A Town Is Born

Prior to the construction of the Ashokan Reservoir, the Town of Olive and its surrounding hamlets were thriving communities. The Ulster Delaware Railroad brought thousands of visitors to the area to escape the dirt and heat of the city during the summer and many boarding houses were created to house them. Boarding houses were a major form of income in the area, but there were many other businesses as well. The Town of Olive was home to over 35 mills, several tanneries, cooperages, bluestone quarries, harness shops, stores, restaurants, and hotels.