Black History, People Stephen M Ditmer Black History, People Stephen M Ditmer

Clayton ‘Peg Leg’ Bates: A Black History Icon of Ulster County

Deep in the rhythmic heart of American dance history lies a story so improbable, so electrifying, that it could only belong to Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates. Born in 1907 in the small town of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Bates defied the odds after losing his left leg in a cotton gin accident at just 12 years old. Where others saw limitation, Bates saw rhythm—transforming adversity into artistry with a wooden peg leg that became an instrument of its own.

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Places, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer Places, Things to Do Stephen M Ditmer

Discover the Hudson Valley’s Most Captivating Overlooks

Nestled between the Catskills and the Taconic Mountains, the Hudson Valley is a masterpiece of natural beauty, offering sweeping vistas that seem to capture eternity itself. Whether you’re chasing the fiery hues of autumn, the fresh greens of spring, or the serene snowscapes of winter, the region's scenic overlooks provide unparalleled opportunities to marvel at its splendor.

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History Stephen M Ditmer History Stephen M Ditmer

The Hudson River’s Dance with Riverboats: A Historic Voyage

The Hudson River, a majestic ribbon of water slicing through New York State, has long been a highway for innovation, commerce, and leisure. Its history with riverboats is a story of ambition, engineering marvels, and evolving purpose—a microcosm of America’s transformation from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse.

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Places, History Stephen M Ditmer Places, History Stephen M Ditmer

The Gilded Age Mansions of the Hudson Valley

Ah, the Gilded Age: a time of extravagant wealth, lavish parties, and an unrelenting desire to outdo the Vanderbilts. Nowhere is this period better encapsulated than in the grandiose mansions scattered throughout the Hudson Valley—each one a monument to ambition, ego, and a staggering number of imported marble columns.

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