Published February 5, 1981

The Town of Tusten lost one of the pio­neers of the resort industry as it per­tains to hunting, fishing and vacations with the recent death of Daniel “Dan” LaBarr. Dan, along with many others from the area, established the Town of Tusten at the top of the list as an area for hunting, fishing, vacations, and second homes. 

This, however, was only one of the many areas that Dan operated in. Through the efforts of the Narrowsburg Chamber of Com­merce, the Ten Mile River Region, the name under which this-section was promoted in New York City, was the place to go for many years. Each March Dan, along with several others, could be found in the New York Coliseum, selling the area as the place to hunt, fish, vacation, and build a second home. And their efforts were successful and the Ten Mile River Region was recog­nized as the place to go by residents of New York City and parts of New Jersey. Dan, as a member of the Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce, hosted many sports­writers from New York City daily newspapers during this period and they gave the area publicity that you cannot purchase. His bar and grill in Beaver Brook was the meet­ing place for those interested in hunting,·fishing and conservation. 

Dan was the guiding hand of the Beaver Brook Rod and Gun Club from its beginning until just a few years ago, and under his leadership the club grew in stature and membership and is now one of the largest clubs of its kind in the state. It is the club to belong to if you like to hunt and fish. 

He represented the Beaver Brook area on the Narrowsburg Central School Board of Education for 21 years. It was during his tenure that many of the growing pains of a young school district were solved and the district placed on a solid footing. Always generous with his time, Dan hardly ever missed a meeting. 

Times have changed of late, and there are not many with Dan LaBarr’s principles and ideals left. It is always a great sense of loss when one passes away. You can never replace the dedication of a man like this and you can only remember all he contributed to the area while he was with us. He would not have it any other way.