until the 1790s, the government at Albany claimed Vermont, and its only practical connection to Vermont was by the Hoosick Road.

German Palatines had settled in Livingston's Manor, south of Rensselaer's Manor. Many of these were volunteers during Queen Anne's War in an expedition against Canada in 1711, led locally by Peter Schuyler, "and several finding the country north of them pleasant and desirable, determined, so soon as convenient after their return and discharge, to locate there". Johannes Jung, Job. Adam Freiderich, Georg Shaffer, Phillip Kelmer, Stephen Froelich, Andreas Bergman, Ludowig W. Schmidt, Job. Schneider, were in an initial group prior to 1715, and Coenraet Ham, Jans Witbeck and Hans Jury Kolemer, came in 1715. The last named individual settled within the manor and therefore within the town.

In 1724, there was another campaign against Canada, and which produced a similar exodus of discontented veterans from the Livingston Manor to Brunswick, including Johannes Heener (Hayner), Peter Phillips, Peter Lamp-Man, Johannes Heinrich Conrad, and Olrig and Philip Barnet. Paul Dirk (Derrick) and Peter Ham were the first settlers of Center Brunswick. Paul Derrick's manor farm still stands as the rear section of the farmhouse at 936 Hoosick Road.

Of the earliest church records for the Gilead Lutheran Church, consisting of several dated receipts, the earliest is from 1746. Their first minister, Peter Nicholas Sommer, began his ministry at Haynersville and adjoining areas in 1743.

In the 1740s and 1750s, van Rensselaer as patroon of the manor gave land for the erection of a church, and for the support of a minister at Hosek Road, (Haynersville). Barnett also gives the text of a document from 1769 in the records of the Gilead Lutheran Church: "When it had pleased the Almighty and Merciful God in His goodness to plant the Evangelical Lutheran Church in this American part of the world also, and especially in the State of New York, during the reign of Queen Anna, and also in this neighborhood and district called Hosek Road, in Rensselaerwyck, Albany County, then more than twenty years ago, a small body of adherents of the above said Lutheran church, disposed to that end did build and erect a prayer and church House to the Honor of God, and for their convenience, upon that lot of ground which our most worthy Patroon generously gave to promote and perpetuate the service of God and for the better maintenance of our preacher, for which purpose he presented us with a Deed of Gift which We acknowledge with heartfelt thanks towards our Good Lord in Heaven, and that in addition He grants us all hereabouts by His grace that we through the permission of the Government are allowed to carry on our pure Lutheran church service free and without hindrance." Barnett concludes that 'more than twenty years' before 1769 roughly corresponds to Sommer's appointment as minister, and that sometime between 1743 and 1749, the first church in Brunswick was built. It was referred to as the log church, and was probably a simple structure.

From this beginning there was an increase, but not without conflict. "During the wars of 1745 and 1754 between the English and French, all this region north of Albany was marked by frequent atrocities perpetrated by the Savage allies of the French, and twice at least the majority of the settlers fled from their homes in terror, retiring to Livingston Manor and other points down the river, some of whom never returned." One particularly notorious incident was the burning of Hoosick, outside Brunswick, by the French in August 1754. Matters did not settle until the collapse of the French at Quebec in 1760. "When these troubles were finally at an end, the inducements offered to settlers by the lord of the Manor attracted many emigrants, not only Germans, but Dutch, English, Scotch, Irish and French as well."

Peace also brought the first tavern in the area, run by a John Tillman, followed by a second tavern in 1772, run by Johannes Hayner, Jr., from which Haynersville, (Hayner's Tavern), eventually got its name.

The first store was opened by Conrad Hayner and Peter Loose at Tamarack, and the first grist mill was built by Johann Heinrich Gross, in 1772, on the Quackenkill.

On the map of the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, drawn in 1767 by John R. Bleecker, there are many names associated with leased parcels, especially in the western part of the town and in Haynersville. The map shows that settlement had mostly been as far east as present day Center Brunswick and Eagle Mills.

By the 1770s, the original log church became inadequate to the needs of the community, as is made clear in this 1789 public plea. "It is about fourteen Years ago, that the said Members of the (Gilead Lutheran) Congregation, whilst the Number of them did increase, so that the Block Meeting House, where they used to serve the Lord, was too small for them, and the said Meeting house was not fit for any Worship, for fear it might brake down and kill them, so that the took a Notion of building a Church, and they begone it in the year 1775. But the disturbance of the War put soon a Stop to it, so that a great many of the said Members were ruin'd & brought to great Distress and Poverty, so that they was oblig'd to leave of building: but now last Year they have begun again, and did their utmost Endeavour to finish the said Church. It was not their Intention in the least at that Time to molest their Neighbours and Fellow Christians with Collections, for it has the appearance last Fall, as if they should have a promising Crop this Harvest, but that Hope is all lost for the most part of the Grane is kill'd with the Frost, and the Rest is destroy'd by the Insects, and now they have such a heavy Debt to pay, which they are not able to discharge out of their own Pokets: So they are obliged to implore all good-minded Christians who has it in their Hearts to promote the kingdom of Christ to assist them and lay some mite for the said Building of the said Church in the Hands of their Fellow Brothers wiiich they have send for that purpose Namely Albertus Simon and Jacob Weager."

Revolutionary War period
For Town of Brunswick in the Revolutionary War, the excerpts from Barnett cover the history "Situated, as it was, near the head of navigation on the Hudson, and on the line traversed by the contending forces between New York City and Canada, (the people of Brunswick) naturally suffered many and grievous annoyances from both sides, but principally from the tories. From the first shock of conflict, east of them, in and around Boston, to the battle of Bennington, in sight from high ground and a few miles on the north-east; and the battles just across the river, between the patriot army and that of Burgoyne; and later, they were in constant dread and danger, many abandoning their homes, where all farm work was virtually given up."

"Emmissaries of the British government came among them, who easily persuaded many of the simple people to side with the royalists, but the majority, principally Germans, espoused the cause of freedom, which made it necessary for such as had joined with the tories to flee the country. This gave rise to the separation of families, the disruption of the harmony hitherto existing in the Church and community, and a deadly enmity which led to acts of violence... When Burgoyne's army approached, and General Schuyler with his forces fell back from Fort Edward to the Islands at the mouth of the Mohawk, the people on this side of the Hudson took refuge in Lansingburgh. Abner Roberts, a member of Gilead and an officer of the Continental army, anxious to visit his home,... and, not apprehending any serious danger, crossed to Lansingburgh and alone rode leisurely away, he had barely leached the top of the hill... when he was ambushed by a band of tories, killed and scalped. Several days afterwards his mutilated remains were found where he had fallen. ... Bald Mountain,... was a favorite resort or rallying point for these predatory bands. From its summit they not only had the advantage of a wide view of the surrounding country, but the valley of the Hudson for miles north and south lay open to observation, the importance of which, in carrying out their nefarious schemes, they fully appreciated and employed."

Town incorporation
The present territory of Brunswick was initially a part of the town of Troy. Troy had been organized as a town in 1791. The growing importance of the prospective city, and its requirements led to a separation of Troy from its rural parts: today's Brunswick and Grafton.

The first town meeting was held at the house of Nathan Betts, a local innkeeper, and continued taking place there for another year. The first town supervisor was Flores Bancker, who held the office from 1807 until 1809. The first town clerk was Daniel Wager, who served for one year. The first three justices of the peace were Robert McChesney, Daniel Wagar, and John McManus. In pursuance of laws enacted under the constitution of 1821, justices of the peace were chosen at the general elections or were appointed by the courts. The election of justices at town meetings began in 1831.

The town did not develop quickly under the manorial system. Although agriculturally productive, since residents did not own the land, there was little incentive to develop properties. That changed after the collapse of Rensselaerswyck in the 1840s.

One short term historical figure was Herman Melville, who in 1840 had been residing with his mother in Lansingburgh, but who taught for a half year at a one room schoolhouse in Brunswick.

Little documentation exists on who took part in the War of 1812. There was significantly more interest in fighting during the Civil War, Brunswick having sent more than 125 men to fight during various times of the war.

The main recreational facility of the town is Vanderhyden Lake, an old reservoir for the city of Troy now used for swimming.

Industrial Revolution
The area of Eagle Mills was a significant industrial area during the mid to late 19th century. Many factories sprung up along the banks of the Poesten Kill due to rapids and a waterfall being located in the area. One such enterprise was the Eagle flour mills, which eventually gave the area its name. The building would change hands multiple times before ending up as Millville Manufacturing Company making augers and then Planters' Hoe Company making hoes. Both companies were under the direction of Joseph H. Allen, who was also supervisor of Brunswick from 1856 to 1857 and a justice of the peace in 1861. Allen closed down Planters' in 1862 to serve in the Civil War. He came out of the war a lieutenant colonel, a position that was awarded to him specifically by President Lincoln. Planters' opened up again after his return to the town. He lived in a house on today's Brunswick Road, which still stands.

Late 20th and 21st centuries
The Brunswick Historical Society (BHS) began operations in 1974 and was recognized with a state charter in 1981. It has been housed in the Garfield School since 1988.

Brunswick remained mostly rural into the mid and late 20th century. The 1990s brought about expansion along Hoosick Road, with the addition of a Wal-Mart and Price Chopper, along with subsequent strip malls, in 1996. These openings led to interest by developers to build more housing options within the town, which offers quick access to Troy and, subsequently, Interstate 787 and the greater Capital District. With the new commercial developments, residents wouldn't be required to travel to Troy or other places to shop, offering more reasons to move to the town.

Expanding development and Brunswick Smart Growth
In early 2005, Wal-Mart indicated intentions to build a Supercenter near its current site on Hoosick Road (Route 7), which sparked outcry from a significant portion of the town population. Additionally, in late 2006, the town saw proposals for five large housing developments that would have added 1387 new homes to a town that was only seeing an average of 43 new homes per year. These proposals, along with other development plans, brought about much opposition, mainly from an organization called Brunswick Smart Growth, Inc., which began a campaign against rapid and excessive development.

One of the main issues coming from Brunswick Smart Growth and town residents was concerns regarding overdevelopment of the town in a short period of time; their argument was for "sustainable and positive growth". Many cited the arguable overdevelopment of Clifton Park, a town located roughly 14 mi to the northeast. Brunswick Smart Growth became noticeable after many residents placed signs on their lawns.

All of these proposed developments were planned to be rezoned to waive the usual requirement that each house sit on at least 1 acre of land. Additionally, some town residents were upset about the fact that one of the developments, Highland Creek, was made possible by the sale of 210.3 acre of land by town supervisor Philip Herrington and his brother Kenneth, a Rensselaer County legislator. It is notable that the Herrington brothers are successful dairy farmers; they own the largest dairy farm in Rensselaer County, and they also own a significant amount of farmland in the town. The land of the proposed Highland Creek development sits on former farmland.

The issue went so far as two lawsuits against the town. The first was brought about in October 2006 by Brunswick Smart Growth and a few individual town residents. It claimed that one, the town did not offer enough hearings regarding the planned Highland Creek development, and two, that the land on which Highland Creek would be built had not been properly rezoned for the development (it was zoned for agriculture and never rezoned to allow a residential development). The suit was eventually dismissed by Rensselaer County Supreme Court Judge Christian F. Hummel.

A second suit was filed, this time in the State Supreme Court, in November 2007, again by Brunswick Smart Growth and a few individuals. This time, the suit focused on insufficiencies in the town's comprehensive plan. If the comprehensive plan were deemed inadequate, two proposed developments that had already received approval would lose their approval. This suit was dismissed in August 2009. The town reportedly spent more than $38,000 in legal fees during the two lawsuits.

The planned Wal-mart Supercenter was scrapped in 2007, instead the current Wal-mart received an upgrade; and none of the planned developments have yet been built, though this could have much to do with the late-2000s recession.

Geography
The town has gently rolling hills, which rise to the east, and some ridges of the Petersburg range are visible to the east. The most conspicuous height in Brunswick is Bald Mountain, also called Mount Rafinesque, which has a commanding view down the Hudson Valley. Bald Mountain also has television and radio broadcast towers.

The Poesten Kill winds across Brunswick, and empties into the Hudson in Troy. Its descent in Troy was the site of important water power.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 44.6 sqmi, of which 44.5 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi  (0.25%) is water.

Communities
Brunswick has a number of unincorporated villages or hamlets in the town.

 * Center Brunswick was a point of early settlement and is a little north of the center of the town. It was located upon the well-known Hoosick Road (today, New York State Route 7). Although called Center Brunswick by inhabitants, the New York State highway department has always insisted that the proper name is Brunswick Center, and that inverted name has also followed into the databases of the digital age.
 * Haynersville is situated in the north part of the town. It is adjacent to the old Cooksborough neighborhood in Pittstown and was the post office for that area in 1880. It derives its name from the Hayner families, who operated a tavern there after the French and Indian War. It is also located on the Hoosick Road and was a stopping point for stages that formed an important line between Troy and Bennington. It also is sometimes listed as Haynerville.
 * Tamarac, or Tamarack, also known as Platestown, was near a point of quite early business, but much of this died by 1880. It is on a route of considerable former travel from Eagle Mills to Boyntonville, in Pittstown.
 * Eagle Mills, in 1880, was the largest and most important business place in the town of Brunswick. In the mid to late 19th century, it was also known as Millville due to its mill work along the Poestenkill Creek. It is located along the former Mud Turnpike, much of which is the present New York State Route 2 to Grafton and Williamstown. Water power from the Postenkill was an important source of power for the mills. Hosting this type of industry led to other businesses opening up as well, such as a hotel, a foundry, blacksmiths, shoe shops, a wagon shop, and a vinegar establishment just east of the center of the hamlet. Those have all passed, and now Eagle Mills is mostly a residential community.
 * Cropseyville is located along present day Route 2 near its intersection with New York State Route 351. It was known for its businesses relating to wagons, including a wagon shop and a blacksmith. It has its own post office. Cropseyville once depended on water power from the nearby Quackenkill Creek.
 * East Brunswick, also known as Rock Hollow, is located above Cropseyville, on the old Troy and Williamstown Turnpike. It too depended on the Quackenkill for water power. Its most important business was the Lawton twine factory, which was long closed by 1880.
 * Clum's Corners was a well-known point of early times. It was on the road from Eagle Mills northeast to Boyntonville in Pittstown. The area is named for O. Clum, a blacksmith in the area. The area was known for wagon work, hosting a wagon shop, blacksmith, and hotel. It was known for fertile flats and fine farming. It is now the site of the regional high school, and has some expanding development and is becoming a retail center.

Landmarks
The town contains three listings on the National Register of Historic Places, two are schoolhouses and one farmstead: Garfield School; the Little Red Schoolhouse; and the Marsh–Link–Pollock Farm. In addition, it is home to a well-known cemetery, Forest Park Cemetery, currently under the jurisdiction of the town. It is known by urban legend as being one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States. A very small portion of the historic Oakwood Cemetery, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and burial place of Samuel Wilson, a possible namesake of Uncle Sam, resides within the northwestern part of the town.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 11,664 people, 4,613 households, and 3,266 families residing in the town. The population density was 261.9 PD/sqmi. There were 4,808 housing units at an average density of 108.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.38% White, 0.90% African American, 0.06% Native American, 1.60% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 4,613 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $56,528, and the median income for a family was $66,374. Males had a median income of $43,093 versus $31,995 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,554. About 3.1% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.4% of those under age 18 and 2.5% of those age 65 or over.

Local government
Like all towns of the first class in New York, Brunswick has an elected town supervisor, town board, two town justices, town clerk and receiver of taxes. Unlike most towns, Brunswick's highway superintendent has been made an appointed position. The current supervisor is Philip H. Herrington (R), who was elected to the position in 1997. The town board is made up of four members, each serving four-year terms, with two seats up for election every odd year. The current members are Mark J. Balistreri (R), Gordon Christian (R), James Sullivan (R), and Mark Cipperly (R). The first two members sit in seats that are up for election in November 2025; the latter are up for election in November 2027. The current town justices are Gary Gordon (D) and Terrance Buchanan (R). The town clerk is Rebecca DelGaizo (R). The entirety of town government is housed in Brunswick Town Hall, on the corner of Town Office Road and Hoosick Road.

Federal, state and county representation
Being in the state of New York, Brunswick is represented in the United States Senate by Chuck Schumer (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D). Brunswick is located in New York's 19th congressional district, which is currently represented by Antonio Delgado. The town resides in the 43rd State Senate district, represented by Daphne Jordan (R), and the 107th Assembly district, represented by Jake Ashby (R). For Rensselaer County, the county executive is Steven F. McLaughlin (R). With respect to the County Legislature, the town is in district 3 and is represented by Kenneth Herrington (R), Todd J. Tesman (R), and Dan Casale (R).

Politics
Brunswick has both an organized Democratic Committee and Republican Committee. The legislative branch of Brunswick government has been under Republican control since the late 1990s. Republicans have a comfortable majority in the town: as of April 1, 2009, there were 2670 registered Republicans and 2230 registered Democrats residing in the town. Third parties are also represented, though with low populations relative to the main two parties. The third parties represented include the Independence Party, Conservative Party, Working Families Party, Green Party, and Libertarian Party; the Independence Party significantly outnumbers any other third party.

Services
The town is served by five volunteer fire departments: Eagle Mills Fire Department on Brunswick Road in Eagle Mills, Center Brunswick Fire Company on Hoosick Road in Center Brunswick, Brunswick Fire Company, No. 1 on Hoosick Road in Sycaway, Mountain View Fire Company near Wynantskill, and Speigletown Fire Company in Speigletown. Brunswick is also the home to a Troop G station of the New York State Police. Additionally, a sub-residency of the New York State Department of Transportation is located on Brick Church Road.

Municipal water service comes from Troy, though a significant portion of the town's population gets its water from wells. Similarly, the small portion of the population connected to the local sewer system is serviced by the Rensselaer County Sewer District, though most inhabitants have individual septic systems.

Culture and recreation
Brunswick offers a selection of recreation areas for residents and non-residents. Brunswick Town Beach and Park, formerly the Vanderheyden and Brunswick reservoirs, on North Lake Avenue, was bought and developed by the town in 1967 and opened in 1968. Access is free to town residents. The town also hosts a free concert series on Tuesday nights during the summer, located on the lawn of the Brunswick Community Center. Additionally, the Community Center, built on the foundation of the former Lee School, offers tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, and rental space for special events hosted by town residents.

The town is home to three golf courses: one private, two public. The Country Club of Troy, despite its name, resides completely in Brunswick, near its western border with Troy. Its 18-hole golf course, designed by Walter J. Travis (his last before he died), opened in 1926. The country club is private. Brunswick Greens, located on Hoosick Road, offers a nine-hole course. Additionally, parts of the Frear Park Municipal Golf Course reside in Brunswick, though most of the course is within Troy city limits, and its organization is overseen by the city. Opened in 1931 as a nine-hole course, Frear was expanded to 18 holes in 1964. Frear was designated the Upper Valley winner for best golf course by Hudson Valley magazine in 2003.

Transportation
The two major thoroughfares in Brunswick are New York Route 2 and New York Route 7, known locally as Brunswick Road and Hoosick Road, respectively. On the west, both originate in Troy, then pass through the town, and continue into neighboring towns on the east: Hoosick Road enters Pittstown and continues into Vermont and Brunswick Road enters Grafton and continues into Massachusetts. New York Route 278, Brick Church Road, connects Routes 2 and 7 near the center of the town. New York Route 142, Grange Road, connects Brunswick with Lansingburgh and New York Route 351, Farm to Market Road, connects Brunswick with Poestenkill. Going west, Route 7 becomes Hoosick Street in Troy and eventually becomes a four-lane highway on the Collar City Bridge, intersecting Interstate 787 and ending with a merge onto Interstate 87, giving Brunswick easy access to the local highway system, and subsequently the greater Capital District.

The closest airport is Rensselaer County Airport in Poestenkill, though it is only for small, private planes. The closest commercial airport is Albany International Airport in Colonie. Bus service is not common outside the very western end of the town, which is essentially an extension of the city of Troy. CDTA's bus 87 stops at Wal-Mart on Hoosick Road, which is the only scheduled stop within Brunswick.

Education
Most of the town sits within the boundaries of Brunswick (Brittonkill) Central School District, whose main campus is at Clums Corners. Additionally, Averill Park Central School District, the Enlarged City School District of Troy, Lansingburgh Central School District, and a very small portion Wynantskill Union Free School District are also within the town.

Active public school buildings within the town are Tamarac Secondary School and Tamarac Elementary School on Brunswick Road (Brittonkill). George Washington Elementary School on Menemsha Lane (Averill Park) is scheduled to close at the end of the 2009-2010 school year.

With the help of local BOCES, public high school students have the opportunity to attend vo-tech programs, higher-level learning programs, and Tech Valley High School.

The Capital District is known for its many places of higher leaning, giving residents the opportunity to receive a higher level degree after high school. Hudson Valley Community College and the University at Albany are two of the more popular local colleges to attend. Also available are The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College in Troy, and Union College in Schenectady, just to name a few.

title: Brunswick, New York


text:
Castleton-on-Hudson, New York

Castleton-on-Hudson is a village located in the southwestern part of the town of Schodack in Rensselaer County, New York, United States. The population was 1,473 at the 2010 census. The village is southeast of Albany.

As of 2019, Castleton-On-Hudson was recognized as a Tree City USA from the Arbor Day Foundation.

History
Castleton gets its name from the exploration of the North (Hudson) River by Henry Hudson. While traveling up the river, he came upon a Mahican Indian village noted for a large structure located on a rise above the river. This structure was a storehouse for foodstuffs, but was of such size that it was thought to be a "castle". Another theory for the derivation of the name "Castleton" comes from Rutherford Hayner's Troy and Rensselaer County New York: A History (1925). Hayner states "Although the exact location of this landing of Hudson's has been more or less conjectural, the weight of opinion places it at or near the present site of the village of Castleton, for on Castle Hill, back of the village, stood the dwelling of the chief of the Mohicans."

The area of Castleton was settled in 1792. When the small village was incorporated into Rensselaer County on April 13, 1827, there were about 100 people living in the area, mostly along the banks of the river. Between 1890 and 1920, the village had a booming economy, with small industry, a hotel, and a small port to gain access to river traffic. However, a large flood destroyed much of the business district in 1936, and the industry took the opportunity to relocate. These days the town is a very residential suburb, with some light agriculture.

The name of the village was changed from Castleton to Castleton-on-Hudson in 1927.

The Gazetteer of the State of New York of 1860 reports that Castleton was formerly known as Morriches Hastie. (JH French, 1860)

The District School No. 3 and Joachim Staats House and Gerrit Staats Ruin are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.8 sqmi, all land.

The village is on the east bank of the Hudson River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,619 people, 615 households, and 399 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,025.5 PD/sqmi. There were 654 housing units at an average density of 818.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the village was 96.79% White, 1.36% African American, 0.25% Asian, 0.93% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.79% of the population.

There were 615 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,141, and the median income for a family was $51,957. Males had a median income of $36,019 versus $26,976 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,660. About 2.5% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * James L. Hogeboom: Christian Rieseberg-nonprofit leader
 * Jaime Schultz: baseball player
 * J. Victor Skiff: environmental conservationist and public servant.

title: Castleton-on-Hudson, New York