Photo by Jim Molloy - July 21, 2008
Here's a bit of interesting history concerning the old graveyard on Milltown Road:
Visited April 2001. On south side of Milltown Road, just west of intersection with Rt 52. Next to the fairly new small stripmall. Many-many field stones. Inscription, "1700 - 1950, One of the oldest cemeteries in Dutchess County. Land donated by the James Ballard Family. Buried in the center of the cemetery is the Tidd Family. Polly Tidd, her sister, and brother were kidnapped by Delaware Indians in Oct 1769. The boy was Tomahawked on the large rock on top of the hill. Polly's sister was slain becasue she refuesed to marry a brave. Polly married a brave and had two sons, Johnathon and Aaron. Later when Polly was freed, she came back to Pecksville and reclaimed her parents' homestead. The two sons died young due to small pox. Polly lived to be 80."
As kids, we walked by the the Milltown Road graveyard hundreds of times during the 1950's - on our way to Flossie's tiny store located on Route 52 at the foot of Milltown Road, about a half mile from the lake. Usually to get a Pepsi, maybe a bar of ice cream. And there'd Flossie be, barely able to see, she'd put the dollar bill right up to her eyes to be sure it was what it was. In a store so small, today we'd call it a shed.
As a Baptist, she refused to stock Coca-Cola, believing it contained cocaine - "Devil's Juice." We didn't complain though, since Pepsi gave twice as much (cocaine?) for the same price; 10-cents, and 2-cents back on the bottle.
You may also recall the little red house that sat next to the graveyard - just a tiny place, one, maybe two rooms, often with potted flowers by the windows during summer. Never knew who lived there, a happy mystery from childhood.
Milltown Road was dirt and shell-rock back then, and the hot-rods would kick up a road-storm racing to god knows where. That's what I remember, the Pepsi boys, the "Indian" burial ground, and the little red house covered with the dust of summer.
DM
Update: Click on the following link to view a fragment of Pecksville and Stormville history. (Note: An underscore indicates a link)
5 comments:
We're offering several dollars for a picture of Flossie's! Look through your album, search the attic!
Also, pictures of you, your cabin, even the outhouse!
Its great to see old Ballard Lake again. All of you Ballard Alumni, please check in. It would be great to hear from you. Jim Molloy
As a kid many times I would ride my bike to Ballard Lake to go swimming. I would stop at Flossies and yes she would hold the dollar bill inches from her eye to see the domination of the bill. She lived in the house up the hill just to the right of the store and had a son which his name I can't recall but was at my house several times with his uncle Frank Ballard. Oh those were the days that will never be again
Bernie Rodgers
use to live in Ludingtonville
now living in North Carolina
Welcome, Bernie!
Flossie's son was named Roger, now about age 60. Did you also happen to know the Kelly's - they had a farm (of sorts) on Holmes Road, about a mile east of Flossie's.
Hope you had a chance to view the entire blog (click on "Home" below) - lots of photos from the lake and surrounding area. Remember "Milt's" gas station on Rt. 52 in Ludingtonville? Look through your album, you may have a picture! You may even find a picture of Flossie's store! Anything you're willing to share, just let me know.
Meanwhile, great to hear from you, an old neighbor! Feel free to drop in anytime!
Dave
I remember Lake Ballard. A friend of the family invited us to their cabin for a week several times. I remember going for ice cream at night. The guys in a crowd up front being followed by the girls. Always laid in wait at the cemetery to scare 'em on the way back. Did it every time, worked everytime. I used to do laps in the lake from the big rock to the pier, just me and the water snakes. It was a great time
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