• The Hilltowns Genealogy on the Berne Historical Project site has been updated recently. There are about 80,000 individuals. If you or your ancestor is from the Hilltowns and should be included but is not, let me know. Also, the files have much more information than what is posted on line. I will be glad to run off an ancestor or descendant report.
• Last week we had  biggest day ever for the Helderberg Hilltowns site. Over 100 hits to the main page in one day. 
• LETTER TO Mr SAMUEL T SCHOONMAKER in the TOWN of KNOSE [KNOX] ALBANY COUNTY
From his sister Dorothy Ulshoefer, wife of Henry Ulshoefer, june 25, 1837 from Conklin, Broom County, NY Dear brother

I now sit down with pleasure to inform you that we are all in a midling state of health at present and hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing I have been a great deal out of health since we have moved here but I think it was occaisconce by the fatiuge of the journy It took us four days and a halfe to come from duanesburg here The road was very rough and muddy and we had a heavy load besides our eight children and our selves my baby was but little over two month old but she stood the journy verry well I have been taken several times since I have been here with a suden pulsation of my heart which I thought would terminate my life but thanks to the Lord I feel some better of that complaint but it has left me verry nurves we have bought sixty acres of land here There is but eight acres cleared on it we have a good log house to live in and we have the frame of the barn nearly ready to put up...


Click on the Biography of Samuel T. Schoonmaker for the rest of the letter.  

Drawings dated 1886 found in wall of 1835 house when torn down.

The main page of Helderberg Hilltowns wiki site has been updated. One of the new articles is on the Jacob Ball House built of brick about 1835 at the same time as St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Berne just down the road from it. When the house was torn down in 1960 for the construction of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, two old drawings from around 1886 were found in the walls. One pictures the small house of the former slave Jack Dietz, and shows Jack and his wife Diana in the front yard. 

The other is a depiction of the Berne and Beaverdam Cemetery. Follow the links on to the pages on the Jacob Ball House, Jack Dietz, and Beaverdam Cemetery for the complete stories.

CONGRATULATIONS: Sarah Gordon; Huyck Preserve; Bees Knees Cafe

• Heldeberg Market - CONGRATULATIONS to Sarah Gordon on the opening of her new on-line business. Read this great article in the Albany Times Union: Farmers get an online lifeline - 

A new website aims to connect busy consumers and local farmers in Albany County. By JENNIFER GISH, Staff writer

Photo at left: Sarah Avery Gordon started a website in Albany that connects the people in the city who want produce, eggs and meats with farmers in the Hilltowns who have products. ( Michael P. Farrell / Times Union )

• Reopening of The Bees Knees Cafe - Heather Ridge Farm - (Preston Hollow, New York)

Outdoor cafe with a great view of the Catskill Mountains. Open every Saturday through October 9. Tasty lunch items feature our own products as well other other local, seasonal foods. A changing menu with local cheese and our own charcuterie platters, sandwiches, paninis, soups, desserts. 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Heather Ridge Farm, 989 Broome Center Road, Preston Hollow, NY 12469; Phone: 518-239-6234.

From Local Harvest newsletter

• Huyck Preserve - Congratulations to the Preserve on the completion of the Falls overlook. Dedication of Rensselaerville Falls Overlook Platform -- Saturday, June 19th, 4:00pm. Meet at the Visitor Center. All are welcome, please wear appropriate shoes to walk to the top of the falls. Reception to follow.