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Where in the Valley…?
Wow! Looks like our readers have a lot of love for this little (or should we say HUGE) guy. Thanks for sharing your memories of the one and only Gnome Chomsky. Considered the third-tallest garden gnome in the world, right behind an 18-footer in Poland and a 15-foot one in Iowa, Chomsky stands sentry at the entrance of Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson. This 13-foot-tall gnome was constructed in 2006 by New York City Artist Maria Reidelbach. He’s quite the fashionable fellow, frequently changing his attire to match the seasons. You may have spotted him holding flowers or wearing a cozy little scarf — and who could forget the giant hula hoop? Thumbs up to Pat Wendler of Wallkill for being the first to correctly identify the Valley’s beloved big guy. For our next contest, click here to guess the location of a sacred figure.
Love this place! One of my daughters hates gnomes. We torture her about it!
Stephanie Uszenski
Walden
My 94-year-old mother lives in Stone Ridge, which is just down the road on Route 209. When my kids (now ages 28 and 30) would visit their grandparents, they would always request a trip to see the huge gnome located on Kelder’s Farm and then get an ice cream cone. Beautiful area.
Eileen Berilla
Annapolis, MD
When our daughter was two, she loved gnomes. We took her to see Chomsky but she was so freaked out she started sobbing and wouldn’t go near it.
Kathy Preston
New Paltz
I introduced my three grandchildren to gnomes last summer. They each “planted” a gnome on our property in Marbletown. I plan to take them to Kerhonkson this summer to visit the giant garden gnome. Very Catskill!
Catherine Burgos
Kingston
We took our girls there in 2009. At first, they thought we were making it up when we told them (ages nine and 14) we were going to visit the World’s Tallest Garden Gnome. We had a blast! Played mini golf and shopped at the farm market.
Mary Babcock
Hyde Park
Cuban Coaches
I enjoyed reading Michael Nelson’s article about his recent visit to Cuba (June). I traveled there myself almost 20 years ago; my experiences were similar and quite unforgettable. I’m sure he would agree that seeing this unique country before its Disneyfication was a privilege. I would point out that the Russian vehicles that are still in use on the streets of Havana are Ladas and not Lotuses!
Ann Prusinski
Mountain Dale
For the Love of Facebook
Most of your fine postings find their way to my Facebook page and I’m delighted to share them with friends in Saugerties and then repost them on a site in Kingston. Good comments come back indicating happy readers. Thanks for all the news about the Valley, my home for many years raising my family.
Linda Hall Cody
via Facebook.com/HudsonValleyMagazine
Mystery Town
Has anyone ever heard of Honton Ferry? My grandfather grew up in Haverstraw, but his marriage records say he was born in Honton Ferry. I can’t find it anywhere, so thought maybe a history buff might know.
Ruth Ann Clayton-Davis
via Facebook.com/HudsonValleyMagazine
Ed. note: Readers, have you heard of this mysterious locale? We contacted a Haverstraw historian who was unaware of any such place. Help Ruth solve this mystery with any information you may have on Honton Ferry.
Correction:
In our June article listing the region’s Top Dentists, we inadvertently omitted Dr. Erin Prunty of Taconic Dental in Hopewell Junction (845-489-8265; www.taconicdental.com) For more about Dr. Prunty, click here.
