2005 January Vol VII Issue 1
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
This is always a season for family - for hearth and home - and I hope you all enjoyed the Holidays as much as I did. I don't quite feel ready to be back to the old routine - but the calendar marches on! This is also a season of changes, and I greet the new year with new ideas and renewed vision. So, I spent the last week installing a new computer, one that will be a server for my new web cam on Main Street. (I will have 2 cameras pointed at the street as soon as the last little detail gets done - very soon I hope!) Meanwhile - http://www.saugertieslive.com is up with one camera functioning, at least during my business hours, so - Enjoy! And, for those of you who are really into the latest technology (in other words, a wannabe geek like me) and monitor news services, blogs etc., with programs such as FeedDemon, I have a new blog you are invited to interact with: http://hopefarm.blogspot.com/ Please visit and let me know what you think. It will eventually make my newsletter obsolete, but that doesn't mean I'll discontinue writing it any time soon - so the rest of you don't have to worry. Happy New Beginnings! Welcome to tomorrow!
Speaking of tomorrows, the days are getting longer, and we'll all be planting our gardens soon enough. Meanwhile, I'm going to move my chair closer to the fire and read a good book or two - enjoy the winter while it lasts. Maybe you can find something good to read in the list below and join me.
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BOOK NOTES
*I got a post card today from Tom Big Warrior about his new book on the Lenape (Delaware) Indians in the Hudson Valley called "The Esopus Wars". While the early Dutch settlers were known for having good relations with the local Indians in general, here in the mid-Hudson Valley - especially Kingston - there were real problems, and the result was not one, but TWO Esopus Wars. I can't wait to read a new account - the first NA account - of what happened to cause them. Of course, I ordered some. When they arrive and I find out more - and let you know.
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CHANGES
SKETCHES IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD $19.95
Paths Less Traveled The Adirondack Experience For Walkers, Hikers, and Climbers of All Ages $16.95
Canoeing the Adirondacks With Nessmuk The Adirondack Letters of George Washington Sears $19.95
DISCOVER THE NORTHEASTERN ADIRONDACKS $15.00
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OUT-OF-PRINT OR LIMITED AVAILABILITY
WINES AND WINERIES OF THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY
Ashland Collegiate Institute
The Wines and Winerys of the Hudson
CATSKILL RIVERS Birthplace of American Fly Fishing
A Delaware-English Lexicon
PIONEER HISTORY & ATLAS OF STEUBEN COUNTY
Minisink Valley Reformed Dutch Church Records 1716-1830
Atlas of the Town of New Baltimore
The Historical Atlas of New York City
Schoharie County Atlas of 1866 (BEER'S)
ADIRONDACK LIFE Calendar 2005
Clearwater's The History of Ulster County, New York
Warriors of La Presentation
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2004 December Vol VI Issue 12
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
Well - the Holidays are upon us - it is nonstop right down to the wire.
December is always a busy month, but this year I complicate it even more.
Besides being open everyday, on December 5th, from 2 - 4, I’ll have a
booksigning with the authors of Easy Origami Ornaments, and Joe Sinnott’s
Sketchbook Vol I. We’ll be packing folks into this shop like sardines.
If that doesn’t appeal to you, or you simply can’t be here that day -
not to worry. Send me your orders and personalized inscriptions and I’ll
have the books signed, gift-wrapped and shipped to everyone on your list
in time for Christmas. Then, on Dec 12th, from 1-4, the Saugerties Village
Business Association really has a fun-filled afternoon scheduled with tons
of free kid’s events. We have origami lessons, cookie and fried dough
decorating, photos of your child and Santa in a snow globe, jewelry
making, and many other craft projects - all free for kids. Plus some
surprise entertainment (meaning no one told me who it is yet!) and a horse
drawn wagon ride "all around the town". We cap it off with
caroling and tree lighting. For those with more endurance, there is a 4 PM
"Joy of Christmas" concert (not free - admission benefits the
Reformed Church.) I hope to see you here, but whatever your plans, have a
safe and warm Holiday Season.
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BOOK NOTES
* The new book, "The Catskill Park - Inside the Blue Line"
arrived from the printers with all the photos marred by ridges. The whole
print run had to be trashed and a new one run off quickly to meet the
publisher’s scheduled events. Talk about gray hair and ulcers! But, the
attention to detail paid off - the book is BEAUTIFUL! - and a great
history of Catskill Park on the 100 anniversary of its creation. Since all
the color photography is underwritten by the Catskill Conservancy, it is a
real buy at $21.95
2004 November Vol VI Issue 11
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
I can’t believe it - in the retail world tomorrow is Thanksgiving and
the day after that is Christmas! While that may sound like an
exaggeration, it will seem true enough when you are living it. I have too
much to do to sit around worrying about it. (Don’t we all!) Oh well -- I’ll
still enjoy the holidays in the spirit they were intended. I’ll give
Thanks over dinner with my family, and pray for Peace on Earth for the New
Year. I hope you can do the same. I’ll be here for you the other days,
if there is anything you need in the NY History dept. Meanwhile, if you
have (or can borrow) kids, and can be in Saugerties on Dec 12th, we really
have a fun-filled afternoon scheduled with tons of free kid’s events. We
have origami lessons, (mentioned in more detail below) cookie and fried
dough decorating, photos of your child and Santa in a snow globe, jewelry
making, and many other craft projects - all free for kids. We cap it off
with caroling and tree lighting. For those with more endurance, there is a
4PM "Joy of Christmas" concert (not free - admission benefits
the Reformed Church.) I hope to see you here. Have a safe and warm Holiday
Season.
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BOOK NOTES
*BOOKSIGNING --- Sunday December 5th from 2-4PM
#1 - EASY ORIGAMI ORNAMENTS - (8.5x11 paperback 120 pages $14.50) (the
author will also be here folding ornaments for the Holiday Open House on
December 12th. From 1-4PM)
#2 - Joe Sinnott SKETCHBOOK VOL. I - (5.5x8.5 stapled paper 32 pages $10)
Marvel Comics artist Joe Sinnott will be here signing this color and
b&w collection of drawings of the famous characters he’s drawn over
the years: Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Spiderman, etc.
2004 October Vol VI Issue 10
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
This month marks a host of anniversaries. Booktrader (the used book
store in front of my local history collection) is 19 yrs old, and Hope
Farm Press is 45 yrs old. I don’t know how they manage to age when I don’t
(!!) but there it is. I guess, given the alternative, I’m happy to be a
year older this month too. Anyway - it is always a busy month, with all
that plus leaf peepers and holidays, so, if you are planning a visit,
please remember to check my answering machine in the unlikely event I
steal some time to rake leaves and celebrate: 800-883-5778; and my website
at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours for any other time off I
manage to schedule. Drive safely, whatever you do. I hope to see you here.
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BOOK NOTES
*EASY ORIGAMI ORNAMENTS is at the printers now. I expect to have copies
here by Thanksgiving, and the author here folding ornaments for the
Holiday Open House in December.
2004 September Vol VI Issue 9
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
Well, the Summer is over. I, for one, can’t believe it blew by like
that. There is just time to pause for a deep breath before the FALL season
is here. (and you know what comes after that!) So, if you haven’t done
it yet, take advantage of the lingering season and hit the road for one
last HURRAH! before it’s too late. I’m closed Labor Day, and Sundays
after that. Otherwise, if
you are planning a visit, please remember to check my answering machine in
the unlikely event I take my own advice: 800-883-5778; and my website at:
http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours for any other time off I manage
to schedule. I hope to see you here.
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BOOK NOTES
*John Ham, author of the recent "The Old Up and Down" is
reprinting the first in his series on Catskill railroads. "Light Rail
and Short Ties Through the Notch" with new photos & and better
production values, in a limited hardcover edition for $50.00. I’m
expecting signed copies by the 15th of September.
*I’m working on a book of original origami ornaments by the woman who
teaches the children how to fold them during our Christmas open house each
year. It will have over 60 designs with her usual careful instructions.
*There is a companion to the "Adirondack Waterfalls Guide"
called "The Catskills Waterfalls Guide" due out in October.
*also forthcoming: "When Cauliflower Was King" about the top
crop of Delaware County. It is expected in time for Cauliflower Days in
the Catskills. An "everything cauliflower" celebration in
Margaretville, I believe, early in September.
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2004 August Vol VI Issue 8
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
What a difference a vacation makes! I had so much fun, but I came back
to so much work that I don’t have time to tell you about it! I’ll put
the photos and a narrative on my Whimsy page soon. Till then . . . I hope
you appreciate my rare brevity. And, don't forget, watch my New Releases
page http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm for the latest titles and changes.
If you are planning a visit, please remember to check my answering
machine: 800-883-5778; and my website at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
for any other time off I manage to schedule.
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BOOK NOTES
*Jane Keller and Ed Ford (of Friends of Historic Kingston and Kingston
City Historian fame) are completing their Images of America series book on
Kingston. It goes to the editors this week.
*An author whose name I’ll omit, thanked me for telling him his
manuscript "stunk" after I read it last year. Because of that,
he completely rewrote it, found a publisher, and the book, whose title I
will also omit, will be released in the fall.
*My most recent publication, A Post Card Portrait of John Burroughs, will
be reviewed in the Winter issue of Kaatskill Life Magazine, and an
upcoming issue of the Catskill Mountain Guide. On top of that, it is being
used in a brief radio biography of John Burroughs airing on the Mountain
Top radio station this week. It is a good little book, worthy of the
attention. If you are uncertain who John Burroughs was, this concise bio
will get you up to speed in no time.
*The Images of America folks tell me that their volume on Saugerties is
currently out-of-print, and a fourth edition is being considered!
2004 July Vol VI Issue 7
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Dear Valued Hope Farm Press Customer,
My apologies if this is an intrusion. Most of my customers were on my
email newsletter list. I say were because my hard drive crashed and my
backup email was corrupted during the rebuild, so I lost my email lists.
This is a one-time mailing to all my customers. Please click the link
below if you wish to continue to receive my monthly NY Books newsletters.
(and Thanks for your understanding - Richard)
hopefarm@hopefarm.com?subject=SUBSCRIBE
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FROM THE EDITOR
What a month! Nearly all my energies were spent getting ready for my
family reunion (always the last weekend in June) and it almost wasn't
enough! Then, to top it off, the well pump died and we had no water, with
a huge party in a few days! Then followed flower beds being ripped apart
in full bloom, leaking pipes dug up through other gardens, wrong parts
sent for repairs - it got traumatic there for awhile. And - all this while
I'm also trying to run a bookstore. Not to worry, as usual, it was a great
reunion with lots of little kids, good food, and - after a cloudy
beginning - perfect weather. Nevertheless, I'm glad June is over. I will
spend July recovering from my hard drive crash, (oh yeah - a small
inconvenience I almost forgot to mention) and a full upgrade to all my
programs. I'll be another year (and much grayer) just learning how to run
them all. Well, my life is never dull, and I wouldn't have it any other
way. I hope your season's beginnings were better, and you can make time
for friends and family in the coming weeks. Life is too short not to enjoy
it a bit. . . . . and don't forget, watch my New Releases page http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm
for the latest titles and changes. If you are planning a visit, please
remember that I'm closed the last week of July for some much needed
R&R. To avoid any inconvenience to you, my answering machine:
800-883-5778; and my website at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
will have any other time(s) off I manage to schedule.
2004 June Vol VI Issue 6
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
It has been a busy season so far, what with HITS (Horseshows In The
Sun) locating in Saugerties. As Treasurer of the Business Association, I’m
involved with all the promotion we are doing to get ready for the crowds.
We created a new map, website, webcam, and set up and maintain a booth
there. (http://www.saugertieslive.com + http://www.cometosaugerties.com
both still works in progress, but they promise to be fun. I’ll try to
have the webcam on for the 5th of July parade. It is only on daytimes
while my comuter is on.) Boy, not only were crowds expected last weekend,
but they were delivered! Holding the Grand Opening on Memorial Day weekend
had the maximum capacity for our little burg reached and exceeded! At
least it seemed so to me. And standing in the middle of the 200 acre
facility made me proud to be a Saugertiesian. If you are coming into the
shop take the extra time to drive through the show grounds and you’ll
see what I mean. They built a huge Olympic Class facility right on the
edge of the Village, and it is beautiful. With all the additional work,
plus moving my website and changing ISP’s, erecting a new 75’ section
of fence at home, and the gardening I like to do this time of year, there’s
barely time left in the day to sleep. That’s not a complaint - I like to
be busy. It keeps me out of trouble! (mostly) So come on it and add to the
fun. And, if you don’t have time for that, watch my New Releases page http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm
for the latest titles and changes. Don’t forget, when you are planning a
visit, to avoid any inconvenience to you, my answering machine:
800-883-5778; and my website at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
will have any time(s) off I manage to schedule.
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BOOK NEWS
# Author, Harold Munson, arrived at my shop this month armed with his
stories about life in Windham (Greene County) during the 1920s and 30s. He
reminded me that I gave him permission to use images from my publication:
Picturesque Catskills, and of my interested in stocking his book. He only
printed 150 copies - mostly for friends and family - so if you don’t
know him and want to read some nice stories of a time gone by, this is
your warning. They will sell out quickly. (see below for more info)
# Author, Dorothy Unruh Bloodgood, graciously signed extra copies of her
book: "A Post Card Portrait of John Burroughs" during a lull at
her book signing 2 weeks ago, so if you missed out, now’s your chance to
get a signed copy.
2004 May Vol VI Issue 5
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
Ahhhh - Springtime! It is a time of reflection. HA! The NEW Hudson
Whaling book just arrived, the Post Card Portrait of John Burroughs book
is finally on my shelves, I purchased a library of quilting and weaving
books, and one of ornithology and natural history books, this past month
(which means there are boxes of books "all over" my store), I’m
in the process of adding a webcam on Saugerties to my web site, and the
weather was just too beautiful to stay indoors. It’s been that kind of
month. It won’t stop there either. May will bring 2 new books that I
know of: a revised Catskills Geology, and essays on the stone walls of the
Catskills, a book signing here for my Burroughs’ book on Slabsides Open
House day (May 15th), and the GRAND OPENING of the world-class horse show
facility just down the street. We were told to expect 4000 to 6000 more
people each weekend - that’s if they don’t have spectators! It gets
busier and busier! In the midst of all that my 3.5" floppy drive
died. I only used it to make copies of that groundbreaking ebook I created
in the early nineties. Well, a decade later, it was time to convert that
old DOS book to an Adobe .pdf format. Voila! Now the Concise History of
Ulster County is on CDROM. On top of all that, I’m moving my website,
changing my ISP**, and switching Banks! As you can tell, I’m just
muddling along, looking for ways to fill the empty hours. Happy Spring!
Rest assured - I will take time to smell the flowers. I hope you do also.
And, if you don’t have time to stop by and say hello, watch my New
Releases page http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm
for the latest titles and changes. If you are planning a visit, to avoid
any inconvenience to you, my answering machine: 800-883-5778; and my
website at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
will have any time(s) off I manage to schedule.
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ADDENDUM
**My email has been bouncing so much, and the tech service is so bad,
that I know I owe many of you apologies. Please don’t think I’m
ignoring you. Your messages and/or my replies are getting lost in the
ether. Resend, resubmit and reply again please. This will be ironed out
soon. Meanwhile, my other email address: rfrisbie@hvc.rr.com is an
alternate contact for you. Thanks for your patience.
2004 March & April
Vol VI Issue 3
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
I’m busy scheduling deliveries of literally tons of books, most to be
dropped on the street in front of my shop to be dealt with at my leisure!
(what leisure?) So my back is going to be sore for a while. And, if this
warm weather keeps up, I’ll be in the back yard gardening a lot too. Don’t
worry, I wear a portable headset so I can answer the phone from anywhere
in sight of my building. (That’s very convenient if there is a long line
at the bank.) So if you come into the shop and don’t see me, just yell
out the back door and I’ll come a runnin’. As far as extra time off in
March, I’m closing early on Saint Patrick’s Day for an evening
wedding. Plus, I’m trying to sneak in a day or two to see the new nephew
in Maine, but no matter how creative I am, I haven’t figured out a way
yet. To be safe, and to avoid any inconvenience to you, my answering
machine: 800-883-5778; and my website at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
will have any other time(s) off I can manage.
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BOOK NOTES
# I’ve managed to locate some brand new copies of the 1948 numbered
edition of DeCost Smith's "Martyrs of the Oblong and Little
Nine". It’s a great book on the Moravians and their involvement
with the Mohicans of the Stockbridge area, and the Munsee Delaware,
including their subsequent moves and settlements as they were pushed west.
They’ll be in stock soon. The last time I had this book was over 5 years
ago when it sold for $75.00! Now it’s $50.00 But don’t wait for them
too long!
# Images of America series of books is growing. I just ordered over 100
titles - many of them NEW - and while I hope to have time to enter them
all into my database, it is likely I will not. So - if you hear of a new
one and wonder if I have it, just email (or call) and I’ll let you know.
Chances are good that I do. ALSO - while doing the inventory necessary to
place that order, I found I have many titles the publisher lists as
out-of-print. So, if you are looking for any old ones, just tell me the
titles and I’ll check for those, too.
# I know I told you that Volume 2 of Indian Tribes of Hudson’s River
1700 to 1850, would have a new price of $14.00 when it comes back from the
printers this week, but at the last minute the printer explained that was
because of the expensive cover stock I wanted. It seems the color wasn’t
available in the original stock so they substituted a higher priced one.
(!!) I made a slight alteration in color - one I do not expect anyone to
notice - and the cost savings allowed me to continue with the $12.95
price. Amazing!
# The John Burroughs book went to the printers today. It has great
pictures and text, and with the new color cover it will be beautiful.
(Besides being a really good read!) I used my rare interior and exterior
photos of Slabsides and Woodchuck Lodge for the cover, so I know you’ll
like them.
# Ed Van Put, author of the trout fishing history book, "The
Beaverkill" tells me he’s at work on one for the entire Catskills,
and asked for permission to use some of my photos in it. He didn’t give
me a publication date, but you can bet I’ll have it when it comes out.
2004 February Vol VI Issue 2
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
This has been a month of organizing and prioritizing, as I plan the New
Year. That means the list of unavailable titles grows as I inventory this
rat’s nest of a bookshop. Publishers release few new titles in January,
so most of this newsletter is filled with books no longer available, or in
short supply. If there is something you fancy on that list, speak now . .
.
I have one new book and two reprints scheduled for 2004 so far. That’s
about all my new leisure will permit. (I’m no longer writing a weekly
column, so I have more time to be the publisher I say I am!) See the book
notes section below for more info.
Again this year I’m going to take most of my summer days off in one
block, so I should be open all but 3 Sundays in June, July, and August.
For those of you planning your calendars for the year, or at least through
the summer months, and who will be in the region for a visit - fair
warning. I’ll be closed Saturday & Sunday, June 26th & 27th, for
my annual family reunion, and the week of July 25th - August 1st to feed
the mosquitos on Indian Lake. To avoid any inconvenience to you, my
answering machine: 800-883-5778; and my website at: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
will have any other time(s) off I plan.
Stay warm and take heart, Spring is a scant 7 weeks away.
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BOOK NOTES
# Dorothy Unruh Bloodgood, author of a Post Card Portrait of John
Burroughs, just sent me a signed contract for a reprint. I’m laying out
the cover now and will go to press by the end of February.
# Anita Barbour, the woman who does the Christmas origami folding seminar
for all the children in Saugerties at our open house every year, convinced
me to publish her "Seasonal Origami Decorations" book. So I don’t
confuse anyone with the Hope Farm Press imprint, which should only be for
New York Books, I’ll release it under my Jane Street Publications
imprint. (Which I created just for this book!) Look for it in early
autumn. She’s very talented - it will be great!
# I just signed the release for my illustrations to be used in
"Hudson’s Merchants and Whalers, the Rise and Fall of a River Port
1783-1850" so rest assured I’m not the one holding up that title!
Look for it in the Spring.
# Volume 2 of Indian Tribes of Hudson’s River 1700 to 1850, is nearly
gone. I was sure there was a case buried somewhere, but if it is, I can’t
find it! I only have 3 copies left. When I reprinted it in 1999, I held
the original 1992 price of $12.95. Unfortunately, costs have gone up too
much in the last twelve years to do that again. So look for a new price of
$14.00 when it comes back from the printers in March. Don’t forget to
watch my New Releases page http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm
for the latest news.
2004 January Vol VI Issue 1
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
New Year’s Greetings! I hope you all enjoyed a peaceful and happy
Holiday Season. Christmas is the one holiday I reserve for friends, not
family. After the hectic, open 7 days-a-week madness of December, and a
big family Thanksgiving, it is all I have the energy for. Now I can take a
deep breath and coast a bit as I renew my energies for a busy Spring
season. During the slow Winter months I plan to work on a few new
publications (see below) and take an extra day or two off. I’m back to
the old schedule of being closed Sundays. In addition, I’ll be closed
New Year’s Day, and Monday, Jan 12th. To avoid any inconvenience to you,
my answering machine: 800-883-5778; and my website at:http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm#Hours
will have any other time(s) off I plan. Thank you all for a satisfying and
successful 2003. I wish you a safe and healthy 2004 - Happy New Year!
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BOOK NOTES
# I just sent Dorothy Unruh Bloodgood, author of a Post Card Portrait of
John Burroughs, a contract for reprinting her well-written and researched
illustrated biography of the great naturalist. If all goes as planned
(knock on wood) my full color photos of Slabsides and Woodchuck Lodge will
grace the cover of this short and accessible look at one of my favorite
authors. I’ll keep you posted, or you can watch my New Releases page http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm
for the latest news.
# Wray Rominger, publisher of Rails Along the Oriskany, told me he’s
sorry he didn’t include a subtitle that said it was about a branch of
the O&W Railroad! As it is, the limited edition, signed & numbered
hardcover hasn’t sold out yet. That means some are still available on a
first come basis. If you missed it here, or didn’t realize that it was
an O&W book, there is a second chance. I don’t always get to say
that, you know.
# Debbi Allen of Black Dome Press reports that the book, "Hudson’s
Merchants and Whalers, the Rise and Fall of a River Port 1783-1850"
that I listed here last month is delayed until Spring.
#Fran Dunwell, author of Hudson River Highlands, called today to tell me
she’s working on a 2nd edition of her book. Don’t look for it anytime
soon, though. She said 2005 at the earliest!
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PRICE CHANGES
Adirondack Life Magazine $4.95
Formulating American Indian Policy In New York State $25.95
Rip Van Winkle Neighbors $18.95
The Catskills Alive now $18.99
A TREASURY OF GREAT ADIRONDACK STORIES $22.00
After The Summer People Leave $12.95
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OUT-OF-PRINT OR LIMITED AVAILABILITY
Diamond Street . . . A Red Light District - 1 USED copy left $11.00
To Poughkeepsie and Back - 1 copy left
THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE - 1 copy left
A History of the City of Brooklyn Including the Old Town and Village of
Brooklyn Gone
Kingston, (Ulster Co NY) Old Dutch Church Records 1660-1809 Gone
Memoir and Official Correspondence of Gen. John Stark Gone
Early Records of the City and County of Albany Volume 4 Gone
An Architectural Guidebook to Brooklyn Gone
CANAL WATER AND WHISKEY Gone
The Mohicans and Their Land Gone
An Architectural Guidebook to Brooklyn Gone
Brooklyn An Illustrated History Gone
WOODLAWN REMEMBERS CEMETERY OF AMERICAN HISTORY Gone
OLD STONE HOUSES OF SAUGERTIES Gone
A History of the City of Brooklyn Including the Old Town and Village of
Brooklyn Gone
PACKBASKET COUNTRY - Vol. III Gone
HOLDING THE LEFT AT GETTYSBURG - temp-out-of-print
Reminiscences of the French War #R700 - Gone
A RESIDENT'S RECOLLECTIONS SERIES Books I - VII - Gone
SAVING UNION STATION - Gone
2002 November Vol IV Issue 11
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
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FROM THE EDITOR
An early newsletter - amazing! I’m gearing up for the Holidays,
loading tons (literally) of books on the shelves, and thought I better get
this out early so you know what is going on . . .
PURPLE MOUNTAIN PRESS
Many of you know that Wray & Loni Romanger (of Purple Mt Press in
Fleischmanns) are reducing their workload, and scaling down the list of
books they catalogue to just their own imprint. That means that instead of
700 or so titles, they will only sell 100. Their new catalogue includes
the note that Hope Farm Press will be carrying the others, and will
happily provide the service Purple Mt used to. On Sunday, I went to their
offices and purchased the entire inventory (don’t worry - I brought
someone else’s strong back with me!) and the boxes of books now line the
aisles of my shop. Many of the over 500 titles are already included in my
2700+ book list, but some are new to me and some are listed as
out-of-print. As time and space permits (HA!) I’ll shelve more of these
new books. But, I have a list of what is available, and I can check it for
you if you can’t find the time to browse. Just a brief example - the
Images of America series that used to take up two 5’ shelves now takes
up THREE 5’ shelves! I’m well-stocked with titles from all over NY -
certainly the best selection of in- and out-of-print books in the series
you will ever see in one place. Ditto with the Canal/Steamboat/Railroad
section, the Outdoor/Guide section and the Adirondack section! This may be
your last chance to get some of these books. So - forget the availability
notes of the past - and get ready for some real treasure hunting! Fair
Warning - they will go quickly!
BOOK NEWS
*The photographer for the big new book; "Dutch Colonial Homes in
America" took my advice about his next book on the Shakers of New
Lebanon, and called my printer. He is making arrangements to publish it
himself, so I’m off the hook as far as publishing it goes. One thing is
for sure, we can look forward to a top quality, b&w photo book on the
incredible collection of Shaker furniture and farm implements he found.
*Richard Ketchum, author of "Saratoga, Turning Point of the
American Revolution", has a new Rev War book out on New York City. I
haven’t seen it yet, but it is a $30 hardcover, and it is expected
within a week. Please inquire.
*There is a new Railroad book on Dutchess County also expected soon.
*I made the cover of the New Saugerties Times this week in an article
about Barnes & Noble and Borders opening big box book stores just 7
miles down the road.
HORSEFEATHERS
HITS strikes again! Horseshows In The Sun - the leading promoter of
Horse Shows in the world - purchased and refurbished the old Post Office,
and the old Town Hall on Main Street in Saugerties, to create their home
offices. Now they are building an Olympic-class arena on 200 acres on the
Village edge, just past Seamon Park. If you thought Saratoga in August was
jumpin’ you ain’t seen Saugerties yet! This premier facility will have
ten rings (2 grass), 9 permanent (stone) barns, and 9 seasonal (tent)
barns - plus paths, ponds and plenty of parking. Now, there is one more
reason for visiting this beautiful town (besides browsing my shelves, that
is!) Watch the Community Events page for the dates of their May shows.
***************************
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
HOOP SNAKES, etc NOW - ADIRONDACK TALL TALES
THE RADEAU LAND TORTOISE
The Lost Treasure of Captain Kidd
Old Bob's Gift
The Catskill Eagle
NINETY FOUR YEARS OF ROCHESTER RAILWAYS Vols. 1&2
An Ellis Island Christmas
ELMIRA AND CHEMUNG VALLEY TROLLEYS
Gowanus Dogs
The Ice Horse
*******************
AVAILABLE AGAIN -- LIMITED!
Out-of-print but back in stock while supplies last!
Legends of the Shawangunk
OLD DELAWARE COUNTY
ADIRONDACK CANOE WATERS: South & West Flow
2002 October Vol IV Issue 10
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
FROM THE EDITOR
Celebrating a birthday can be traumatic, especially as one gets older.
To ease into my 54th year I decided to have a colonoscopy - my first. The
report: clean, clear, fine - come back in 10 years! Nothing like a present
of good health to cheer one up. Then I had "fine" blood tests (I
won’t boor you with the stats) and a great annual physical. All in one
week, and I only missed a day and a half of work to do it. So - my
apologies for being "away from my desk" that much, but it was
necessary . . . and worth it! I wish you all such good health news.
ARTICLE 78 REDUX
Well . . . we haven’t lost yet. The Town filed a Motion to Dismiss
based on the errors I made in filing it in the first place. (What? I never
said I was an attorney.) But, for our answer, I found case law to support
"overlooking" the mistakes, so it is now in the hands of the
judge. If he doesn’t dismiss our action, I’ll need more time in the
Law Library researching how to answer the Town’s inevitable Motion to
Deny. With luck, I’ll just need a morning or two off, but -- again -- my
apologies for not being here for you. It’s just that the zoning change
allows the swamp that feeds our pond to be filled in for an ugly
septic/excavation company to relocate there. The whole neighborhood is
fighting that zoning change. We’ll see. I’ll keep you posted.
BOOK NEWS
The photographer for the big new book; "Dutch Colonial Homes in
America" called me about pubishing his next book on the Shakers of
New Lebanon. As intriguing as that sounds, and while I am flattered that
he asked, I really don’t have the time to devote to a big project like
that. I put him off for a bit, hoping he’ll find someone else.
In the works now for Hope Farm Press to publish is "Ye Olden
Times" about the early history of Coxsackie. Working on that between
customers and Article 78 stuff is about all I have time for - except
reading - of course! (And - thanks to Sidney at Greene County Historical
Society for locating a copy for me!)
I’m reading "The Burning of the General Slocum" (a
steamboat that burned in the East River with nearly 1000 lost) with an eye
toward a Hope Farm reprinting to coincide with the documentary being
filmed for the 100th anniversary in 2004.
In addition, "Liam’s Going" and "Steep Passages",
both mentioned in last month’s missive, were really good reads. I can
thoroughly recommend them as well-written and engaging - thought provoking
even.
John Briant sent me a review copy of his 2nd Jason Black private
detective novel. Set in the Adirondacks, this retired NYS Trooper has
again crafted a suspenseful tale that makes you feel as if you are in the
heart of the North Country. I really enjoyed the first installment, and
hope to get a chance soon to sample this one.
Linda Zimmerman (History of Rockland County) sent me copies of her long
awaited new series: Ghost Investigator - Volumes I & II. A serious
historian by day, her hobby is collecting "hauntings" and other
documented paranormal activity. So - just in time for Halloween - we have
a "witches brew" of true ghost stories to get you in the mood.
While they are not authors, Jay Unger & Molly Mason are great
musicians. (They did the sound track for Ken Burn’s Civil War PBS
special.) I have their CD’s for sale, and soon hope to have the new one
with John Galway. When I bumped into them in the parking lot (No - I didn’t
hit them. They walked past my car and I got out to talk to them.) They
said their Galway CD was only out one week, and they were glad I liked it
so much. So, when you are next in the shop I’ll put it on for you to
hear. Or, just trust me and order one. It is great!
In other news, there is a NEW Thomas Locker book inspired by Thoreau’s
writing, a coffee-table Catskill "style" book, an unusual Hudson
River School of Art book, a new Lighthouse book, and two new children’s
books about NYC history. A very busy month!
GARLIC FESTIVAL
The last weekend in September saw 50,000+ people in Saugerties for the
annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival - a record! Perfect weather, nice
folks and great garlic - it was a real good time. If you missed what USA
Today calls "The best food festival in the country" (no small
praise!) this time around, remember it is always the last full weekend in
September. And - it is always good family fun.
***************************
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Garlic Garlic Garlic
Bread Tomato Garlic
New Voices From The Longhouse
*******************
AVAILABLE AGAIN
Hudson River & the Rail Road (paper $6.95)
*******************
PRICE CHANGES
Audubon Field Guides (I list 13) are in the process of going up to
$19.95. As long as I have $19.00 ones in stock that's what I'll charge,
but some are already up.
2002 September Vol IV Issue 9
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
FROM THE EDITOR
This was a strange month. Instead of paying attention to business, I,
along with my neighbors, focused on completing and filing an Article 78
proceeding against the Town of Saugerties for rezoning a lot which we all
border, from residential to commercial, just so an excavation/septic
company can locate there! Without boring you with the details, I’ll just
say it was bizarre, and totally illegal for the Town to do that.
Unfortunately, it is up to us to prove it. Since none of us have
"deep pockets", instead of paying an attorney $8000-$16,000, we
researched it and did it ourselves. Win or lose, that was a challenging
and eye-opening experience. I’ll keep you posted on our progress.
SAUGERTIES BOOK REDUX
The Images of America book on Saugerties is AVAILABLE again - 3rd
printing! Of the 600 printed, only 200 remain - so if you want one - third
time’s the charm. Order it now! It won’t be the same as the color
photos I promised you last month of the "Painted Ladies" in the
Saugerties Historic district, but I haven’t gotten to that project yet.
The day the painters finished the building my shop is in, a customer
accidently broke my 6’x7’ plate glass entrance window. Luckily, she
was unhurt - not a scratch! Only a miracle kept her from being cut in
half. Anyway, new glass goes in on the 23rd (next week) and, until then, I
didn’t want a picture of my shop with unpainted plywood over the window.
UGLY! So, maybe next month . . .
AUTHOR’S VISITS
David Lee Drotar, author of Steep Passages, dropped in for a visit. He’s
a remarkable fellow with a really nice book. We had some time to talk
about the trials and tribulations of being the
author/publisher/salesperson, and he allowed it was more difficult than
some of his travel adventures! Nice fellow. I like his book. Then Tobe
Carey came by with another delivery of his award-winning documentary on
the building of the Ashokan Reservior called: "Deep Water". His
good news is that the video is an Official Selection of the Woodstock Film
Festival. You might have seen it on TV last Winter. That is, if you weren’t
one of the 4 billion people watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics
instead! Talk about bad scheduling. Next, William McPherson came in. He
owns McPherson & Company Publishers, a small literary publishing house
of really fine, well-written books. He said he finally had one I needed to
carry, and produced "Liam’s Going" for me to see. I like it.
There are signed numbered copies available WHILE THEY LAST. (forewarned)
With all those visits, and the Article 78 work I committed to, it is
amazing I got anything done! But, I did. There are 30+ new books listed
below - Enjoy!
***************************
NO LONGER AVAILABLE
The Hudson River 1850-1918 A Photographic Portrait
OUR HERITAGE. TOWN OF BERNE
2002 August Vol IV Issue 8
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
FROM THE EDITOR
Well, 4 days, 3 nights and 775 miles later and I can wear the T-shirt,
"I Survived the Leavitt/Blaisedell Family Reunion In Summersworth
NH"! It can be so much fun seeing everyone again, I hope you all get
to a reunion regularly. I do, and really enjoy it, AND the few days off to
collect my thoughts is always an added bonus.
SAUGERTIES BOOK
The Images of America book on Saugerties is due out again soon. (It has
been in- and out-of-print twice already) But, it is not an update, so if
you are driving through Saugerties you won’t recognize it from the book.
All our fabulous turn-of-the-century commercial architecture is being
repaired and repainted. They now resemble the Victorian "Painted
Ladies" of San Francisco fame. If you have the time for a visit it,
is worth it just to see them! If not, maybe I’ll have time to put some
photos online. They look that good.
MORE TIME OFF
No - not a vacation. (I wish) I’m scheduling some minor medical
procedures for the next month or so - nothing too serious - more back
treatments and one of those invasive tests my doctor tells me I’m now
old enough for. (<shrug> If one lives long enough that happens.) AND
- more good news - I hope to be closing on a new (and future) home for my
bookstore soon. So, keep an eye on the Community Events page for the dates
and times off. I’ll try to keep them to a minimum. And, don’t worry. A
physical move is years away. I’m waiting till my back and my pocketbook
are ready for it!
AUTHOR’S VISITS
The author’s of SKYWOMAN (see below) dropped in last month to say
hello and give me a head’s up on their new collection of children’s
Native American stories. It was a pleasure putting faces to the names on
the book cover, especially because they are such a nice couple. It is an
authentic rendition (both authors are NA) and well worth a look. Also, the
gentleman who spent 20 years preparing his comprehensive book on NEW YORK
SCRIPT (see below) stopped in and regaled me with stories about tracking
down the elusive photos he needed to illustrate them all. (I used to own a
10 cent bill, but it came up missing in a grade school show & tell and
was never returned.)
2002 July Vol IV Issue 7
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
FROM THE EDITOR
This issue contains partial lists of the huge increase in the Native
American and the Civil War titles I've added to my shop, news of an old
standby back in print - Alf Ever’s, THE CATSKILLS - plus the long
awaited Railroad book from John Ham - that he delivered and signed this
morning. Talk about hot off the press!
There is also a listing on my Community Events page about yet another
family reunion I’m going to - this one in New Hampshire. So my shop will
be closed from August 9th through the 13th. As of today, I did not update
the database of my old shopping-cart. Maybe I’ll get around to it, but
if not - the NEW one is current and better. Give it a try at: http://www.hopefarmbooks.com/
and click on Book Catalog.
2002 June Vol IV Issue 6
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
FROM THE EDITOR
There are over 100 additions and changes to my book list, so again this
month there is no room left for book news. EXCEPT to say that my book list
will soon hit 3000 titles, and I "found" a few sq ft to add
another bookcase for the new ones! ALSO - I’m closed June 29th for my
Family Reunion. AND on a personal note, I’m doing fine, the surgical
procedure was largely successful, and I’m encouraged that I’ll be back
to 100% before the end of the year. Now, back to work . . .
2002 May Vol IV Issue 5
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
FROM THE EDITOR
Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. My physical therapist concurred
with both Doctors - I need to get my disk problems treated. I’m
scheduled for a May 14th surgical procedure - a walk-in and (hopefully)
walk-out session at the Hospital For Special Surgery in Manhattan.
Naturally, that means I won’t be open Tuesday, and I may be out
Wednesday too. And after that - maybe more - who knows? I’m hoping to
bounce right back, but I can’t promise it. I apologize for the
inconvenience, but it really is necessary if I’m to continue with an
open shop.
IN THE INTEREST OF BREVITY
Brevity? - unlike me, I know, but there are more new books (50+) this
month than can fit in this email, and with the changes in prices and
availability lists I simply don’t have room to be my usual loquacious
self. (Did I just hear a sigh of relief? :)
2002 April Vol IV Issue 4
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
I’LL BE BACK IN 15 MINUTES
We’ve all been the victim of a sign like that - Back In A Minute -
usually with no time on it (or date) to encourage us to wait, or come back
later. Well, as much as I hate those signs, I’m finally able to have
some physical therapy for the disks I herniated last September, and that
has me out of the shop at least four times in the next two weeks: Thurs,
4/11 - 3:15 to 5:00; Mon, 4/15 - 2:45 to 4:30; Weds, 4/17 - 3:15
to 5:00; Mon 4/22 - 2:15 to 4:30; Thurs 4/25 11:15 to 1:00. And
after that - maybe more - who knows? I apologize for the inconvenience,
but it really is necessary. I’m feeling much better because of it. So,
if you ever find a sign like that on my door, please understand that it
bothers me as much as you, but that it is unavoidable.
NEW PALATINE BOOKS REDUX
Well, the 3 volume be-all and end-all "Even More Palatine
Families" by Henry Jones, due in my shop the first week of April (as
I promised last missive) is still not here as of this writing. However,
they are in transit and expected any day. I know, I know, they’ve been
promised for the last two years - but I expect them this week for sure -
REALLY. (I already got the bill!)
NEW BOOK EVENT REDUX
Thanks for your input! There were many good ideas and a lot of support
for a regional book event in Albany. I want to tie it in with the
"November is New York History Month" campaign, but it might have
to be earlier to accommodate everyone’s schedules and expectations.
(Consensus, consensus, consensus - my new mantra!) Anyway, we are very
much still in the talking stage, so there’s time for additional ideas.
PUBLISHING, WRITING & COPYRIGHTING SEMINAR REDUX
On Saturday, May 18th, at the Columbia/Greene Community College, See http://www.hopefarm.com/nysrpa.htm
for more information
ORIGINS OF THE NAME CATSKILL
Subtitled one person’s opinion, this new addition to my site purports
to answer the most asked question I get. (That is, after: Where is Big
Pink?) Read all about it at:
http://www.hopefarm.com/catkills.htm
2002 March Vol IV Issue 3
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
From the EDITOR 03/15
Since taking Sundays off I’ve attended 1 art lecture, 1 poetry
reading and 2 concerts. On the days nothing else is happening, I find just
going for a walk is a relaxing and diverting thing to do. (And this is a
mild enough Winter to do just that!) The point is, I wanted you all to
know that I’m enjoying the time you let me have. Unfortunately, there
are some things I can’t do on a Sunday. So, Monday, March 18th, I’ve
scheduled a noon Doctor’s appointment that should only keep me away from
the store for an hour or so. Then on Monday, March 25th, a medical
procedure will keep me out all day. (Both routine, fortunately!) But I’m
sorry for any inconvenience. I’ll try to keep the time off to a minimum,
but I’ll probably want a weekend or so to myself later in the season.
Watch my Community Events pages for the days the shop is closed.
Meanwhile, these web pages are up functioning:
http://www.hopefarmbooks.com
and http://www.hopefarm.com
NEW BOOK PROJECT II
There is nothing simple about publishing books. At the very least, it
is time consuming, at worst it can be tedious, but it is always
interesting. My latest project, a New York Civil War book, has so many
photos in it (over 200!) that I have to learn a brand new program to
produce it. Now I’m waiting for a test chapter to be printed so I can
fine-tune the scanning and electronic file transfer process. The going is
slow, but I’m getting there. If it works, I’ll save enough money to be
able to offer the book at a more affordable price. Now you see why I’m
trying so hard to make it work!
NEW PALATINE BOOKS
Two new and eagerly awaited Palatine books are due soon. The 3rd
edition, updated with new information, of "Palatine Roots" by
Nan Dixon, is due in any day. Next, the 3 volume be-all and end-all
"Even More Palatine Families" by Henry Jones, is due in my shop
the first week of April. They are going to be in the $195 range and
advance orders are suggested.
NEW BOOK PUBLISHER
I’m negotiating with the State University of New York Press in an
attempt to make even more titles available to the reading public.
Previously, they only sold their books as texts, and then only to college
bookstores. The new book "Rip Van Winkle Neighbors" by Thomas
Wermuth, who is also described as the editor of their brand new series on
Hudson River history, prompted this action. One book I could let slide,
but a whole series? - I think not. Anyway, watch the New Releases page to
see if they appear, http://www.hopefarm.com/update.htm
or wait and read about it here next month.
NEW BOOK EVENT
I’ve been approached by NPR about scheduling and hosting (in their
new performance facility in Albany, not my overcrowded shop!) book
signings of nationally recognized authors. Since that is entirely outside
my field of expertise (if I could be considered to HAVE a field of
expertise!) I told them I thought I could serve them better in other ways.
Not that I ruled it out - it would be a great challenge - but I thought an
event of NY, or regional scope would be more up my alley. I think the idea
of 30 to 50 small press publishers, who concentrate on titles of Norteast
interest, appearing in one venue with book-signings, lectures, art shows
and cooking demonstrations would be exciting. What do you think? Would you
go? What would you like to see available?
As usual, your opinions are appreciated and always considered. So think
about it and let me know - OK?
PUBLISHING, WRITING & COPYRIGHTING SEMINAR
On Saturday, May 18th, at the Columbia/Greene Community College, the
Association of Public Historians Region IV, in conjunction with The New
York State Regional Publishers Association, will host a one-day seminar
important to everyone who wants to see their work in print. Historians,
authors, publishers, and a copyright attorney will be on hand to lead you
through the Byzantine labyrinth of book editing, publishing and marketing.
If you or your historical society have an interest in publishing and/or
copyrighting material, this is the meeting for you. See http://www.hopefarm.com/nysrpa.htm
for more information
2002 February Vol IV Issue 2
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
From the EDITOR 02/07
This missive is a bit early this month (surprise!) But I had to do some
database adjustments anyway for the new .NET web page my guru is testing,
(I know - not another web page! But wait till you see it!) So I figured I’d
update my other 2 web page databases at the same time.
My old new one is http://www.hopefarmbooks.com
My old old one is http://www.hopefarm.com
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but each newsletter mailing follows
an update of the book information in my shopping carts. Anyway - as if I
needed something else to fill the empty hours - Here goes!
NEW BOOK PROJECT
Seward Osborne’s New York Civil War book project, the one in a box
under my desk since August, is finallly underway! I think I’ve mastered
PageMaker enough to start laying it out. Now, during this traditionally
slower winter period, I can have fun creating a new book from all this
great material and these amazing photographs - over 200 in all! In case
you’ve forgotten, it will have a brief history of each regiment whose
soldiers are included in his photo collection, along with a bio of each
soldier. Great for history, military and genealogy buffs! I’ll keep you
posted on my progress.
RESPONSE TO BOOKS IN SHORT SUPPLY
My apologies to all of you who tried to grab that last copy of a few of
the books I listed as "in short supply". Most went too quickly,
but curiously, some didn’t. The strangest thing was that some people
asked me to save the books for them but never ordered them! So - it’s
been 3 weeks. If you want to own any of those books, now is the time to
order them. If they aren’t available I won’t sell them to you. If they
are available I’ll confirm the order. First come, first served - fair
warning.
BOOK LINK
The link on my Table of Contents page - http://www.hopefarm.com/sampl03.htm
to Heritage Books is still active, but I nolonger get credit for you
using it. That may change in the future, but meanwhile, they do such a
good job of providing books that I left the link there!
MY COMPUTER IS SMARTER THAN I AM
(as it constantly reminds me) Existing customers with the same names
were "lost" by my new Quickbooks update. Without warning me,
Quickbooks deleted all but the first of a group of same-named individuals.
So, if I can’t find a record of you, my apologies. If you just bear with
me I’ll fix it eventually.
HISTORY TALK / SEMINAR
I always say no when asked if I’ll speak to a group. That is, until
someone I really like asks me. That is how I get myself into trouble. So .
. . When my old high school Latin teacher asked me to speak to the Redhook
Historical Society I did not refuse. Afterall, if he can drag me kicking
and screaming through a divided Gaul ("All Gaul is divided into three
parts.") I can at least return the favor. (Hopefully I wasn’t that
tedious!) Anyway, it was a good warm up for the day-long seminar I’ll be
at on Saturday, May 18th, in Columbia/Greene Community College. If you or
your historical society have an interest in publishing and/or copyrighting
material, this is the meeting for you. See http://www.hopefarm.com/nysrpa.htm
for more information
2002 January Vol IV Issue 1
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
From the EDITOR
I’m celebrating the New Year with new store hours! For years I’ve
been sponsoring concerts and events that I couldn’t attend because they
were on Sunday afternoon. Then, over Christmas, when my part-time employee
asked for more time off, I decided to eliminate his position entirely.
(All right - I admit it was a very stressful holiday season.) Since UPS
picks up and delivers every weekday, and Saturday is usually a busy day,
closing Sundays just seemed to make sense. So - my apologies for any
inconvenience it causes - I just need a day off. The other day’s hours
remain 10-6, and I may be open Sunday afternoon of Holiday weekends, so
please inquire.
VERY STRESSFUL HOLIDAY SEASON
My apologies to all of you who tried to reach me before Christmas. A
family emergency kept me closed many days. I’m sorry for the
disappointment - it couldn’t be helped.
ANOTHER SEMINAR
You can find links on my Table of Contents page - http://www.hopefarm.com/sampl03.htm
to Heritage Books and Amazon (I get credit if you use them) where you
can find all the books (and everything else!) I don’t list. BUT - you
can scroll down to links to web pages I created for the various Seminars I
help to sponsor and/or participate in. The latest - May 18th (Saturday) is
the Columbia/Greene Community College seminar on Copyrighting and
Publishing, cosponsored by the New York State Regional Publishers
Association and the Association of New York State Public Historians. A
published attorney, historian, and various publishers (including myself)
will be making some informative presentations. We look forward to seeing
you there.
NEW COMPUTER PROGRAMS
Don’t be surprised to notice newly designed invoices when next you
order. I’m in the middle of switching from the business program I’ve
been using for 10 years, to QuickBooks. That means I’ll FINALLY have a
handle (that’s the plan anyway) on my inventory, so no more Out-of-stock
notices when you place an order. Now if I could just figure out how to
create larger shelves for the additional books! It’s a little
nerve-wracking as I fine-tune this beast I’ve created, so wish me luck!
2001 September Vol III Issue 9
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
*************************
From the EDITOR
My New York State Books Newsletter may be an odd forum
in which to assemble these quotes, but the events of the past week
find me dwelling more on the poor folks who lost friends and loved
ones rather then on bookselling. Naturally I looked to history for
some solace, and the resolution necessary to face the difficult path
we are about to embark upon as a nation. As George Santayana said in
The Life of Reason (c1905/6) - "Those who cannot remember the
past are condemned to repeat it." Let us hope we have historians
among our leaders.
QUOTES
#1 - The necessity of the times, more than ever, calls
for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude and
perseverance. Let us remember that, if we suffer tamely a lawless
attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our
doom. (Samuel Adams 1771 speech)
#2 - The time is now at hand which must probably
determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; ...whether
their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and
themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human
effort will deliver them. ... Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves
us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission.
We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die. (Geo. Washington -
Aug 1776 speech)
#3 - These are the times that try men’s souls. The
summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink
from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves
the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not
easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the
harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too
cheap, we esteem too lightly; ‘tis dearness only that gives
everything its value. (Thomas Paine - Dec 1776 pamphlet)
***************************
I get 100s of emails a day. For many people in the
world I am one of the few, if not the only, American with whom they
have contact and feel they know well enough to communicate with.
Included below is one of the most moving emails of the many I received
since the attack:
Hello, you were kind enough to help me a while
back....I'd just like say that everyone over here feels a grim empathy
for what you're going through....my father has never forgotten seeing
London's night sky lit up by the whole of the docklands aflame during
the blitz; I myself felt the shockwave of a bomb blowing people and
buildings to smithereens in the modern docklands. We're all thinking
of you, and we've never forgotten your help in our darkest
hours....knowing you'll do what you do best and swiftly pick
yourselves up and get back in the saddle, regards from everyone in
Britain -
*************************
What can I say after that?
I wish you all well, and I hope your loved ones are
safe.
Richard
2001 August Vol III Issue 8
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in
Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
From the EDITOR
There are so many new titles this month I’m 3 days
late with this newsletter just trying to get them all online. The fact
that I had to use 2 different data formats and programs to do both my
web pages only made it harder. So . . . this is probably the last
month for the hopefarm.com New Releases page update. I like the new http://hopefarmbooks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc
so much that I encourage you all to look it over and use it in the
future. It is not entirely done yet, but new features such as entering
all your personal data once - and only once - is one real plus. (an
option - NOT a requirement.) Anyway - I’ll be migrating all the
content pages (and refining them in the process) to the new website
over the next few months and then just have www.hopefarm.com point to
the new site. Thanks for your patience through all this. We have a lot
of new titles - so no more gabbing - on to the books!
***************************************
2001 June Vol III Issue 6
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in
Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
From the EDITOR
JUNE is a crazy month. On top of all the other things
I have to (and wish I could) do, I host my family reunion every year
on the last Saturday of June. It is a great deal of fun (and hard
work) and it is the only time I can be sure of seeing my family during
a happy event. So many people I know only see their family’s on sad
occasions - funerals and whatnot. Too bad. Remember - a family reunion
shouldn’t be missed. If your family isn’t scheduling one - host
one!
GENEALOGY books rarely appear that local genealogists
haven’t seen before. Well - here’s one: "Gravestone
Inscriptions of Ulster County" by Lila James Roney c1924, (see **
below) that no one I’ve spoken to is familiar with. Remember, you
saw it here first!
***************************************
BOOK AWARDS
This is a first - I’ve been asked by the Foundation
for Coast Guard History to submit "Lighthouses of New York"
for consideration in their annual book awards category
"Lighthouses and Aids to Navigation". Who even knew they had
awards for lighthouse books? The deadline is August 31st, the winner
isn’t announced until next May, and all I could win is a plaque --
but still -- it is an honor to be invited to participate.
****************************************
SPEAKING OF BEING ASKED
The National Lighthouse Museum offered to join in an
Associate Program (which I now have to create) with me. They’ll put
a link on their new website to my lighthouse books if I’ll pay them
a small percentage for each sale their link generates. (Similar to the
Heritage Books link below, only in reverse.) Since their website
attracts a huge number of hits, it is worth it for me just to gain
more exposure, but it is also prestigious to be THE book link on a
National Museum page.
****************************************
AND SPEAKING OF NEW WEB SITES
In the "it never rains but it pours"
department, my new web site has grown into two new websites! I don’t
know how it happened, but I’m still http://www.hopefarm.com
and I’m adding: http://hopefarmbooks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc<- note no www there.
I’m in the process of learning two different sets of
new programs and ways of thinking to accomplish this feat, so now if
someone says I’m crazy I’ll have an excuse! Anyway, the end result
will be dueling websites to see which I keep. While both offer secure
ordering - one offers a dynamite shopping-cart and the other offers
lists of books you can "click on" to order. So - who knows -
it may be that I keep both! I hope the above links work when you get
this, but please remember that both new sites are still very much
under construction.
****************************
THIS BEARS REPEATING
Count on me whenever you need New York related titles
- I stock them. But, for all other history and genealogy titles I
always recommend Heritage Books: http://www.heritagebooks.com/cgi-bin/shopzone30.exe/st_coupon.html?COUPON=hfp033&p_page=st_main.html?p_catid=1.
******************************************
LITERARY REFERENCE (finally!)
And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days.
Then Heaven tries the Earth if it be in tune,
And over it softly her warm ear lays.
James Russell Lowell
The Vision of Sir Launfal
( in the Prelude to Part I)
*********************************************
2001 May Vol III Issue 5
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in
Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
From the EDITOR
I like working in the garden, but this is simply an
overwhelming time of year. Everything outside needs doing just as the
demands of my business pick up in anticipation of the Summer rush.
On-top-of-that, there are always great events on the weekends that try
to lure me away! So far this month we have the Spring "Palatines
to America" meeting in Middleburgh (Schoharie County), a Mother’s
Day concert at Bard College (Dutchess County), a reenactment of the
Snyder Abduction in Saugerties, and the Renaissance Faire at Twin
Lakes Resort (Ulster County) -- and those are just the local events.
There are plenty more to chose from throughout the state. Well, I’m
already resigned to the fact that I won’t get to any of them, but I
hope you do. Check out the Community Events page on my site for a
partial listing, and be sure to send me announcements of any other NYS
activities that may have escaped my notice: http://www.hopefarm.com/current.htm
Besides having a good time, you will be supporting
many worthy local organizations.
***************************************
PALATINES
Lastest news (5/11) from Hank Jones, the author of
(among other things) "Palatine Families of New York" and
"More Palatines of New York" is:
"EVEN MORE PALATINE FAMILIES is being indexed as
I write. Hopefully, it will start being printed within two months.
I'll keep you posted. It definitely will be three volumes"
You heard it here first. Of course I’ll have it in
stock as soon as it is available.
****************************************
OUT-OF-PRINT
You will occasionally see an OP or out-of-print note
on book titles in my catalog. They always appear here first to give
subscribers the first (last?) chance to own these books.
Procrastinators take heed - most of the books I catalog are published
in limited numbers. When you see a "2 copies left" or
"3 copies left" note next to a title you are eventually
planning to purchase - do it now.
****************************
HERITAGE BOOKS
Count on me whenever you need New York related titles
- I stock them. But, for all other history and genealogy titles I
always recommend Heritage Books: http://www.heritagebooks.com/cgi-bin/shopzone30.exe/st_coupon.html?COUPON=hfp033&p_page=st_main.html?p_catid=1.
This would also work for advance purchases of any of their NY titles
(see ** below)
*****************************
MISCELLANEOUS MUSINGS
@ Sometimes I get so busy that books come in and never
get recorded in my database. Three such titles are below (marked with a
single asterisk *) and are a good reason to shop my store regularly.
@ Ditto the CD-ROM titles below, except astute readers
will know that it wasn’t because I was too busy to list them.
@ Space doesn’t allow the complete listing of 24 new
titles here that I have on order from the New York State Museum, but
watch for these resonably priced publications to appear on my shelves
(as soon as I have prices for them!) Meanwhile - see a list of TITLES
below.
@ Authors of a 200th anniversary book on West Point have
contacted me about publishing it for them. If all goes well, you can
read about it here during the next few months.
@ Two new maps, 20 pages of vintage photos with text of
"lost" lighthouses, and various updates and corrections are
being collected for the new revised edition of the Lighthouses of New
York book. Look for it by Christmas.
**********************************************
2001 April Vol III Issue 4
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
From the EDITOR
I have many business newsletters emailed to me daily, one comes twice a
day. I don’t know how they do it! It’s been 3 weeks since my last New
York newsletter, and I’m struggling to find enough content to make it
worthwhile for you - the reader. Not that I haven’t been busy. I’ve
finished the update to "Encyclopedia of New York State Ephemera &
Americana" (**see note below) and have a new map and other info ready
for the new edition of "Lighthouses of New York", which I expect
will go back to the printers in June. Meanwhile, I’ve put dozens of new
cemeteries online, hired a new employee, and worked out the arrangements
for my part in the New York Sate Historical Association’s "American
Culture" Seminar. It certainly hasn’t been dull.
***************************************
IN WITH THE OLD AND OUT WITH THE NEW
One of my distributors, North Country Books, just had a major
management shift. The most recent owner, Nick Burns, has moved out, and
the original owners, Rob Igoe and his sister, are back in control. So far
it hasn’t delayed any shipments - I’m pleased to say - so my book
deliveries are uninterrupted. I don’t know what that is going to do to
our publisher’s talk in Cooperstown (that’s the American Culture
Seminar above) that Nick is scheduled to appear at, but no matter who is
there with us, it will be fun.
****************************
NEW AFFILIATE PROGRAM
I am often asked, "Where is a shop like yours for my state?"
My answer is, of course, that there is none, but Heritage Books comes
closest. I buy some of the books from them that I offer for sale, but they
also list 100s of non-New York titles in all categories that I don't
catalogue. Now, the nice folks there have kindly allowed me to offer those
"other" books vicariously - via the links found on my Table of
Contents page and in several other places on my web site. Please remember
to visit Hope Farm Press whenever you need New York related titles, but
for all the rest, I always recommend Heritage Books: http://www.heritagebooks.com/cgi-bin/shopzone30.exe/st_coupon.html?COUPON=hfp033&p_page=st_main.html?p_catid=1.
2001 March Vol III Issue 3
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
>From the EDITOR
As you may, or may not know - I just had a family member undergo very serious and painful
abdominal surgery. Rather than mind my store, I attended to their sickbed needs and
convalescence. Well - I'm back. Sincere thanks to all for the kind words, concern - and
above all - understanding and patience through my absence. The patient is well and
recovering nicely.
There are so many new books and price/availability changes here, I haven't room (Do I hear
sighs of relief?) for more comments. There's just enough space to say -- thank you again!
Enjoy!
***************************************
SALE Items (while supplies last)
___New York City Traditions
Mike Evans Editor. The Art and Architecture, Festivals, Food & fashion, Music, Theater
& Sports
- celebrating the people and pastimes of the Big Apple - without even taking a Taxi!
6.5x11
Cloth full color 192 pages originally pub at $24.95 SALE $9.95
See the rest at http://www.hopefarm.com/sales.htm
**********************************************
CHANGES IN PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
The Mohawk back in print at $16.95
The Iroquois Struggle for Survival World War II to Red Power $17.95
THE IROQUOIS IN THE CIVIL WAR From Battlefield to Reservation Now Paperback $19.95
Bert Breen's Barn $16.95
King of the Delawares Teedyuscung, 1700-1763 $17.95
ALL THAT IS GLORIOUS AROUND US Paintings from The Hudson River School $45.00
American Revolution and the French Alliance out-of-print inquire
The Leisler Papers, 1689-1691 delayed again! now to 10/2001
The Civil War and New York City out-of-print inquire
Stubborn For Liberty The Dutch in NY out-of-print GONE
The Oneida Indian Experience Two Perspectives out-of-print inquire
Canal Boatman: My Life on Upstate Waterways out-of-print inquire
**********************************************
2001 February Vol III Issue 2
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
>From the EDITOR
This is difficult. I'm someone who always tries to have the bookshop open and always tries
to accommodate my customers. Well . . . during the last 3 weeks of March I cannot promise
that I will do either. Family business will keep me away from the shop many days, and all
but an hour or so on the others. It will complicate everything, disappoint many people and
play havoc with my income. Rayann will keep the shop open as much as she can, but the
regular hours cannot be promised. I'll apologize now and - I'm sure - many more times, but
it is unavoidable. Even next month's newsletter will be delayed.
TO FURTHER COMPLICATE MATTERS
Remember those changes I promised? Over the next few weeks I'll be moving my website to a
larger ISP. When completed, my new site will have a better - EASIER - to use shopping-cart
with an unlimited number of titles able to be displayed in a search. Online ordering will
be secure (finally!) and I will be able to clean up the static lists and easily keep them
up-to-date. Meanwhile, I'm sure there will be glitches, false starts and frustrating times
ahead. Please remember to call me to report any problems or if you need assistance at all.
(Assuming, of course, that you can reach me!) I'm also adding acceptance of American
Express cards - in the store only. Meaning, if you want to make a web purchase with your
American Express card you'll have to call it in. I'll try to keep up with my email, from a
remote server if need be, and orders will still go out. Things will just be delayed a bit.
DISTRIBUTION
I'm adding 2 new titles to the long list of books I distribute. You can see them marked
with an asterisk below. Currently, I have 38 books in print and distribute 50 more for 3
other publishers. (And you wondered what I did with my spare time.) So, if you find
yourself in a bookstore and you don't see my titles on the shelf, ask the owner to order
them from me.
NEW CDROM
I'm updating my 1995 DOS Ebook, "ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NEW YORK STATE EPHEMERA AND
AMERICANA" with an additional 6 years of information and converting it to a fully
searchable Adobe PDF format CDROM. It is planned for a Summer release at the New York
State Historical Association's "American Culture Seminar", where I am speaking
on electronic publishing of New York history. Contact NYSHA in Cooperstown for more
information.
BOOK REVIEW
Stream of Death, a new murder mystery set in an imaginary Phoenicia-type Catskill Mountain
town on Rt. 28 in Ulster County will soon be available. I finished reading my review copy
at 3:30 this AM - great book! Good characters, tight plot, decent writing, some surprises,
and plenty of wonderful food and scenery. I want to live in the town author Bill
Stackhouse created. Available soon - hardcover $23.95
***************************************
SALE Items (while supplies last)
_____All 2001 calendars are 25% off.
These and many more new books at $9.95
_____No Two Rivers Alike - New York State Canoeable Rivers was $17.50
_____Quick Escapes From New York City was $14.95
_____Nature Walks of Central Park was $12.95
See the rest at http://www.hopefarm.com/sales.htm
**********************************************
CHANGES IN PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
J016 -Death Notices Washington County 1799-1880 $37.50
K436 - Marriages from The Saugerties Telegraph 1846-1870 $36.00
1478 - Letters Home: Civil War Letters by Bishop Asbury Cook, $32.00
C651 - New England Captives Carried to Canada to $60.00
1251CD - H B Archives: New York Volume 3 on CD ROM to $28.50
Harriman Bear Mt Trails 2 map set $7.95
2vols - Biographical Sketches of Loyalists of the American Revolution to $79.00
The Loyalists of the American Revolution to $28.50
Portraits & Biographical Records Orange Co (3 Vols) to $100.00
2001 January Vol III Issue 1
New York State Books Newsletter
from Richard Frisbie of Hope Farm Press
Editor Comments ++ Price Changes/Changes in Availability
++ Used Books ++ New Books ++ Web Site Additions
*********************************************
>From the EDITOR
Unknown glitches prevented most of this news list from receiving newsletters for December
and January (!!) Hopefully all is fixed and I'm remailing January's. My apologies if there
is any duplication.
NEW YEAR GREETINGS
This is the beginning of the 3rd year of this newsletter. I found that the sometimes
impersonal nature of electronic commerce removes the human interaction I enjoyed so much
as a bookseller, so I created this forum out of my need to connect with my electronic
customers the same way I do with the many folks who walk into my bookshop and visit over
the counter. I thank you for your notes of encouragement and support over these two years,
and trust you are all as happy with this, my imperfect solution, as I am.
FASTER - FASTER Redux - Redux
As of this writing (and as I knock on my head) the bugs are out of my new computer and it
is SMOKIN' - I mean fast! Hopefully, this speed will mean more productivity and, now that
Roadrunner is installed, less busy signals when you try to phone me. The next few months
will bring more news of additions and changes: video, better web page maintenance, new
titles . . . and more! Your suggestions, comments and indulgence will continue to help me
make this better.
CIVIL WAR BOOK
A well-known local author contacted me recently with a book idea that I think is unique.
He has 200 +/- photos of Hudson Valley residents who were soldiers in the Civil War, with
biographical and military data about each of them. Over the next few months we'll be
compiling this wealth of information into a new and unusual book of interest for more than
just Civil War buffs. I'll keep you posted on our progress.
THE PEARL
Every month in the year 1875 a magazine about Saugerties NY (my hometown) was printed. It
was called The Pearl. It is unusual, not just because only 250 copies were printed each
month, but also because each issue was illustrated with original photos. I was lucky
enough to purchase the December issue recently, and hope to have parts of it on my webpage
soon. If anyone knows the whereabouts of other issues for sale I'd appreciate hearing from
you. ****************************************
SALE Items (while supplies last)
All 2001 calendars are 25% off.
_____Big Hollow A Montaintop History by Elwood Hitchcock - SALE price $9.95 (was $14.95)
_____A War To Petrify the Heart by Richard Van Wyck - SALE price Paperback $14.95 (was
$24.95)
_____The Unbroken Thread by Steve Hoare - SALE price $13.95 (was $21.95)
**********************************************
OUT-OF-PRINT (or No longer available)
The World of John Burroughs Hardcover sale price $19.95 - Gone!
Supposedly there are $29.95 (<- not a typo) paperbacks available - I'm still looking.
THE ADIRONDACKS by Nathan Farb both hardcover and paperback Gone
Footsteps Across Cement Out-of-stock
