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A Brief History

On March 27, 1809, by an Act of Legislature, a large portion of land was separated from the territory of Lumberland and designated as the Town of Bethel. The Leni-Lenape Indians were the first inhabitants. Among the first settlers were John, George, and Peter Pintler, from Sussex, New Jersey, who set up their homestead in 1798 between what is now known as White Lake and Bethel. By 1810 several settlements were set up in different parts of the Town including Hurd Settlement, Fraser Settlement, Briscoe, North White Lake, Bushville, and Stephensville. With the completion of the Newburgh-Cochecton Turnpike (now Rt 17B) more hamlets sprouted along and near its route: Mongaup Mill, Black Lake, Moscoe, White Lake, and Bethel. In 1810, the first town meeting was held with John Conklin as Supervisor.

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Amber Lake - Channel to White Lake

The people who came to Bethel were industrious and enterprising. Immediately farm land was cleared. Sawmills, grist mills, and tanneries were established. In the mid 1800's, the construction of hotels began. Most were developed from farmhouses which were turned into boarding houses. Hotel Rita, The Mansion House, Gray's, the Kenmore, and the Empire House were all located around the lake and successful into the 1940's. During the late 1920's, North White Lake became known as Kauneonga Lake (the old Indian name. As the hotel business began to decline, bungalow colonies were introduced. Some still remain today, located near or on the lake.


Smallwood Beach (Mountain Lakes) - 1949

In 1928, A. N. Smallwood started to develop into a summer retreat of "log cabins" land once farmed by families with names such as Gabriel, Ballard, and VanKeuren. He called it Mountain Lakes but it soon became Smallwood after its founder. What was once a bustling summer resort is now, for many, a year-round residence. A. N. Smallwood's tomb, located near the beautiful Minnie Falls, is currently an undeveloped park of the Town of Bethel. In the 1960's other summer home communities emerged including the White Lake Homes and the Beechwoods, located on the White Lake. Today several of these homes are used as year-round residences and other second-home communities have developed including The Chapin Estate, The Highlands at Bethel, Bethel Farms, Black Lake Estates, Oxford Estates, Gina Homes, Jenna Estates, Tallwood Estates, and Crestwood Mountain Farms.

In July 1969, the Sullivan County International Airport began operation. Today there is no carrier although private planes and jets fly in and out of the beautiful airport. Visitors may watch the planes from the picnic area which is open during the warmer months.

In August 1969, the Town of Bethel became the equivalent to the 3rd largest city in New York state overnight by the Woodstock Festival---3 days and nights of peace, music, and mud. Approve of it or not, it was a unique historical event unlike anything

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 before or since and is probably one of the most talked about in the history of the Town. Currently, there is a monument at the site listing the performers. Some area businesses have memorabilia for sale or to view relating to this event.

In the Spring of 1997, Alan Gerry, a Liberty businessman, purchased the original site as well as numerous amounts of acreage around and nearby the site for development of a music and arts center.    In 1998, Mr. Gerry's company G.F. Entertainment  hosted the Day in the Garden, which was a successful 3-day concert.

Since 1996, Bethel has had a economic development rebirth. Many businesses have located in Bethel especially along the Rt 17B corridor and plans are in the works for more. The Sullivan County Industrial Park is also located in Bethel adjacent to the Sullivan County Airport. Financing for businesses locating there may be available from the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency.

From the day of tanneries, sawmills, and grist mills, Bethel has continued to progress while maintaining its small town feel. Many country stores, farms, and other businesses still remain, some dating back to 1901. Visit with some of the "old timers" to hear wonderful tales of the hotel years and Woodstock. They are usually friendly and willing to gab for hours. For further information contact the Town Historian.

Visit more of the Town's History at 1871 Gazetteer

Sullivan County Historical Society
Notes of Interest
Link to www.townofbethel.com for more extensive History
 

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