Virtual Hike to Catskill, NY

The next destination on my Virtual Hike was Catskill, New York.

Catskill New York, virtual hike, valleys, mountainsThe previous destination on my virtual hike was Schoharie, New York.

Catskill New York, virtual hike, valleys, mountainsThe virtual hike from the Schoharie was through farm country and valleys between mountains before dropping down into the Hudson River valley.

Catskill New York, virtual hike, valleys, mountains

After leaving Schoharie in the distance you could see the valley ahead. There were several large open areas between the mountains, but most of the way was through narrow valleys.

Catskill New York, virtual hike, valleys, mountainsHere you can see a farm in one of the valleys. The road through this area follow traditional pathways that have been used by centuries. This is common in many areas of the country.

Catskill New York, virtual hike, valleys, mountainsThe virtual hike finally made it to Catskill.  The village has a population of about 4,000. There is some history here as well. Martin van Buren, a close cousin of my Van Duzor family, was married in the village. Also not far away was the setting of Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving.

The next destination on my Virtual Hike has a family connection as will many of the upcoming stops.

I have been setting shorter distances between destinations for better motivation for my daily walking and so far it has been working. I have been walking more each day and have made good progress on my Virtual Hike. I am still a few stops behind on my posts.

I am still heading south down through, or near, the Hudson River Valley. I have some interesting stops planned along the way including several with family connections.

Steven

Images in this post are from Google Maps and Street View.

Posted in Travel, Family History, Blog, Culture, Virtual Hike | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Simon Estes – Opera Singer

February is Black History Month and each year I try to read several related books during the month.

One of the books I read a couple years ago has a close personal connection.

simon estes, opera, black opera singer, Faith, music, centerville IowaSimon Estes in His Own Voice was written along with Mary L. Swanson.

The book tells the story of Simon Estes who is one of the greatest opera singers.

Simon was born in Centerville, Iowa in 1938. The book tells of his family and the difficulties they had living in a small town in Iowa.

The book also recounts his struggles as he attended Iowa University and Julliard.

I really enjoyed reading about how he worked hard to build his career and become one of the greatest Baritone/Bass opera singers. He has shared his gift of voice in leading opera houses around the world, sung for many world leaders and US Presidents and been involved with many charitable works around the world.

Midwestern School of Evangelism, 908 North Court, Ottumwa, Iowa - Harper MansionMy connection to the Estes family is through Simon’s oldest sister Patty.

After graduation from High School Patty first went to Des Moines for nursing school and then enrolled in the Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa in 1949.

Two years later my Grandfather also enrolled in MSE and was her classmate for a year. My Grandfather already had a family when he started college, and Patty would spend time with them. Patty also stayed with them for a short time when she was going through a rough period in her life.

My Mom also remembers other members of the Estes family from Youth Rally’s and other church events around Centerville and Ottumwa.

I always enjoy listening to Simon Estes sing. I found a video of him singing Ol’ Man River that I will often watch and listen to. Oh, and sometimes sing along when no one is around.

Simon is still active in music, but performed in his last opera just last year in Des Moines. He is involved in teaching and mentoring musicians in Iowa and is a great inspiration for many young singers.

Steven

Posted in Culture, History, Memories | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment