Catskill Mountain News

From maurer
Jump to: navigation, search

The Catskill Mountain News (CMN) is a newspaper of record for the greater Margaretville and Catskill Mountains region in the state of New York.

The CMN’s own bound volume of the 1925 papers was missing when the collection was digitized—and no library is known to have those issues in their collections—thus articles published at the time of Dr. Maurer’s move to Margaretville in late 1925 are lost. The lead article published days after his death mistakenly stated 1926, and that error has been unintentionally repeated by many works about him since.

Articles

Archived below are Catskill Mountain News articles and snippets related to the extended Maurer, Hess, Halloran, and Burrage families. This archive is still very much a work in progress, and is also limited by both missing issues & pages and OCR issues in the publicly available archive.

1900s

Relationship (if any) to the Philip Hess family unknown:

  • 1905 Oct. 13, p.1 Miss Mary Hess married.
  • 1905 Dec. 15, p.1 John Scott Hess born.
  • 1906 May 18, p.4 Mrs. August Hess visiting.
  • 1906 July 13, p.4 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hess of Kingston.
  • 1906 Aug. 31, p.4 Miss Lelah Hess of Kingston.
  • 1907 Jan. 04, p.4 Mr. Hess, buttermaker of Roxbury.
  • 1907 Apr. 05, p.1 Rudolph Hess of Dunraven.
  • 1907 Oct. 25, p.1 George L. Hess of New York.
  • 1907 Mar. 05, p.4 Edward Hess of Maine visited relatives in Roxbury.
  • 1907 Mar. 19, P.1 A Mr. Hess spoke on religion in Roxbury.

1906

, “Buying Mill Brook Timber” Carbondale Firm to Erect Mammoth Sawing Plant on the D. & E.
Walter G. Giles and Philip O. Hess, wealthy lumber merchants of Carbondale, Pa., have bought of Mrs. W. J. DeSilva and Mrs. Joseph M. DeSilva for $8400 a large quantity of hemlock and hard maple timber on the Crook and John Ward lots, and lot No. 30, town of Hardenburgh, also a mill site on Mill Brook on the Nelson Fairbairn farm. They will build at once the largest saw mill plant along the route of the D. & E. with tram roads and slides for the removal of the timber. They are negotiating for the purchase of other large tracts in the Mill Brook valley and contemplate operating two or three other saw mills at the same time.

1907

, “Arena”
Mrs. F. H. McLean made a trip to Downsville one day last week to see her brother Mr. Hess who was injured on the D. & E.

1908

, “Grant Mills”
Messrs. Giles & Hess are setting up their saw mill on the W. J. Sanford farm.
, “Realty Deals”
Middletown—John D. Brown and wife to Philip O. Hess, $2,800; May 4.
, “Arena”
Philip Hess is preparing to lay a sidewalk along the side of his lot on church street. This will be a great improvement.
, “Grant Mills”
Giles & Hess have finished sawing what logs they had yarded, and shut down their mill at this place. They are now getting up another mill on the Tremperskill.

1909

, “Grant Mills”
P. O. Hess of Arena was a business caller in this place on Monday.
, “Grant Mills”
Giles & Hess are now sawing on an average of ten thousand feet of lumber daily at their mill here.
, “Exchange Column”
For Sale–Circular saw mill, can be seen running for next ten days, four miles from Arena, N.V., one 35 horse power Portable boiler and sawdust burner with elevator, one 30 horse power engine, two saw edger cutoff., etc. Giles and Hess, Arena. N.Y.
, “Arena”
Dr. Hillis of New York performed an operation on Mabel Hess of this place on Sunday for the removal of adenoids and the tonsils, the operation was very successful and the little girl is getting along nicely.
, “Arena”
The Munn Piano Company placed one of their handsome pianos with the player attachment in the home of Philip Hess one day last week.
, “Margaretville Daily Happenings For The Week”
P. O. Hess of Arena has purchased of the Munn Piano Company one of their handsome interior players with which he is very much pleased.
, “Arena”
Mrs. Philip Hess will entertain the Ladies’ Aid Society next Wednesday afternoon.

“Mrs. Philip Hess” (From our Arena Correspondent)
Died at her home in this place on Wednesday morning, Nov. 17, of pneumonia, Effie, beloved wife of Philip Hess, aged 38 years. She was ill only a few days and her death was a shock to the whole community. Mr. and Mrs. Hess came to this place about two years ago and in that short time Mrs. Hess by her kind and loving ways had endeared herself to the people and will be greatly missed by all. A husband and two children, a daughter 10 years old and a little son 4 years old are left to mourn her early death. The family have the heartfelt sympathy of the people in their sad bereavement.

1910

, “Arena”
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Hess of Shavertown were guests of Philip Hess on Sunday.
, “Arena”
Philip Hess is improving his home by a fresh coat of paint.
, “Arena”
Giles & Hess are moving their saw mill from the Tremperskill to Belleayre.
, “Arena”
Philip Hess and children visited relatives last week at Register, Pa.
, “Arena”
Mabel Hess and Master Orvin [sic] Hess have gone to Pike County, Pa., where they will visit relatives for a few weeks.
, “Belleayre”
Mrs. B. E. Hess was called to Scranton, Pa., on business last week.
, “Belleayre”
Mrs. Bruce Hess was an out of town caller recently.
, “Arena”
Master Orvin [sic] Hess has been quite ill the past week being threatened with pneumonia.
, “A Sawmill Accident” (From our Belleayre correspondent)
Bruce Hess the sawyer at Giles & Hess mill was severely injured last week. In trying to adjust a belt while the machinery was in motion his hand was drawn under a pulley and badly crushed, his arm and shoulder were also injured. Dr. Faalkner of Arena was called and everything done to ease his suffering. It will be sometime before Mr. Hess will be able to resume his duties.

1911

, “Belleayre”
Mr. Hess is slowly recovering from his injuries received in the sawmill a few weeks ago. He is able to be out but unable to use his arm.
, “Belleayre”
Mrs. Bruce Hess spent the first of the week at Arena.
, “Belleayre”
Miss Mabel Hess of Arena visited relatives at the Giles and Hess camp last week.
, “Returned Home Saturday”
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Hess, of Arena, returned to their home in that village on Saturday evening last from their wedding trip. The standing committee of local entertainers were out in full force to welcome the voyagers returning on the "tied." Gus is credited with being in control of the members of the band both male and female, and now in the day of settlement the honor rests heavily upon his shoulders. Mr. and Mrs. Hess gave their entertainers a pleasant welcome and passed around the cigars to the men. Whatever delicate souvenir Mr. Hess had inside for the ladies they did not have the nerve to approach singly and receive. That they missed a treat we have no doubt.
, “Arena”
Philip Hess and his bride returned to this place on Saturday and were given a reception at the Hess home on Saturday evening.
, “Arena”
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Giles of Carbondale came to Arena on Saturday to visit friends and attend the wedding reception of Mr. and Mrs. Hess.

1920s

1920

  • NYS archive: Entire year missing.

1921

  • NYS archive: Jan.–Mar., May–June, Sep.–Oct., and Nov. 4 & 25 missing.

1922

  • NYS archive: Jan. 6, and Oct. 13 missing.

1923

1925

1926

, “Margaretville”
Mrs. W. Maurer is spending a few days visiting at New Haven.
, “Margaretville”
Miss Lois Gibbs of Rochester spent several days visiting Mrs. W. Maurer. She left Wednesday for her home accompanied by Miss Carol Maurer.
, “Arkville”
Mrs. Austin Dart of Oneonta, who with her family are staying with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Joselyn, underwent a serious operation last week. Dr. Maurer of Margaretville did the surgical work assisted by Dr. Keator of Fleischmanns. Mrs. Dart is gaining nicely.
, “Appendicitis Attacks Four”
Four acute attacks of appendicitis in about the same number of days in the same section of the village furnished an occasion for comment here a few days ago. The first victim was Miss Lena Sanford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sanford, who was taken violently ill the latter part of last week. Dr. Maurer found that an operation was immediately necessary and he took the young woman to his home and performed the operation at once. Dr. Faulkner gave the anesthetic. The young woman is well on the road to recovery.
, “Margaretville”
Miss Lynn, a trained nurse from New York City, is assisting Dr. Maurer in the care of his patients.
, “Margaretville”
James Wolcott of Union Grove suffered a severe injury Monday when, he slipped on the ice and fell heavily. Dr. Wakeman of Andes, who was called, thought that the man had suffered a broken hip. The patient was brought to the office of Dr. Maurer in this village where the X-ray showed that the hip bone was not broken and the physicians decided that the injury was to the sciatic nerve.
, “Margaretville”
Dr. G. B. Maurer of this village is securing quite a reputation as a surgeon and has performed several successful operations since he came here late in the fall. Wednesday afternoon of this week he went to Andes and performed an operation for appendicitis for Isabelle McNair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George McNair. Dr. Wakeman of Andes, gave the anaesthetic. The same afternoon he hurried back to Halcottville and operated upon Eugene Knapp at the home of David Mead for strangulated hernia. This was done without the aid of any other surgeon. A local anaesthetic was used.
, “Dry Brook Woman Very Ill” (Dry Brook Correspondent)
Miss Mildred Avery, who is employed at West Harpersfield, has been called to her home by the illness of her mother, Mrs. W. E. Avery. She was stricken with pneumonia Saturday, after having been ill for several days with pleurisy and other troubles. She is now under care of Dr. Maurer of Margaretville, assisted by a trained nurse. Her many friends are hoping for her recovery.
, “Stuck In Snowdrift” (Union Grove Correspondent)
As Dr. Wakeman was on his way to Emery Scudder’s Friday night he got stuck in a snow drift below Eno Fletcher’s. It required nearly an hour’s shoveling by several good Samaratins of the town to get him out.
Note: A good example of why Dr. Maurer would want a “snow machine” (see 1928 below).
43 more pages to do for "Maurer"

1927

  • Dr. Maurer spent some time at the UB College of Medicine, Post-Graduate School.

1928

FIRST SNOWMOBILE in Delaware county was this creation of the early 1930s owned by the late Dr. Gordon Maurer. Pictured in the cab is Mrs. William Van Benschoten of Andes, who worked as a nurse with Dr. Maurer when he made calls. Vehicle could travel unplowed roads or go cross-country. It was built on a 1926 or 1928 Chevrolet pickup truck chassis by Sanford Chevrolet company. Skis on front could be removed and wheels put on for dry road travel. Photo loaned by Mrs. Van Benschoten. (from issue)
, “Snow Machine for Physician” Local M. D. Got Ready for the Drifts That Up to the Present Have Not Appeared
One of the most unique conveyances in Margaretville is the snowflyer of Dr. G. B. Maurer. The local Chevrolet agency bought a caterpillar tread for the physician’s coupe and this has been installed at the rear of the machine. The front is equipped with broad runners or wheels, these being interchangeable.
The contrivance has been operated some during the last week and the doctor says that he could hunt foxes with it as it seems to have an ability to go anywhere. The only disappointment is that there has been no snow. Somewhat similar rigs in Vermont in use by physicians and mail carriers travel the deepest snow and highest drifts with ease.
Note: This is the “snowmobile” mentioned in Clark Sanford’s epitaph for Dr. Maurer.

1929

, “Dr. Maurer May Leave Here” Health Will Not Permit Constant Demands Now Made on Him
Dr. Gordon B. Maurer who came to Margaretville five years ago this fall and in the intervening time has established one of the most success medical practices in this section of the state, is planning to leave Margaretville. The reason for his decision is that his health will not permit the constant demands upon his time. Few men have left medical schools and established in such a short time the reputation that Dr. Maurer has secured here. His decision will be heard with regret by all of eastern Delaware county. His present plan is that he will leave Margaretville on the first of the year and study until spring looking toward taking up a specialty. He may return here in April and remain for the summer and then leave permanently.
Note: This article implies that Dr. Maurer arrived in Margaretville in 1924.

1930s

1934

, “Third Accident Was At Home”
Priscilla Maurer, 4-year-old daughter of Dr. and Mrs. G. B. Maurer, had the misfortune on Sunday afternoon to fall off a neighbor’s porch and break her right forearm. It was a busy afternoon at the doctor’s home. Before Dr. Maurer had finished treating Johnny Trickno of Arkville for deep lacerations, caused from hitting a rock while swimming, Ralph Eignor of Halcottville came. A horse had stepped on him breaking some ribs. Mrs. Maurer then remarked that there was usually a third one and turned to meet Priscilla with a broken arm.

1937

, “Thumbtack Caused Baby’s Death”
Parents of eight-month-old Thomas Zenbruske thought it was just a sore throat that made their baby irritable. But after Thomas died in a hospital at Albany, Wednesday, post-mortem examination disclosed a thumbtack lodged in the baby’s esophagus.
It will be recalled that Orvin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Eckert of Margaretville, swallowed a thumbtack about a year ago. He was rushed to the office of Dr. Maurer. who located the tack by X-ray deep in the throat with the point sticking toward the backbone. Dr. Maurer removed it with a snare through a rubber tube in a few minutes and the lad returned to his home in less than an hour, with no ill effects.
, “Boys Will Be Victims”
“During the next few weeks, newspapers will chronicle several hundred hunting accidents. Half of those injured will be under twenty-two years of age, the largest group being boys in their teens,” says Fay Welch of the New York State College of Forestry. “Three-fourths of them will be injured by shotguns, the remainder by rifles. Almost a third of them will die.”
“Over and over again during the next few weeks the newspapers will record the stories of the men who ‘didn’t know it was loaded!’ or who ‘thought it was a deer!’ Men will be mistaken by careless companions for squirrels, bears and even ducks. Figuring frequently in the as-yet-unwritten story will be the men whose loaded guns discharged as they were getting in and out of automobiles, climbing fences or clubbing hunted game. Women and children also will be victims because careless hunters leave loaded guns around homes.”
“Following a few simple, common sense rules would eliminate a great majority of these unfortunate and unnecessary disasters,” says Mr. Welch who has analyzed the reports of hundreds of hunting accidents.
  • Hunters should thoroughly understand the mechanism of their own guns; make sure they are in good condition and keep them that way. Beware of snow or dust in the muzzle.
  • Loaded guns should never be carried in conveyances of any kind or brought into camps or houses.
  • Great care should be exercised in climbing over fences or other obstacles and in getting in or out of boats.
  • Positively identify every object at which you shoot.
  • Constantly keep in mind the location of your companions and the possible presence of other hunters.
  • Assume that every gun is loaded and never point any gun at another person.
  • Wear red, at least on your cap, and other colors that do not resemble the game in the region.
  • Do not mix alcohol with gun powder.
Note: Dr. Maurer died in this type of accident just over a year later.

1938

, “Young Man Loses Ear In Auto Smash Severed Nose Replaced and Sewed Fast by Local Surgeon”
Carson George, 17, of Arkville, lost his left ear in an automobile accident at the railroad crossing north of Grand Gorge late Saturday night and but for the skill of Surgeon Gordon B. Maurer would also have lost his nose.
He was riding in the front seat in the car of Elliott Johnson, 20, who was driving. In the back seat were Kenneth Holden, 17, and Cecil Davis, 24. When the car came down the long grade at the point named it was going at a fast clip. As it crossed the trade the machine seemed to jump into the air, according to the occupants, and struck a telephone pole some 10 feet above the ground.
George went through the windshield. His ear was completely severed, his nose so badly cut that it hung on the side of his face. The two in the back seat were cut and bruised but not severely injured. Dr. Malone of Grand Gorge was called. He ordered the injured young men removed to a hospital after he gave first aid. The ambulance was summoned and the boys brought here. Dr. Maurer found young George weak from the loss of blood and suffering considerably. He was able to sew the nose back on the face and reports yesterday were that the operation is a success and the member will not show much scar.

“Dr. G. B. Maurer Killed Saturday While Hunting”
Well-Known Physician Dies Instantly from Shotgun Wound. Community In Gloom.
Accident Took Place in Field Near Hall’s Bridge at Dunraven
Dr. Gordon B. Maurer, beloved physician of this village, was instantly killed early last Saturday morning when his shotgun was accidentally discharged as he fell while hunting partridges on the Riseley lot in the neighborhood of Hall’s bridge. The discharge from the gun tore away the entire right side of his face and his death was an instant one.
Dr. Maurer got up early Saturday morning in preparation for the trip. He went to the home of Niles Fairbairn to invite Mr. Fairbairn to go with him. Mr. Fairbairn could not go but let the doctor take his fine setter. The Riseley lot was a favorite shooting ground for Dr. Maurer. He drove there, parked his car beside the road and went into the fields.
Conjecture is that he had gone up the hill but a short time when the dog pointed a bird. To get in for a shot it would seem the doctor had started on a run. There was an old stone wall in his path, partially torn down, where cattle had crossed over. It did not present much of an obstacle and might have been scarcely seen by a hunter anxious for a good shot. The physician stumbled or slipped on the few low stones and fell headlong with his gun partly underneath him. The gun was probably discharged when it struck the ground or possibly when he fell upon it.
At about 9 o’clock a maternity case demanded his attention at the Margaretville hospital. Mrs. Maurer sent Edward Platt, 18, who does chores for the Maurers to look for the doctor. He had told her about where he would hunt. Young Platt found the parked car and went into the field. He soon found the dog wandering aimlessly and called it to him. The dog led him at once to the doctor’s body. The lad realized the tragedy and rushed back to the Maurer home. Mrs. Maurer secured Dr. Holcomb and notified Troopers J. P. McGarvey and T. C. Weeks. All hurried to the place in the vain hope the doctor might be alive and found the body. The physician had been dead some time, the accident probably having occurred soon after he left the car.
Coroner Julian A. Gaul was notified and permitted the removal of the body, under the direction of Dr. Holcomb, to the Lattin parlors. He gave a verdict of accidental death from shotgun wound.
Gordon Bostwick Maurer was born in Rochester May 30, 1899, son of the late William Maurer of Brooklyn and Mrs. Katherine (Bostwick) Maurer of Margaretville and New Haven, Conn. Completing his studies at Yale and an internship at the New Haven hospital in New Haven, Dr. Maurer came to Margaretville. About three years later he married Miss Florence Knight of Framingham, Mass.
Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by his 8-year-old daughter, Priscilla, and a sister, Mrs. Orvan Hess, wife of Dr. Hess of New Haven, formerly of Margaretville.
Dr. Maurer came to Margaretville in 1925 and opened an office in the Rotermund house. His abilities soon brought him a large practice and he found the house too small. He bought the present home on Orchard street of Mrs. Guilford Scott. When patients needed care he took them into his home. This pointed out the need of a hospital and a community drive was made under the leadership of Rev. Father Barry for funds to build a hospital. It was hoped to raise about $18,000. So great had become the local reputation of Dr. Maurer that the sum was exceeded by a few thousand dollars.
Dr. Maurer was made superintendent of the hospital and it has been a most successful institution. He was ably aided in the administration of his duties at the hospital by his wife.
His practice has been a most extensive one. He was a major surgical operator of unusual ability. At the same time he rode far and wide through this section and had endeared himself to the community in a way that few have ever done. He was of great liberality and gave his services freely and without stint to those who were not able to pay.
The shock of his death has brought social and business life to a standstill throughout this section. His good deeds are on every tongue and his memory will be long revered.
The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church on Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Rev. Father Wood of Kent School of Kent School of South Kent, Mass., a former Margaretville rector, had charge of the simple but impressive Episcopal service. The body had been viewed by hundreds at the Maurer home on the morning of the funeral and the previous day and the casket was not opened at the church.
Dr. Maurer was a member of the American Legion and the local post had charge of the services. Mrs. Maurer was presented the flag that draped his casket. He was buried at the very top of the hillside in the Margaretville cemetery in view of his mountain camp on another hillside across the valley. As the final echo of taps resounded among the Margaretville hills there seemed to fall upon the hundreds in attendance at the ceremonies the final reaction to the great loss the community had sustained. Their silent tribute spoke more than words could express of their love for the man who had gone.
The honorary pall bearers at the funeral were as follows: Dr. Thompson, Dr. Flint and Dr. Marsh of Delhi, Dr. Wakeman of Andes, Dr. Lehner of Roxbury, Dr. Olean of South Norwalk, Conn., Dr. Wilson of Downsville, Dr. Tepfer of Fleischmanns, and Dr. Champlin of Oneonta.
Dr. Maurer had many interests outside of his practice here. He was graduated from Yale in 1923, and took special courses from that time until his arrival in Margaretville. He was ex-president of the Delaware County Medical society, a fellow of the American Medical association, a frequent contributor to leading medical journals, health officer of the village and had often performed that office for the high school. Two years ago he returned to Yale and took a year of advanced study in surgery and medicine.
The community tributes, beautiful flowers and expressions of sympathy to Mrs. Maurer and other members of the family have touched them deeply and they ask the News to say they fully appreciate what has been done.

Epitaph

“Mountain Dew”

Thirteen years ago there came here a city chap, trained in one of the great universities.

The other members of his class went to big towns.

He, with the best records of them all, wanted to begin the practice of medicine in a country village.

He had compiled a list of prospective communities. He looked over several and chose us.

An untried city college boy—with magic hands, a keen vision, and uncanny knowledge of both the human body and the soul which activates it.

Soon after arrival he was called upon to care for a life given up as lost. He saved it.

He began to save others. He worked day and night. When he did not have proper apparatus or appliances he built some. When the snows kept him from patients he constructed a snowmobile.

Neither storm nor night nor mud nor snow kept him from the sick.

He took people into his home. It became a veritable hospital.

The fame of the boy spread throughout the section. Men and women from all walks of life asked for his attention.

The community built a hospital that he and others might the better care for those who needed care, medication and operation.

He continued. When a tired body all but gave up, he took a year out and returned to Yale for special work that he might come home and serve better.

He had tired of city pastimes. The lure of the country had been breathed into his soul. Camp, rod and gun, open fires, life in great outdoors gave zest, relief, happiness.

He loved our hills, our mode of life; he knew our ambitions, he smiled at our shortcomings.

He gave freely. Much of the work he did was without charge. Few knew the extent of his help to those who needed help. He served as few had ever served here before.

He was physician, parson, priest, confessor—we told him both our physical and mental troubles and he put us back on the road to reason and living.

Thirteen years he served. It was a life work worth while.

Today our hearts are numb at his loss, our senses befogged to know how to live without him. May we turn from the tragedy of the golden Indian summer morning that knew his death

And in the bleak days of the approaching Thanksgiving season thank god for those thirteen years.

― Yours truly, The Mountaineer[1]

“Shocked by Dr. Maurer’s Death”
The community was greatly shocked last Saturday forenoon to learn of the accidental shooting of Dr. G. B. Maurer of Margaretville, the well-known physician and surgeon, who had made a great reputation for himself in his profession.
—Halcottville Cor.
“Hospital Board Elects Mrs. Maurer”
Mrs. Florence K. Maurer was elected superintendent of the Margaretville hospital by the board of directors at a special meeting on Wednesday evening of this week, in place of her husband, the late Dr. Gordon B. Maurer.
“A Letter from Father Barry” Riverdale-on-Hudson, New York City
Dear News:
Please accept, on behalf of your community, my sincerest sympathy in the loss of one of the finest men I ever knew—Gordon B. Maurer, friend and physician.
I was, indeed, shocked to learn of his death, the more as the realization of its significance to you all grows in my mind. None of us, of course, is indispensable, but when a man creates the place Gordon did in the affections and interests of his neighborhood the loss is tremendous. Obviously he can never be replaced, but his work—especially as regards the hospital—must be carried on. That, I am certain, would be his fondest wish.
How I wish that I might be of some service to you all at this time! Even though I am limited because of physical separation, I pray most sincerely for you—and especially that whomever Gordon's successor may be, he will carry on his splendid work in the same magnificent tradition he did so much to establish in his place and time.
—Faithfully, Gerald V. Barry. Saturday P.M.
“A Great Loss Sustained”
The great loss which we have sustained in the untimely demise of Dr. Gordon B. Maurer is so immeasurable that at first its import cannot be grasped. It is too difficult to believe that he is no longer in our midst. His passing has left us bereft of a soul whose kindly ministrations we shall no longer know.
Dr. Gordon B. Maurer personified the highest ideals in the field of medicine. He was an exemplar of a noble profession whose life was dedicated to the well-being of all. He gave unflinchingly of the best that was in him.
We, who knew and loved him, grieve the sad fate which takes him from our midst and extend our deepest sympathy to his family.
May his soul rest in peace.
—Mr. and Mrs. S. Bluestone and Family
“Saddened at Doctor’s Death”
Friends and patients here were deeply saddened to hear of the accident which took the life of Dr. Gordon B. Maurer, and extend sincere sympathy to the wife and little daughter and other relatives.
—Pine Hill Cor.
We wish to express our deep sorrow in the loss of our friend, Dr. Gordon B. Maurer. He labored without stint for the good of humanity and practiced in the best traditions of an honorable profession. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mrs. Maurer and the family in their bereavement. The community has suffered an irreparable loss.
—Dr. and Mrs. G. A. Tepfer

1940s

1950s

1957–1960

Note: A Burrage family of White Plains—Walter Jr. & wife, Walter Sr., and Tom—had a camp and summer home on the Tremperskill in Pleasant Valley. They are not related to the Maurer/Burrage family.

1960s

1962

, “Visits to and Away From Margaretville”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Winchester, Mass., returned home Monday after spending an “English” weekend with her mother, Mrs. Polly Maurer. Mrs. Burrage is the former Priscilla Maurer.
, “Local and Personal”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Winchester, Mass., have returned home after spending last week with her mother, Mrs. Gordon Maurer.

1965

, “Local and Personal”
Mrs. Gordon B. Maurer had as guests on Sunday her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage, of Wappingers Falls.

1966

, “First Holiday Weekend Put Community on Move”
Miss Mary Gorman, RN, Sister Mora Bernadette and Sister Thomas Anthony of St. Josephs hospital. Far Rockaway, visited Miss Mabel L. Hess for a few days last week. Holiday weekend guests of Miss Hess were Attorney Thomas Halloran, Dr. Katherine Halloran and children, Charles, Peter and Priscilla, of Stamford, Conn. Dr. Halloran, a niece of Miss Hess, has been appointed assistant professor of pediatrics at Yale Medical school in New Haven.

1967

, “Local and Personal”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Wappingers Falls were weekend guests of her mother, Mrs. Gordon Maurer, and participated in skiing.
, “Dr. Orvan Hess Takes State Post”
Dr. Orvan W. Hess of North Haven, Conn., and a native of Margaretville, has been appointed medical director of the Connecticut state welfare department. He is a past president of the State Medical society.
Dr. Hess will assume his new duties on a part time basis which will allow him to continue his practice and provide treatment dor his present patients until he assumes the office full-time.
A well-known gynecologist and obstetrician, he is assistant clinical professor in his specialty at the Yale College of Medicine. He is a brother of Mrs. Mable Hess of Margaretville. His wife is a sister of the late Dr. Gordon B. Maurer

1969

, “Personal News Bits About Village Residents”
Mary Gorman and sister, Cecelia Gorman, of Far Rockaway spent last weekend with Mable Hess. Miss Hess spent the week in Far Rockaway, returning with Mary Gorman to her Margaretville home Friday.
, “Visits And Vacationing Sign Of Summer”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Essex Junction, Vt., spent the weekend at their Margaretville cottage and visited Mable Hess.
, “Sociable Ways To Enjoy October’s Weather”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Essex Junction, Vt., spent the weekend at their Margaretville camp.
, Local and Personal “Thanksgiving Week Sees Much Social Activity”
Mrs. Margaret Sondagaard of Long Beach, L.I., and Miss Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway were weekend guests of Miss Mable Hess.
, “It’s Calm Before Holiday Whirl”
Miss Mable Hess spent last week in New York visiting friends.

Later

1970

, Local and Personal “January’s Blasts Can’t Keep Friends Apart”
Mrs. Arthur Flick of Westkill was a Saturday guest of Miss Mabel Hess. The ladies were classmates in nursing school. Miss Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway, L.I., was a weekend guest of Mable Hess.
, “School Vacation A Time For Spring Travel”
Miss Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway spent the weekend with Miss Mable Hess.
, “Local and Personal”
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Nicholas of Valley Stream, N.Y., spent .several days with Miss Mabel Hess. Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway was a weekend guest of Mable Hess.
, “Local and Personal”
Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway was a weekend guest of Miss Mable Hess.
, “Friends and Relatives Travel ‘Twixt Rain and Rays”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Essex Junction, Vt., spent a week at their Margaretville home.
, “Warmth Of Welcome Offsets October Chills”
Miss Mable Hess and Miss Mary Gorman spent Saturday in Great Barrington, Mass., visiting N. L. Lattin.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ruoff of Keesville spent three days last week with Mable Hess. Miss Hess spent Sunday to Tuesday with Mary Gorman at Far Rockaway, L.I. Miss Gorman came with Miss Hess for the weekend.
, Local and Personal “Neither Flood, Nor Cold Can Keep Us From Visiting”
Ruth and Eleanor Ritter have returned from their home in Dwight, Ont., and were Sunday guests of Mable Hess.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Essex Junction, Vt., were weekend guests of her aunt, Miss Mable Hess.
, “Local and Personal”
Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway, L.I. was a weekend guest of Mable Hess.
, “Christmas Reunions Bring Joy To Families”
Miss Mable Hess was a Christmas weekend guest of Mary Gorman and Celia Stewart in Oneonta.

1971

, “Local and Personal”
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Halloran and children, Charles, Priscilla and Peter, of Stamford, Conn., were weekend guests of her aunt, Miss Mable Hess.
The Senior Homemakers club will meet Thursday, March 18, at the home of Miss Mable Hess. A representative of the Delaware County Opportunities center will be guest speaker. A dish to pass and table service for luncheon will be needed.
, “Local and Personal”
Miss Mary Gorman of Far Rockaway was a weekend guest of Miss Mable Hess.
, Local and Personal “Spring, Vacations Help To Boost Activity”
Miss Mable Hess, Mrs. John Boulton, Miss Marian Connell, Mrs. Edna Kusnirak, Miss Charlotte Sanford and Mrs. Angelina Cerquozzi attended the funeral of Mrs. Eleanor Ritter Sunday in Westford, N.Y.
, Local and Personal “September Marks Resumption Of Activities”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage and son, Michael, of Essex Junction, Vt., spent the weekend at their Margaretville cottage.

1972

, “Local and Personal”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage of Essex Junction, Vt., are parents of a baby daughter, Ann Elizabeth. Mrs. Burrage is the former Priscilla Maurer.
, “Local and Personal”
Dr. Orvan Hess of North Haven, Conn., and grandson, Charles Halloran, of Stamford, Conn., were weekend guests of his sister. Miss Mabel Hess.
, “Local and Personal”
Miss Mary Gorman of Oneonta, Mrs. Margaret Sondagaard of Long Branch and Miss Mabel Hess spent 10 days at Wellfleet on Cape Cod. They were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Halloran and three children of Stamford, Conn.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Nichols of Valley Stream and Mary Gorman of Oneonta arrived on Thursday to spend several days with Miss Mabel Hess.
, Local and Personal “There Is Much To Do In A Village Summer”
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage and children, Michael and Ann, of Essex Junction, Vt., spent from Thursday until Sunday at their Margaretville summer home. They were Friday evening dinner guests of Miss Mabel Hess.
Mary Gorman of Oneonta was a Tuesday to Saturday guest of Mabel Hess. They were Thursday evening guests at a cookout with Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage and family.

1973

, “Local and Personal”
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Nicholas of Valley Stream and Mary Gorman of Oneonta were Tuesday to Thursday guests of Miss Mabel Hess.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Burrage and children, Michael and Ann, of Essex Junction, Vt., spent Friday to Wednesday at their Margaretville home. Mr. and Mrs. Burrage and family were Friday dinner guests of Miss Mabel Hess and Miss Hess was a Monday dinner guest at the Burrage home.

1980s

1990s

2008

, “A Catskill Catalog”
When I first came to this part of the Catskills, Margaretville Memorial Hospital, on Route 28, was still referred to as “the new hospital.” Forward-looking men and women of the Upper East Branch Valley had conducted major community fund-raising a few years before, raising astounding thousands of dollars for the effort. The new hospital was a source of community pride: a bricks and mortar example of what a community can accomplish when focused on a tangible goal.
It was also, then as now, a wonderful little hospital, one of six independent rural community hospitals in Delaware County at the time. Walton’s Delaware Valley Hospital, Delhi’s O’Connor Hospital, The Hospital of Sidney, and MMH are still in business, although all are presently affiliated with a larger, stronger entity. The Stamford and Hancock hospitals are no longer with us, victims of the precarious nature of the health-care business.
The hospital boasted a team of outstanding nurses, a cadre of women who provided each patient a level of care, commitment, and concern that was the hospital’s calling card. Joanie Asher, Betty Griffin, Bucky George, Barb Kapitko—mentioning some leaves out others, but many readers will continue the list from memory.
The hospital attracted physicians and surgeons to practice here. Dr. Spector delivered babies. Doctors Halim and Abrahao did surgery. Dr. Abe Rottkov had a general practice in Fleischmanns. I loved his practical approach to medicine: “A guy gets hit over the head with a beer bottle,” I heard him once say, “he doesn’t need a bunch of tests. He needs a bandage!”
Margaretville Memorial Hospital was founded in 1931 in a two-story frame farmhouse located at the western edge of that village. Eight years later the new central school would be built on the field just below the hospital.
There had always been a rudimentary system of medical care in the rural Catskills. From the late 19th century through the early 20th century, general practice physicians made house calls, midwives delivered babies, and a few area nurses provided 24-hour sick care in the patient’s home. In those days, patients needing surgery or hospitalization had to travel to Kingston City Hospital or to Oneonta.
Dr. Gordon Maurer, a surgeon, settled in Margaretville in 1925, and began to provide surgical services in the operating room of his clinic, located in several village houses the doctor rented. In 1931, he purchased the farmhouse of Sinclare Archibald to establish a proper hospital. Margaretville Hospital became a memorial to Dr. Maurer in 1938. The young doctor, an avid hunter, was killed in a tragic early morning hunting accident in November of that year. The impressive monument to Dr. Maurer in the old Margaretville Cemetery has been featured in a book of American epitaphs.
In the post-war years, Margaretville Memorial Hospital flourished under the medical leadership of doctors Gilbert Palen and C. Ray Huggins. A surgeon and an internist, the two delivered a sophisticated level of medical care to their rural patients. Dr. Palen, a pilot as well as a surgeon, made Margaretville one of the first hospitals to use modern anti-biotic drugs. He would fly his small plane to Philadelphia to pick up the medicine, then fly it back here, landing, he once told me, on the old fairgrounds by the river.
Recently, I was told the story of the two doctors, back in the 1950s, building a small bonfire of invoices for medical service provided, invoices they knew their economically-strapped patients would not be able to pay. I’m told the two doctors burned-up over $100,000 worth of bills.
My friend, the doctor’s son, used to tell me how the family table was often graced with a string of trout, or leg of venison, or a dozen eggs that the good doctor had been given in payment for services rendered.
Money has always been an issue in providing health-care. Back in the ’70s, the new hospital always seemed on shaky financial ground. Some waited for it to fail, planning for future uses of the building as a middle school or community center. But the wise among us knew that the hospital could not be allowed to fail. Without it, we are simply too far away.
One used to be able to become a life member of the hospital for a total donation of something like $50. Life members met in an annual meeting—in good years in a church basement with 20 or so people in attendance. In years of controversy, several hundred life-members would gather in the school gym. The life members would elect the board of directors, who ran the hospital.
In 2001, the life members put themselves out of business, merging the hospital into the health-care system generated by the Kingston Hospital, today known as Health Alliance Planning.
—Bill Birns
, “A Catskill Catalog”
Usually, I do my research before I write. Usually. A couple of weeks ago, I took a shortcut. Writing about the founder of the hospital in Margaretville, Dr. Gordon Maurer, I mentioned that his epitaph appeared in a book of American epitaphs. Dr. Maurer was killed exactly 70 years ago in a November 1938 hunting accident. He is buried in the old Margaretville Cemetery.
It’s not that I made anything up. It’s just that, in the midst of a busy week, I didn’t go to the cemetery to look for the headstone to read the epitaph myself. Instead, I took the information about it from Ethel Bussy’s classic 1960 book History and Stories of Margaretville and Surrounding Areas, lent to me a couple of months ago by my accountant (in the midst of a national financial crisis, it seems reassuring to use the phrase my accountant.)
The other day, I corrected my mistake. I spent an hour or so wandering through the terraced old cemetery looking for Dr. Maurer’s headstone. It is a wonderful cemetery, an old-fashioned park-like rural resting place that contains the names of many who figure prominently in the history of this part of the Catskills. A tall granite obelisk marks the grave of Orson Allaben, Margaretville’s founder, and that of his wife, Thankful Dimmick, daughter of Noah Dimmick, Arkville’s first citizen. Ray Marks, elected Delaware County Treasurer in 1932, rests there. I found several graves of people I knew.
The cemetery is on a sidehill, and reaching the top requires a bit of a climb, but at the very top of the hill, on the uppermost terrace, I found what I was looking for. It was worth the effort! Gordon Bostwick Maurer, 1899-1938, is memorialized by a massive double-wide granite slab on which is inscribed a profound and moving poem of remembrance and respect, written by Dr. Maurer’s friend, Clark Sanford, and published originally in the Catskill Mountain News in Sanford’s column, The Mountaineer.
Standing next to the headstone, one looks directly across the East Branch valley at the hill on the other side, looking directly at the Margaretville Hospital, founded by Dr. Maurer and dedicated as a memorial to him. What is uncanny, and a bit magical, is that that hospital was not built there until 30 years after Dr. Maurer’s death. His interment in a spot that directly overlooks the hospital he founded is, at least, a delightful coincidence. Perhaps, it is more.
And the epitaph! If you can, take the hike to the top of the cemetery hill and see it for yourself. It tells the story of a young man who graduated first in his class as an undergraduate engineer, and then, at Yale Medical School, number one in his class once again. More importantly, it tells the story of the connection made by an individual and a community.
Let the Mountaineer give us his remembrance. The headstone reads as follows.
[Catskill Mountain News epitaph]
—Bill Birns

2015

, “A Young Man Meets His Destiny”
Seventy-seven years ago, on November 18, the Catskill Mountain News printed the obituary of one of its most beloved citizens, Gordon Maurer. In only 13 short years, he had ensconced himself as the life blood of his adopted hometown. In 1925, fresh out of medical school, Dr. Maurer could have chosen to go anywhere in the United States—he was a promising young doctor with strong surgical skills. He looked around and decided that Margaretville, a tight knit country community in the beautiful Catskills, was where he would call home. The work was exhausting and unrelenting. He (and soon his young nurse wife) would operate on their kitchen table as needed. He stuck it out through the innumerable strep throats, the appendectomies, the routine broken bones, although at one point he was almost ready to cash it in. Maurer’s dedication and talent led Clarke Sanford (probably his best friend) and others on a crusade to build a real hospital. His tragically truncated life has had a profound effect on our lives “in this place” to this day. Although his name is seldom heard these days (kudos to the Historical Society of Middletown for “resurrecting” him in its first Cemetery Tour), I consider him one of Margaretville’s and our county’s greatest heroes. Part of Maurer’s legacy is the seamless dedication this village has shown for decades to a strong local hospital. Here I share with you his obituary (which Clarke had engraved in its entirety on his gravestone) along with some more prosaic and typical incidents of his all too short time among us. I know some of you may also be wondering about another village hero, Harry Odell, a prisoner of war mentioned in last week’s column. An update on him next week!
—Trish Adams

References

  1. ↑ Sanford, Clark A. Editor/Publisher (November 18, 1938) “Mountain Dew” Catskill Mountain News.
Year Mising issues
1906 Nov. 30.
1907 Jun. 21, Aug. 9 & 16, Sep. 20 & 27, and Oct. 4.
1908 Jan. 3, May 15, June 12, and July 3, 10 & 24.
1909 Jan. 29, and June 18.
1910 July 1.
1911 Nov. 10.
1912–’14 none.
1915 July 30.
1916 Nov. 24, and Dec. 1–29.
1917 Jan. 5 – Mar. 2, and May 25 – Dec. 28.
1918 Jan. 4 – Mar. 15, April 5 & 12, June 7, and Dec. 27.
1919 May 16, Oct. 17 & 31, and Dec. 26.
1920 all.
1921 Jan.–Mar., May–Jun., Sep.–Oct., and Nov. 4 & 25.
1922 Jan. 6, and Oct. 13.
1923–’24 none.
1925 all.
1926 Feb. 5, and Mar. 19.
1927 Mar. 25.
1928 none.
1929 Aug. 2.
1930 April 4 – May 30, July 18, and Dec. 5–26.
1931 Jan. 2 – Mar. 13, and April 17.
1932 Mar. 11, July 22, and Sep. 30.
1933 June 30.
1934 Mar. 30, June 8, and Aug. 31.
1935–’37 none.
1938 Sep. 30.
1939 July 28.
1940–’42 none.
1943–’73  ?
Retrieved from "http://maurer.wiki/index.php?title=Catskill_Mountain_News&oldid=318"