Letters

 

Derrick detectives

The winner of our contest, Kevin Denton of Pawling, receives a gift certificate to the Daily Planet Restaurant in LaGrangeville. Read on for more derrick discourse.

 

I have often driven by this structure when I’m on the east side of the Hudson River, and I always wondered what it was. I thought maybe a circus came to town many years ago and left it there! I’m glad to know now what it is for!

Stacey Wygant

Marlboro

 

My parents leased a farm in Pawling, where I was born, in 1939. Every once in a while, we had to drive from Pawling to the Midway Garage on the then-US Route 9 that ran between Wappingers Falls and Fishkill before the present Route 9 was built.

Back around 1945, I remember dad stopping at the crest of the road and looking west towards that tower. A small blimp was moored at or very near it, and he thought that its purpose was to anchor small dirigibles or blimps just after the war had ended. A few years later we saw two small blimps anchored on or around that tower. I think it may have been 1950. Not until I read your article about this landmark did I know that it was a derrick used to mine specific soils… interesting indeed.

Henry W. Walters

Pawling

 

Great shot, I actually never knew what it was either.

Rob Yasinsac

Author, Hudson Valley Ruins

 

I first noticed the structure on my way to work in the Dutchess Mall in 1981. Until I read your article I had no idea what this thing was. Thanks for the info.

Duane Beyer

Poughkeepsie

 

I thought it was an oil derrick. I never heard of “pumping” soil!

Ralph Verdu

Hopewell Junction

 

The derrick is in Fishkill. I have to admit I’ve cheated in a way. The local town historian quoted in your article is most likely my mother, Willa Skinner. When I was growing up she’d always point it out to me as we drove past it in the car and tell me the history of it.

Eugenia Ballard

Ulster Park

 

I grew up seeing this metal tower. I had heard that it was a crane that was digging and the area filled up with water, that the crane operator barely got out alive, and that it was just left there. (This rumor circulated about Sylvan Lake, too.) I often wondered why it still remains. Thanks for the smile!

Trudy Giampaolo

Newburgh

 

I have passed it hundreds of times and always wondered what it was. Also thanks for an excellent magazine. My husband and I enjoy your restaurant reviews and try to patronize your recommendations.

Eleanor Dubetsky

Wappingers Falls

 

I am writing from Las Vegas, Nevada, however I know that the derrick is located along Route 9 in Fishkill.

Juliette Iannuzzi

 

I’ve often wondered what the structure was. I am so delighted now to know. I just love the magazine! I first saw it in my doctor’s office and now subscribe to it. It has some great articles. Keep up the wonderful job!

Jacquie Vogle

Fishkill

 

The story I heard is that it was used to provide fill for the 1939 World’s Fair site. Whatever!

Robert Koffsky

Hopewell Junction

 

Thanks for the story! I’ve wondered so many times for what use that contraption was built.

Deke Rothacker

United Way of Dutchess County

 

Thanks for the great history lesson and for a consistently excellent magazine!

Marie and Kevin Burns

Staatsburg

 

Consider it done

We are continually trying to portray our wines as approachable for everyone. My concern is that people will look at those prices in your magazine and be immediately turned off. Is it possible to have a correction printed in your next issue?

Stacy Hudson

Marketing Director

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

 

We stand corrected