Walter Blount Jr. proudly describes the innovations his father made in his Nyack dry cleaning and tailoring business.  Even though Walter Sr. did not have a higher education he made sure all his children had the opportunity to pursue their dreams. 
Recorded in 1994 for the Nyack Library Oral History collection. This story has been edited from a longer version available at <link>http://hrvh.org</link>
To listen to more stories visit <link>http://www.soundandstory.org</link>

Using Your Education

Old buildings have their own stories. From silent movie set to town hall, the historic Elephant Hotel in Somers, New York has a few of its own tales to share. Narration by Hudson Valley Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk.

From the Somers Historical Society Archive
This story has been condensed and edited from a longer interview.

If Walls Could Talk

Jim Carey, president of the Ulster County Ancient Order of Hibernians explains the Irish Heritage Center planned for Kingston, NY that will celebrate celtic pride and contributions the Hudson Valley of upstate New York

Hudson Valley Irish Cultural Center

Welcome to the very first episode of History Bites with Sarah Wassberg, the Food Historian. In this episode we tackle the kinds of food pirates likely ate, just in time for Talk Like a Pirate Day. 

History Bites - Episode 1 - Eat Like A Pirate

Exploring the history of apples in America, including the life of John Chapman (a.k.a. Johnny Appleseed), apple genetics, hard cider, heirlooms, recipes, and more.

History Bites Episode 2 Apples In America

A woman's whose generosity is remembered not just for what she gave, but how she gave it. 
Story excerpted from an interview with Bill Davenport in Stone Ridge, New York. Recorded October 2013. 
Narrated by Eileen McAdam 
http://www.soundandstory.org/

A Christmas Kindness Remembered

This audio recording is a continuation of the audio recording titled the Colored School. This audio is meant to give more information and clarification on how the Colored School was discontinued. It should be noted that the grammar schools in Newburgh were desegregated early on in history, way before the 1954 historic Supreme Court case Brown vs the Board of Education which ruled segregated school unconstitutional. 

In Washington's Shadow 

Discontinuation of the Colored School

Classroom Soundscape Final

Sonya's Laugh

Gwen: Can't Kick Up The Roots

In the early 1950's, the Ferry got stuck in the ice on its 11:30 PM return trip to Beacon. Betty Carey remembers the story of one passenger who was stranded on the boat until rescued the next morning.
Music by Betty and the Baby Boomers.

On a cold winter's night, what unexpected encounter occurred on the Newburgh-Beacon ferry?

The Sound and Story Project, a non-profit organization, builds community memory and sense of place by recording and sharing our stories and regional sounds. We record oral histories of everyday people for radio programs, cell phone tours, web presentations and podcasts. Each person's unique voice is like a thread woven together into a tapestry of stories reflecting the diversity and rich heritage of the Hudson River Valley.

Our stories come from many places. Some are in library and museum oral history collections. Some come from recordings we have made. Some have been found by people like you in shoe boxes in the backs of closets. And some have yet to be told. Share with us your story or favorite sound of the Hudson Valley.

The Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley is a program of the World Sound Foundation, a tax exempt non-profit organization.

Contact Us
soundandstoryhv@gmail.com
The Sound and Story Project of the Hudson Valley
PO Box 919 
Stone Ridge, NY 12484

If Walls Could Talk

Sound and Story Project

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