Lucy Lobdell was born about 1829 and moved to the lumbering camps at Long Eddy about 1850. The equal of any man at hunting, trapping and fishing, she also played the violin and had a beautiful singing voice. In 1852 she married George Slater, who deserted Lucy and her infant daughter just two years later. Destitute, Lucy returned to her parents’ home, but her father complained that Lucy and her child were a burden. She reluctantly left her child with her parents, adopted male attire, and lived off the land. One story says that a young music teacher named Joseph Lobdell had become engaged to a young Bethany lady. When Lucy was recognized by a lumberman from Long Eddy, “Joseph” escaped in the night to avoid being tarred and feathered. Lucy Lobdell had many other adventures around the U.S., including marriage to a woman she met in the Poor House at Delhi, NY. Her life ended sadly in 1912 at the State Hospital in Binghamton, where she was committed after her behavior became increasingly bizarre.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society (www.waynehistory.org), 810 Main St., Honesdale, open Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., January through mid-April.