Transcription
Town of Chester
Orange County, New York 1992 Community Information
History and Geography of Chester
The area that is now Chester was originally part of the Wawayanda Patent, about 194,000 acres of land acquired from the original Native American inhabitants of the region in 1703.
Kings Highway (OC Route 13) was originally an Indian trail connecting two ceremonial centers near present-day New Windsor and Philadelphia, Penn, and was known as Wawayanda Path. The British improved this route from 1735-1739, and the hamlet of Sugar Loaf began to grow around 1750 as people began settling along the new road. Kings Highway was the most important route through the area during the Revolutionary War.
Meanwhile, the Village of Chester was growing as well. One of the early settlers was John Yelverton, who completed the Yelverton Inn in 1765, which can still be seen today next to the Presbyterian Church on Main Street. The Yelverton barn was the site of a protracted trial held to resolve a dispute that arose over the boundaries of the Wawayanda Patent. The attorneys for this trial were Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, who years later ended up in a fatal duel that claimed Hamilton's life. Burr went on to serve as Vice President of the U.S.
Across the street from the Yelverton Inn, members of the Townsend family arrived from Oyster Bay, L.I. At first they built one house near the road, then around 1780 a second house farther back which is still standing. The Townsend family owned many thousands of acres of Orange County, today known as Sterling Forest, that contained a number of iron mines and forges.
When the decision was made to erect a second chain across the Hudson River during the Revolutionary War (the first chain broke soon after it was installed), high-quality Sterling iron was the material of choice for the job. In January of 1778, two US Army officers traveled through the snow from West Point to Chester and spent three days negotiating terms of the contract with Peter Townsend at his home. The success of the West Point chain played a significant role in the outcome of the American Revolution.
Perhaps the most historically significant Chester resident was Hector St. John de Crevecoeur. A French writer, artist, farmer, and mapmaker, Crevecoeur settled in Chester in 1769, building a house that still stands on Route 94 north of the Village. Crevecoeur worked hard at his various pursuits for a time, but the onset of the Revolutionary War caused great trouble for him. Unwilling to take sides in the war, he was suspected of working for the British, and suffered years of legal difficulties.
Only years later did his fortunes change, when his writings on life in Chester were published in London as the "Letters from an American Farmer." This book was acclaimed as a masterpiece of great literary and political significance, and Crevecoeur went on to socialize with Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, among others.
Orange County has long been known as a farming area, and local wheat was esteemed far and wide for its high quality. The Chester area was a dairy production center, and "Goshen Butter" was nationally known for its quality. When the Erie Railroad opened in 1841, a few Chester farmers tried shipping their milk into New York City. This Chester milk was the first to be shipped into the City, and proved a great success.
The opening of this City market also led to the birth in Chester of Orange County's onion-growing industry, and the rich black dirt in the county is now the source of half of the onions grown in New York State. 2600 acres in Chester, about 17% of the town's land area, are still being used for agriculture today.
The Town of Chester was officially formed in 1845 from pieces of Goshen, Blooming Grove, Monroe, and Warwick. The Town and Village together cover about 15,000 acres. The Village was formed in 1892, partly in response to a plan to build a water system to bring water from Walton Lake in Monroe into Chester. A series of events to commemorate the Village's Centennial is planned for the summer of 1992. Also focusing attention on the Village's heritage is the Chester Historical Society's plan to restore the Erie Railroad Depot in downtown Chester.
Today, the Town of Chester includes the incorporated Village of Chester and the hamlet of Sugar Loaf. These two centers contain most of the commercial development in the town. An Industrial Park which is still being developed includes land in the Village and the Town. Sugar Loaf crafts village is ranked by the O.C. Planning Dept. as the 2nd-most popular tourist attraction in Orange County, after West Point. Chester is also home to the Goosepond State Park, which is about 1,500 acres in size. Although this park is undeveloped, it is open to the public, and public parking is available across from the park at the corner of Route 17M and Oxford Road.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The 5-member Chester Town Board is responsible for adopting and administering laws and budgetary policy relating to the Town. The Town Supervisor is the Chief Fiscal Officer of the Town, and acts as the Chair at Town Board meetings. Certain aspects of the Town Board's authority applies to the Village also, and Village residents are therefore entitled to vote in Town elections.
The Town Board appoints members of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The 7-member Planning Board reviews plans for proposed development in the Town to ensure that they comply with the Town's Zoning and Subdivision Codes. They also coordinate the local review process with any other relevant local. county. and state agencies.
In cases where the applicant proposes a plan which doesn't meet the requirements of the local Code, the 5-member Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible for issuing variances from the Code, where appropriate.
The Building Inspector is responsible for issuing building permits, conducting inspections at construction sites, and enforcing the Zoning and Subdivision Codes.
The Town Clerk is responsible for preparing official minutes for Town Board meetings, administering Town records, preparing the abstract from which all payments are issued, and issuing various licenses and permits.
The Assessor is responsible for determining the fair market value of every parcel in the Town and Village. This information is periodically updated, and is used by the Town Board to set the tax rate.
School districts are separate tax jurisdictions, and often each district includes all or part of more than one town. The Town of Chester includes the Chester Union Free School District, and parts of the Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Central school districts.
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O 1992
Town Of Chester
Orange County, New York
P.o. Box 542
Kings Highway
Chester, NY 10918
Telephone: (914) 469-2277
#2
Bargain Beverage Inc.
Rt. 17 M (Next To Texaco) Chester, N.Y. 10918
(914) 469-9955
Your Discount Beverage Center Cold Beer • Soda • Mixers • Cups Imported Beers • Ice • Snacks • Kegs Party Carts • Mugs • T-shirts • Gift Items
Mon-sat 9 To 9 Sun 12 To 5
#3
Chester Valley, Inc.
Chester, New York
Phone 469-2112
Passenger & Truck Tires Alignments. Front End & Brake Service
#4
Welcome To The
Sunrise Diner
Restaurant - Diner
Open 7 Days A Week
Sun. Thru Thu". 5:00 Am - 12:00 Am. Fri. & Sat 5:00 Am - 2:00 Am
Seafood • Salad
Greek, Italian & American Cuisine
Route 17, Chester, New York 469-2200
#5
Patricia B. Mortorano
President
Your Professional Debt
"Collectors"
Hudson Valley Adjustment Corp.
P.o. Box 670
Chester, N.Y. 10918-0670
(914) 469-9020 • Fax (914) 469-9030
#6
Donald Littlejohn, D.c.
(914) 469-7575
Chester Chiropractic
7 Academy Avenue • Chester, N.Y. 10918
#45
Richard Florio
Contracting, Inc.
P.o. Box 51
Conklintown Road
Chester, New York 10918
(914) 469-2410
#1
Ciro Attardo, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Diplomate Of The American Board Of Family Practice
At. 17m - P.o. Box 549 Chester, NY 10918
#44
Tina's Pizza Cafe
404 Quickway Plaza Chester, New York
(Second Location)381 Route 306 Wesley Hills, New York
(914) 469-4357
Your Ad Should Be Here!
Be Listed On Next Year's Map With Other Local Advertisers. Let People Know Where You Are Located And The Products Or Services You Have To Offer. Call (215) 326-6611
Or Write: Community Map Co.
301 Circle Of Progress Pottstown, PA 19464
#42@ (914) 469-9363
Gifts For All Occasions
Suburban Jewelers Of Chester, Inc.
Your Full Service Jeweler Diamonds - Watches -Jewelry Guaranteed Watch And Clock Repairing
204 Chester Mall
Rolf R. Diefenbach - Chester, NY 10918
#41
The Last Resort Pub & Restaurant
#40
Serving All Your Foot Care Needs
"Free Foot Examination"
Arnold L. Rothman, Dpm, P.c.
Podiatrist
238 Chester Mall
Suite 4
Chester, NY 10918 (914) 469-6053
#39
Syms
Jewelry & Gifts
Original Engagement & Wedding Rings, Unique Gifts For The Wedding Party
914-469-2611
Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf, NY Tues.-Sun. 11-5
#38
Orange County Wheels
Lawn And Garden Equipment Dealer
(914) 469-9501
115 Main Street Chester, New York 10918
George T. Michaels
#37
Sugar Loaf
Luncheon Special At The Barnsider
Barnsider Burger Charbroiled Burger, Melted Cheddar, Bacon, Crisp Lettuce & Tomato On A Toasted Hard Roll Served With Potato Chips & Pickle.
Open 7 Days A Week, 11 am To 11 Pm
Cold Bass Ale On Tap
(914) 469-9810
#36
(914) 469-4003
C&S BMW
Bmw - Montesa - Beta Motorcycles
Route 17M (1/4 Mile West Of Quickway Exit 126)
Clif Patrick - Chester, NY 10918
#35
Professional Hair Care For The Entiro'family
Cathy's Hair Designs
Hours: Tues. 9-8 • Wed. 9-5 Thurs. 9-8 • Fri. 9-5 • Sat. 8:00-4:00
(914) 469-2002
117 Main St. • Chester, NY
#34
Commercial/Residential
Air-conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating
All Seasons
Lou Palazzo P.o. Box 377
(914) 469-7431 Chester, N.Y. 10918
#33
Vin-jo, Inc.
Oil Express
Local & One Way Truck Rentals
65 Route 17m, Chester, NY 10918
22 County Road 78, Middletown, N.y. 10940
(914) 469-9920 (914) 342-2977
#32. 19 Main St.
A Place For Breakfast & Lunch
"Good Home Cooking - Friendly Service - Reasonable Prices
Open: Mon, - Fri. 19 Main Street In
6:30-3:00 Historic Downtown Chester
#31
(914) 469-4071
(914) 374-6131
Brady's Repair
Complete Automotive Service 24 Hour Towing Service
Kings Highway
Richard J. Brady, Prop. Chester, N.Y. 10918
#30
Clayton Delany’s Dining Saloon
Hours Mon. - Thurs. 11 - 10 Fri. 11 - 11
Sat. 12-11. Sun. 2-10
Brad Morrow, Chef-owner
914-469-9002
60 Main St., Chester, N.Y.
#29
Nexxus • Paul Mitchell • Sebastian • Focus 21 • Frames • Masley • Scruples • Redken
By Appointment (914) 469-4211
Beauty Club
Beauty Center And Hair Salon
216 Chester Mall, Chester
469-6006
Discount Fragrances
Hair • Nails • Tanning • Beauty Supplies
Open 7 Days Hours: M-F 9-9 • Sat. 9-7 • Sun. 11-5
#7
Dream Travel
403 Chester Shopping Plaza Chester, NY 1091f
#8
Sugar Loaf Inn
Affordable Inspired
914.469-2552
Reservations 914-469-2552
#9
Vero Agency, Inc.
Insurance
P.o. Box 520 - 145 Main St.
John S. Vero - Chester, New York 10918
Ross P. Vero - (914) 469-4344
#10
Battiato's Downtown Chester
Farm Market
Greycourt Ave.
Open 7 Days A Week
10 To 7 • M-f - 9 To 6 • S & S
Down On The Farm!
Complete Line Of Fruits & Vegetables & More!!! 469-2376 Home Grown & Farm Fresh
#11
Kelly's Cards & Gifts
Wedding Invitations • Wishing Well And Umbrella Rentals • Fax Service
Unique Selection Of Fine Collectable~
Krystonia • Enesco Music Boxes • Mickey Mouse • Anheuser Busch Steins "Holiday Specials"
228 Chester Mall - Open (914) 469 901l
Chester. NY - 7 Days
#12
Chester Florist
129 Main Street
Chester, New York 10918
Janice B. Mulligan
(914) 469-9113
#13
The Amber Lantern
Pub - Food
Catering For All Occasions Up To 100 People
Pat & John Eitel
101 Quickway Plaza, Chester, N.Y. 10918
(914) 469-4544
#14
Protection Fence Co Inc.
Certified Tradesman
With Over 27 Years Of Experience
Residential & Commercial
Custom Wood • Post & Rail • Decorative & Privacy Tennis Courts • Jerith Wrought Iron
Rt. 17m Chester 469-2294
#15
Building Materials (914) 469-2125 Floor Systems • Hardware • Windows •Trusses • Doors Stairs
Chester Lumber
Building Supplies
Rt. 17m, Chester, NY 10918
#16
Ellenville National Bank
An Independent Community Bank Offering:
Deposit Accounts • Personal & Business Checking. Now • Passbook Savings • Certificates Of Deposit • Ira's • Loans • Automobile • Home Improvement • Mortgages.
Commercial • Personal
Chester 469-2255
Blooming Grove 782-4111
#17
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Lawn & Garden Supplies
Also
Lawn Equipment Bought, Sold & Repaired
Dennis O'Dell
Kings Highway, Chester, NY 10918
914-469-4205
#18
Licensed In NY • NJ • PA • Conn.
(914) 469-2266
Ken Drill, Inc.
Water Wells • Grouting • Monitoring Wells
Albert Kendrick
Terry Kendrick
Tom Kendrick
Box 2a Black Meadow Rd, Chester, New York 10911
#19
(914)469-9797
Mrs. B's Chester Wines & Liquors, Inc.
Thomas & Marie Bryceland
73 Route 17m, Chester, N.Y. 10918
"Across From Goodyear Tires"
#20
Dunkin Donuts
24 Hours • 7 Days
469-6026
221 Chester Mall, Chester, NY
#21
Chester Health Care Walk-in-clinic
Route 17 M, Chester, N.Y.
(Next Door To Allstate)
• No Appointment Needed
• Emergency Medical Specialist Always Available
• X-rays • Ekg • Lab On Premise
• School Physical Done
• Poison Ivy Shots Available
(914) 469-2979
Prompt Treatment Of Acute Medical, Surgical, Pediatric, And Gyn Problems
Orange Ulster School Health Plan • Seiba Ltd.
Metropolitan • Champus/Champva
Blue Shield Of N.E. N.Y. • Wellcare
Open 6 Days A Week.
Mon.-Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-5
#23
The Only Call You Need To Make For Total Peace Of Mind
Flynn-Gannon
Funeral Homes
(914) 469-2330 3 Hudson Street, Chester, N.Y. 10918
(914) 783-1811 139 Stage Road, Monroe, N.Y. 10950
#28
Wise Crafters Always Shop Here
B&C Fabrics & Crafts
214 Chester Mall Chester, New York 10918
914-469-6441
#27
Orange County Tire And Auto Service
66 Route 17m, Chester, NY 10918
(914) 469-5656
#26
Bruedan Corp.
Authorized Distributor For Yamaha Golf Cars & John Deere Turf Products
Corporate Office: Bruedan Corp. P.o. Box 496 • Greycourt Ave. • Chester, NY. 10918
914-469-2275 Or 469-2288 Fax 914-469-9373
#25
Trapper Joe's
Plumbing & Heating
Remodeling-renovations
136 Main Street
Chester, NY 10918 - 469-4332
#24
Weddings • Proms • Funerals
Nature's Garden Florist
136 Main Street Chester, NY 10918
Creations By Audrey Garofalo
Open Sunday
469-5822
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Town Services Directory (Listed On Reverse Side)
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