Forwarded to NYHIST-L:

>>> "Clif Patrick, CHS" <[log in to unmask]> 09/19/02 03:48PM >>>
On Friday, September 13, 2002, at 05:46  PM, Ruth Piwonka wrote:

> I've had an enquiry regarding the presence of nineteenth or
> early twentieth century gypsies in Columbia County / Hudson
> Valley. snip...
>
> Ruth Piwonka
> Kinderhook, New York


We  have a couple references to Gypsies in Chester, Orange County, NY.

One is an oral history interview which recalls the Gypsies prior to
WWII in the area: "Gypsies came every summer to trade horses, help
local farmers harvest crops, sharpen tools, and be accused of stealing"
, . .

We also have a photograph in our archives of a "Gypsies Camp", believed
to be from 1920's or 1930's.  I can email the photo to anyone
interested.

Clifton Patrick
Chester Historical Society
119 Brookside Avenue
Chester, NY 10918

Direct line: 845-469-7645
CHS Office: 845-469-2388
1915 Erie Station: 845-469-2591