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The
Early Twentieth Century
One hundred years ago the Village of Catskill was a thriving
community. Main Street hosted four hotels and a full range of
shops where one could purchase all the items needed for daily living.
There were butchers and bakers, clothing stores, hardware, furniture,
and animal feed shops, drug stores, many restaurants, even a Chinese
restaurant. “Little Wall Street”, at the corner of Main and
Bridge streets was (and still is) the home of four banks. A
trolley ran from the ferry dock on the Hudson River through the Village
and out to Leeds, five miles west. A dozen doctors and dentists
maintained offices on Main Street, and many professional and commercial
establishments were owned by people who lived in the apartments above
their storefronts.
The Late
Twentieth Century
For three quarters of a century Main Street retained its vibrant
ambiance and personal service, but by the 1980s the phenomenon of malls
had become the shopping venue in the lives of Americans
everywhere. Main Street, Catskill, like so many other rural Main
Streets, was on the verge of collapse, and by the early 1990s, few new
merchants came to do business here. As many as three dozen
storefronts lay empty and many buildings were severely
deteriorated. Drug trafficking was in evidence and local shoppers
and diners began to avoid the street, not only at night, but during the
day too.
When the decline was at its lowest ebb, several forces began to slowly
change things. The first was the residents, just a few dozen
enthusiastic people who, together with local officials, determined to
take back their Village. These were the pioneers of the Heart of
Catskill Association. The second was the “discovery” of Catskill
by a wave of new immigrants, mostly New York City folks who saw great
value in the Village’s decaying historic homes and Main Street
buildings, bought them at bargain prices and then restored them to
their former glory. Next came a series of state and local grants
made available to assist commercial building owners to improve their
façades. Finally, the new County Office Building, opened
in 2004 (?) brought more people back to Main Street.
Catskill Now -
the Happenin’ Place to Be
The revitalization of Main Street achieved a critical mass of
beautiful, restored storefronts since the year 2000. The older
stores, restaurants, antique shops and galleries have taken new and
inviting appearances. The newer shops feature products that
promote Catskill as the Interior Design Center of the Hudson
Valley. Several new galleries boast frequent new exhibit
openings, and the street becomes a dazzling block party on the Second
Saturday Strolls each month when many shops are open for business,
serving refreshments from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Cat’n Around
Catskill - 2007
This summer long festival is celebrating the new Main Street.
Come see the cats and experience the pleasure of a historic small town
risen to a new glory. Check the events link for information about
special festival programs.
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