The Historical Society of Shawangunk & Gardiner is presenting a local author talk: On November 19th at 6 pm at the Historical Society’s meeting hall (formerly the Knights of Pythias House) at 5 Main Street in Wallkill, Marc Fried, author and historian, will talk about The Huckleberry Pickers. Marc is the author of 6 books about Ulster County and the Shawangunk Mountain region and is also a long-time monthly columnist for the Shawangunk Journal.
Every summer from the late 19th century though the mid 20th century, whole families migrated to the high plateau of the Shawangunk Ridge to set up seasonal encampments for the wild huckleberry harvest. Despite harsh summer heat and sparse living conditions, these ridge settlements buzzed with a vibrant, self-reliant culture where music, storytelling, and shared meals bound the picker families together against the wilderness. Marc’s talk will be based on his book "The Huckleberry Pickers," but he'll go beyond its stories to take an intimate look at several of the more colorful Shawangunk Mountain personalities with whom he interacted and formed friendships. So join HSSG for an exploration, both poignant and humorous, of their lives both on and off the mountain, in a talk Fried has titled "Berrypicker Confidential."
All are welcome. Light refreshment and booksigning will follow the talk.