On Saturday, April 16th, at 2 p.m., the Plattekill Historical Society will introduce Ismael “Ish” Martinez Jr., the author of the newest Arcadia book “Las Villas of Plattekill and Ulster County,” which will be released the end of July 2016. This program will be held at the society’s headquarters, 127 Church Street (off Route 32) in Plattekill.
Mr. Martinez was raised in the Town of Plattekill on the property called Sunny Acres, which started off as a farm and then converted into a villa. By the time he was 14 years old he was working for his parents doing various jobs which eventually led to him tending bar when he got older. Sunny Acres was only one of the multiple Villas within the southern section of the town. He remembers well not only the growth of all the Puerto Rican, Spanish and other Hispanic villas, but the families who ran them, the weekly entertainment that was provided, and the Spanish food that was served! Over the past years, Ish has made contact with and interviewed many former owners and family members of these villas, most of which are now closed, and has an extensive collection of photos and memorabilia to share with us, adding to the Town of Plattekill and Ulster County’s history.
Join the Plattekill Historical Society and be among the first to view Mr. Martinez’s power point presentation showing all of the Villas which once graced the countryside of what was once referred to in the 1950s newspapers as the “Spanish Alps” (Plattekill).
While visiting the new PHS headquarters, located in the old Grange, be sure and enjoy the historical displays that the historical society have provided! Open to the public – Light refreshments will be served – easily accessible, parking is plentiful. For more information, call (845)883-6118
(845)883-6118 or visit the Plattekill Historical Society page on Facebook.