Laura McNamee
Happy Birthday to Rev. Jim VanHouten and Sam Calvino who both celebrate on September 20! I hope you both have a wonderful day!
Back in January, I shared my personal recollections of our beloved Thruway Market. This week I sat down with Mr. Jerry Jacobowitz, whose father was one of the original investors of what became the Thruway Shopping Center. Just as a note- Mr. Jacobowitz shared so much wonderful information I will break this up over the next couple weeks.
The Thruway Plaza was originally the home to the New York Knife Factory, followed by the Fur and Felt Company. Then in the early 1950s a man by the name of Mr. Brown, who was from Great Neck, NY, envisioned this property as a farmer’s market. His inspiration came from Frankie’s Market, which was located on Route 17 in New Jersey. This farmer’s market operated every Friday & Saturday of the week and was very successful due to its location with thousands of motorists traveling by.
With a vision in mind, Mr. Brown knocked down some of the original buildings and hired Mazzerelli contractors out of Newburgh to help his vision come to life. This plan included cutting into the hill on the east side of the parking lot towards Pleasant Ave., where Mavis Tires and Auto Zone now sit. Unfortunately, due to the plaza’s location not being on a main road, and Walden’s population only being around 4500, Mr. Brown’s plan failed.
In the 1930s Mr. Meyer Jacobowitz ran The Ellenville Fruit Exchange on Center Street in Ellenville, NY. In 1940 he expanded his business and opened a grocery store on Main Street, Walden, in what is now Sohn’s Appliances. This grocery store was the National Self-Service. Soon after he closed his Ellenville shop and moved his family to Walden.
Be sure to read next week for part 2!
News from the Library: Get your calendars out and sign up for any (or all) of the following programs:
Friday Brain Games, September 18, 1:30 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons for Teens later the same day, 4 p.m. Walden Knights Chess Club, Saturday, September 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Fall Toddler Storytime for ages 3 - 5 years, will begin on Tuesday, September 22, 10:30 a.m. and held every Tuesday through October 27. Puzzles & Pizza is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 5:30 p.m. This program fills up quickly so make sure to register soon! The Wrestlemaniaces Club will meet on Monday, September 21, 6:30 p.m. Apples! Apples! Apples! Wednesday, September 30, 4:30 p.m., come and listen to apple stories, taste test different kinds of apples and different tasty apple treats while crafting your own woodland hobbit house from a small cardboard box. All are welcome; supplies provided. Please register for programs by stopping in or calling (845)778-7621.
A reminder: The Library Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, September 21, 5 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
The annual Fall Yard Sale at Walden UMC on Rt 52 will be held Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Household goods, used books, clothing, all sorts of treasures, you never know what you might find!
American Legion Post 521 will also be hosting a Yard Sale on Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 2130 Route 208, Montgomery. Interested Vendors contact Marge Schwerdtfeger 845-313-9806, $25 bring your own table. Food, snacks, drinks and desserts available for purchase.
Walden UMC on Rt 52 is hosting a Craft and Vendor Fair Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with indoor and outdoor spaces available. Come support local crafters and vendors. Hand turned wood pens, boards and decor, sports themed items, 3-D printed items and laser cut sun catchers, pottery, Avon, jewelry, and much more! Contact Scott at 845-978-4354 for more information.
Walden Police Dept. and Walden Recreation and Parks are hosting a Senior BBQ Event on Wednesday, September 23, 12 - 2:30 p.m. at Anita Vandermark Community Center. RSVP Suggested by September 15- email: waldenrecords@villageofwaldenpd.gov or call: Dispatcher Brown at 845-778-5595. Any seniors in need of free transportation can schedule it through Town of Montgomery dial-a-bus starting September 15 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Save The Date for the Walden’s 40th Annual Harvest Festival! Saturday, September 26, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Vendor Information Contact Debbie Robb 845-706-1570; Sponsorship Information Contact Jodi Lynn waldencommunitycouncil@gmail.com. Walden Baptist Church let me know that Rev. Jim VanHouten will be popping popcorn for everyone at the church’s table!
If you weren’t able to pick up your kit for the Pinewood Derby Race at Music in the Grove, email waldencommunitycouncil@gmail.com. Kits can be purchased for $10-$15. The race will be held at the Walden Harvest Fest on Saturday, September 26. Adult, business and kid races will all take place, with many prizes to be won!
Walden Baptist Church will be running a Tricky Tray on Saturday, October 10, Doors open at 5 p.m.., Calling starts at 7 p.m. at the church, 38 Bank Street, Walden. Food & Drink will be available for purchase too!
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Walden Baptist Church will be hosting a Gently Used Clothing & Accessories Bag Sale for $5 a bag, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; For questions or more information 845-778-5611.
Saturday November 7, the Walden Baptist Church is hosting a soup, sandwich and salad dinner, 5 - 8 p.m. $10 a person to dine in or take out. To place an order for more information- call 845-778-5611.