Week of April 18
April 17, 1875 – 150 YEARS AGO
Rockland County Journal
ARTISTIC WORK
While in Piermont a short time ago, we had the gratification of examining a five feet model of the celebrated Post Bridge which was entrusted by that gentleman to the skill and ingenuity of James I. Demarest, who was just completing it as we dropped in. The model was constructed of brass and iron in the handsomest and most substantial manner, and so perfect in all its bearings and connections that the eye unaided could not detect that a single brace or span was a thousandth part of an inch out of the way. Indeed the model was so perfect in every respect that we have serious doubts if one mechanic in ten thousand could have equaled the nicety and precision which marked the handiwork of our friend.
The model was ordered by Mr. Post for the use of the students at the Military Academy of West Point, and while it is bound to be the most popular truss bridge in existence, and reflects immeasurable credit upon its designer, the workmanship exhibited on the model which we saw reflects no less credit on Mr. Demarest.
April 16, 1925 – 100 YEARS AGO
Pearl River News
BOYS AND GIRLS MUST APPLY TO ALBANY FOR MINOR AUTO LICENSES — COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE HAS NOT NECESSARY BLANKS ON HAND AND APPLICANTS MUST WRITE DIRECTLY TO CAPITAL
Applications for automobile operator’s licenses for boys and girls between the ages of 16 and 18 years must be made to the State Automobile Bureau, at Albany, it was announced today by County Clerk Sherwood, in charge of the Automobile Bureau here.
Mr. Sherwood said that he had received telegraphic instructions to this effect from Commissioner Chas. A. Hartnett. The Clerk said that many inquiries are being received here daily regarding the new law, which makes it possible for persons under 18 years of age to legally drive an automobile outside of New York City.
April 16, 1975 – 50 YEARS AGO
The Journal News
STATE WILL BARGE INTO OUR BICENTENNIAL
[Image: Logo for Bicentennial Barge, 1976. Image courtesy of Hadley Exhibits.]
The Town of Orangetown will officially host the New York State Bicentennial Barge next year as part of America’s 200th birthday celebration, state Bicentennial Commission officials confirmed today (Monday) at a meeting in Piermont.
The huge barge, the state’s primary activity for the Revolutionary War Bicentennial, is tentatively scheduled to dock for two days at the end of the Piermont Pier on June 17 and 18, 1976.
Preliminary plans for the barge were spelled out Monday at a 2 pm meeting at the Piermont Village Hall, chaired by Orangetown Bicentennial Committee Chairmen Robert Knight.
Others attending from Orangetown were Bicentennial Committee members Eleanor Clarke and Gloria Berg. Representing Piermont were Mayor Mimi Bryan and village Bicentennial Committee co-chairman Ruth Brawner, while the Rockland County Bicentennial Commission was represented by secretary-treasurer Walter Hassett.
Detailing the plans for the barge was the assistant project director for the New York State American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, John Quirk, who toured the pier itself with the group after the informal village hall meeting.
The barge will be 280 feet long and 40 feet wide, and will contain two decks with 10,000 square feet of exhibit space, Quirk said.
This Week in Rockland (#FBF Flashback Friday) is prepared by Clare Sheridan for the Historical Society of Rockland County. © 2025 by The Historical Society of Rockland County. #FBF Flashback Friday may be reprinted only with written permission from the HSRC. To learn about the HSRC’s mission, upcoming events or programs, visit www.RocklandHistory.org or call (845) 634-9629.
