JEFFERSONVILLE, NY — Join the Western Sullivan Public Library and County Historian John Conway for a lecture at the Jeffersonville Branch of the Western Sullivan Public Library on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. 

Sullivan County has been home to three great industries over the years—timber, tanning and tourism—but even though the county’s economy was fueled by these big three, there were thousands of farms too. In fact, in 1855 there were more than 125,000 acres of farmland under cultivation in the county. 

In 1880, records show there were 4,394 farms here, with the average farm comprising 107 acres. By 1890, the number of farms had decreased to 4,096, but the average size of a farm had increased slightly to 112 acres. In 1900, 3,887 farms averaged 123.2 acres, but by 1940, there were only 2,778 farms. 

What happened?

Find out more about this important way of life, as Sullivan County Historian John Conway presents for the first time “Farming in Sullivan County: The Early Years.”

Registration is required at wsplonline.org as space is limited. Register at www.wsplonline.libcal.com/event/12924024.  

Email wsplprograms@rcls.org with any questions.