"Our Heritage," edited by Euretha Wolford Stapleton, Historian, Town of Berne, and produced by the Town of Berne Historical Commission, 1977, is a 144 page paperback on the history of the Town of Berne, including many early photographs, plus biographical sketches on the some of the families of the early settlers. Although much new information has been discovered in recent years on these families, there is still much of value in this very interesting book. Cost $10 plus shipping.

Hope Farm Press

252 Main Street 

Saugerties, NY 12477

Open everyday

Orders = 800-883-5778

Info = 845-246-3522

For the Largest Selection of NY State Books http://www.hopefarm.com

"Indian Ladder A History of Life in the Helderbergs" by Gary L. Donhardt, Ph.D. This is a history of the settlement of the Helderberg Mountains near what is presently the John Boyd Thacher State Park outside of Albany, New York. The work starts with a broad sketch of the early period of Native American occupation and European settlement, and narrows in the final chapter to the development of the Indian Ladder community through the first two decades of the twentieth century. Intervening chapters examine the events of the Revolution in the Helderbergs and the Anti-renter War that brought about the collapse of the manorial system. The Second Dutch Reformed Church of Berne and the first camp established exclusively for young women, Camp Pinnacle, had an impact on the area and their stories are presented. 8.5x 11, 164 pages, b&w maps, photos, illus, biblio. Paper $26.95

Hope Farm Press

252 Main Street 

Saugerties, NY 12477

Open everyday

Orders = 800-883-5778

Info = 845-246-3522

For the Largest Selection of NY State Books http://www.hopefarm.com

Review by Harold Miller: "Westward to Destiny," by Ray W. Denison, is a recently published historical novel of the westward movement of the Denison family from their home in Stonington, Connecticut. A significant portion of the book tells how, after the Revolutionary War, the Denison family, along with the Gallup, Thompson, Chesebrough, and Gardiner families of Stonington moved to the Berne / Knox area where they settled on land owned by Stephen Van Rensselaer. Instead of the promised free land, they faced the tyranny of the Indenture drafted by Alexander Hamilton. With other settlers Robert Denison becomes embroiled with masked night riders, barn burnings and "rent wars," which eventually culminate in murder of the Albany County Deputy Sheriff. The narrative includes the family's life in the War of 1812, and their eventual resettlement in Western NY and Canada. It is an exciting story of the hardships faced by the early settlers in the Hilltowns of the Helderbergs.

"Westward to Destiny." by Ray W. Denison, The Denison Arts is available now in glossy semi-hard cover. Order by check or money order to The Denison Arts, PO Box 438, Port Sanilac, MI 48469. Price: $19.95 (US) plus $3.00 S&H.