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Did You Know How The Hook Was Saved?

Hook Mountain from Gedney Street in Nyack. Photo Credit: Dave ZornowThe next time you “hike the Hook” or take in the beautiful Hudson River views from Nyack Beach State Park, remember that 104 years ago it was an active quarry.

This large quarry was at the end of North Broadway in Upper Nyack, NY. At water’s level are a number of sheds and other buildings, and a long pier into the Hudson River. On the slope are more buildings and equipment for the quarrying operation. Hook Mountain is almost bare of trees. Source: Nyack Library via HRVH.org

In the late 1700s red sand stone was discovered in Rockland County and quarries began operation, but it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that new machinery enabled the quarries to operate on a much larger scale.  As a result of the increased blasting and drilling, much larger gashes were visible in the cliff face of the Palisades and Hook Mountain.  In 1900, the Palisades Interstate Park Commission was established with a one million dollar grant from Mary Harriman and John D. Rockefeller along with other private and state funds.  The commission put a stop to quarrying on the Palisades by buying out the quarrymen and setting the land aside as the Palisade Interstate Park.  Around that same time, a movement to stop the destruction of Hook Mountain began but made little headway.   The destruction of Hook Mountain continued until 1911 when the Palisades Interstate Park Commission began its purchase of the five quarries that were eating away at Hook Mountain and the facilities were eventually dismantled or converted to recreational facilities.

Here’s the week at a glance
at the Nyack Library.

Monday

  • FREE Assistance with NYS Health Insurance Programs, 5p
  • Poets Circle, Registration required, 6:30p

Tuesday

Book and Pub Club (21 and over), Olives, 118 Main St., Nyack, NY, 7p

Wednesday

The Road to Financial Fitness for 18 to 20-somethings, Registration required, 7p

Thursday

  • A Senior’s Gude to Avoiding Scams, Bullying, and Property Fraud, Registration required, 1p
  • The Life Course Project for 18 to 20-somethings, Registration required, 7p

Friday

Danna Banana Concert, Registration required, 11a

Saturday

Super Hero Graphic Novel, 2p

The Road to Financial Fitness – Just Starting Out Series for 18 to 20-somethings, Wed at 7p

Moving out on your own is one thing. Figuring out how to afford it is entirely different. In this workshop geared towards 18 to 25 year olds, we will guide you toward the seven steps to becoming financially independent. This fast-paced session will give an overview of student loans, money management, saving for financial drama, establishing credit, buying a home, saving for retirement, understanding taxes and buying a car.

Presented by Chris Dlugozima, Certified Consumer Credit Educator.  Registration is required.

The Life Course Project – Just Starting Out Series for 18 to 20-somethings, Thur at 7p

A workshop specifically geared to twenty-somethings to help guide, motivate and inspire you through the most transformative period of your life. If you’ve struggled with questions such as “Who am I? What do I want? How do I get there?”… then this workshop is for you. Learn how to create a life course for your career, relationships, and health and well-being.

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Presented by Leah Kowalski and Silvia Falconer.  Registration is required.


Have a question or a fun fact you want to know? We’re looking for suggestions for our weekly Did You Know fact. Write to info@NyackNewsAndViews with your suggestions.

Did You Know comes to you each Monday on NyackNewAndViews, sponsored by the Nyack Library.

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Nyack Farmer's Market


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