Where in the Valley…?
Housed in the Natural History Building at Museum Village in Monroe, Harry the mastodon skeleton tells the story of these giant creatures, which roamed in herds across North and Central America more than 11,000 years ago. Harry — named after the town of Harriman, where he was exhumed in 1952 — is said to be one of only three complete mastodon skeletons found in the world.
This big guy is just one of the highlights of Museum Village. The open-air museum is dedicated to exploring and interpreting 19th-century rural life. Visitors can learn how to make a candle; step inside a period schoolhouse; and ogle collections of various American artifacts, like craft tools, horse-drawn carriages, and porcelain items.
Job well done, Michele Copping of Newburgh, for being the first person to correctly identify the location of this antediluvian beast. Click here to pinpoint the site of an eatery known for its connection to out-of-this-world encounters.
I’d recognize Harry anywhere!
Karen Kelemen
​Wallkill
I brought my class to Museum Village this past October. They had a fantastic time and especially loved seeing Harry the Mastodon.
Rebekah Leonardi
Swan Lake
I have been to Museum Village many times, starting with grade-school visits. They also have summer theater in a restored barn. It’s one of my favorite places to visit.
Pat Lopez
Rock Hill
Water Worries
I am very interested in Sean Patrick Maloney’s concern over the dams in our area (Valley of the Dams, January). Many are dangerous, particularly the dam on top of Mount Beacon, which is the water supply for Beacon residents. I am writing to include it since it was not mentioned in your article and since it is high on top of Mount Beacon and would create a lot of damage were it to break.
Penelope Hedges
Beacon
Super Sustenance
My mother, Susan Pierce, owned and operated Vintage Renaissance Bakery for years (Food Lover’s Guide, December). From Bethel Woods to Liberty, every time we showed up at the farmers markets in the summertime, we outsold Bread Alone by a mile. She had the head baker from the Concord Hotel working for her. Sadly, my dear mother passed away, and since September Renaissance has been closed. But ask around: She was known far and wide for years for the best bread.
Carrie Pierce
Via Facebook
I’ve been going to Mario’s Brick Oven Breads [Hopewell Junction] for many years. You just can’t beat the taste of his breads. Try the olive bread.
Steven James Petruccio
Via Facebook
Mario’s “spirals” are the best!
Norma Albin
East Fishkill
