First inhabited by the Lenape Indians and settled by European colonists in the seventeenth century, New York s Sullivan County has experienced several ages of prosperity and growth over the last two hundred years. Locals conceived of timber rafting in the eighteenth century to support the shipbuilding industry, followed by a prosperous tanning boom in the nineteenth century that supplied leather to the Union army. Finally, two periods of tourism, known as the Silver Age and Golden Age, capitalized on the areäs fresh air, clean water and magnificent scenery. In this collection of images, local author and county historian John Conway provides a comprehensive look at this much-celebrated region.

As the official county historian since 1993, John Conway is generally regarded as the most authoritative source for Sullivan County history, and his long association with these topics makes his name immediately recognizable to those interested in the subject. He has written a regular local history column for the Sullivan County Times Herald-Record since 1987, as well as several titles with Purple Mountain Press. He is an adjunct professor at SUNY Sullivan County and lectures regularly throughout the state.