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Shops and Trades

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Matthews and North General Store

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Ira Elmendorf's General Store

In the late 1800's Ira Elmendorf ran a store where the first switchboard was installed.  The store was torn down for the construction of the Ashokan Reservoir and taken to Ashokan where it became the Alonzo Haver Garage. 

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Matthews and North Receipt

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Hoop Shop

Hoop shaving was carried out simultaneously with charcoal burning.  Cooperage was something of a fine art.  The best hoops were made from hickory and ash trees, from the second and third growth after the forests of hemlock had been cut for the bark.  The work could be done in the fall or the winter, a small warm shed or shanty was all that was needed.

- "History of the Town of Olive", by Vera Sickler

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Luke Palen's Blacksmith Shop

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Receipt From Siemon's Blacksmith Shop

A Town Is Born
Shops and Trades