By Karrie Jacobs
Opening July 4: Andes’ Cabinet of Curiosities. This enlightening (and entertaining) exhibition, drawn from the Hunting Tavern’s collection, focuses on historical artifacts and oddities. For example, there’s a “swatch from the trousers worn by undersheriff Osman N Steele on August 7, 1845” when he was shot to death during the famed farmers’ rebellion known as the “Anti-Rent War.” There is also a chest of drawers manufactured in Delhi by a company, Howe & Jarvis, in which Steele’s brother-in-law, James Howe, was a partner. After the events of August 7, Howe, apparently left his business to become an up–rent crusader, ending his career in furniture making.
The exhibition, curated by Joanne Kosuda-Warner, also includes vintage photos of downtown Andes, a 19th century registry from the Andes Hotel (documenting the arrival of a vaudeville act called The Wrinkles) and one exceptionally surreal ad for patent medicine.
Also on the Hunting Tavern’s agenda, a square dance on the evening of July 11 (5:30 – 8 pm ) at the Andes Fire Department Pavillion. $20 (cash only). Children under 12 are free. Admission covers live music, square dance lessons, and a barbecue dinner (courtesy of the Andes Hotel). Catskills Old-Time Music will provide the tunes and proceeds benefit the Hunting Tavern.
Reminder: the Andes Society for History and Culture Thrift Shop is open for shopping (check out the vintage toys!) and donation drop-offs Wednesdays 10 am to 2 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 p