About Us
Did you know that in 1785 Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr faced off in a local court to settle land patents issues.
Did you know that America's first MURDER FOR HIRE took place in Sugar Loaf when an unpopular local man was shot by an ex-sailor hired by 3 locals.
Did you know that the greatest harness racing sire of all time came from the area - "Hambletonian"- born 1849. Nearly every major trotter or pacer is a direct descendent of him.
The Goshen and Sugar Loaf area were a part of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves travel up north. Please click on this link for a fascinating article on it's involvement.
Here's a 50 year old article from the NY TIMES about Sugar Loaf in 1973. It gives a great overview of the hamlet's profile in the late 20th century. READ IT HERE
Early History
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Originally settled by the Lenape Indians - a branch of the Algonquin nation, early settlers, hunters and trappers started moving in during the early 18th century. A central feature was the Waywayanda Path (Kings Highway) that served as a major north/south conduit.
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By the mid 18th century, the Native American population dwindled and was replaced by farmers - mostly immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland and France.
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The hamlet soon started focusing on providing crafts and provisions for the surrounding farmers. By the early 19th century, Sugar Loaf became more a saloon community with an increasing interest in horse breeding and trading. A favorite pastime became harness racing. The hamlet soon fell under the administration of the town of Warwick.
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In 1845 the Town of Chester was created from parts of surrounding towns. Because of the completion of the Erie Railroad, commercial activities moved from Sugar Loaf to Chester with Sugar Loaf detaching from Warwick to become part of Chester.
The hamlet has since remained under Chester town and was never incorporated as a village. As the villages of Chester and Warwick grew rapidly, Sugar Loaf became a smaller commercial satellite.
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For the remainder of the 19th century and most of the 20th century, Sugar Loaf remained a quiet, pastoral hamlet, best known for its crafts.
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For a more in depth history of the hamlet, please watch Professor Richard Hull's presentation below on this page.
Also, try to find a copy of his superb book: "Sugar Loaf 1700-1997 The Enduring Vision" or better yet - attend one of his entertaining and informative lectures.
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The book is somewhat hard to find but can be found online and in libraries. Below is a link:
Origins of the SLCF
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The Foundation began in 1979. It is a non-profit 501 (c)(3). The original papers specifies that the purpose of this Corporation was to "conduct activities which are exclusively charitable, literary and educational... The Foundation is for the mutual advancement of the interests of its members to be an original crafts village providing one of a kind handicrafts."
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From the outset, the SLCF was focused on sponsoring community events and beautification initiatives.
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Through the years, the Foundation has gone through many iterations and survived some rather tough times. A special thanks to all the past presidents and officers, especially Nick Zungoli and Lydia Cuadros - for keeping the foundation alive through recent years, including the pandemic.
But with optimism and renewed energy, the Foundation is recommitted to its mission of 'enhancing the quality of life in Sugar Loaf.
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The Sugar Loaf Holiday Celebration
Photo - Nick Zungoli
Sugar Loaf Mountain
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According to Professor Hull, the mountain supposedly got its name from an 18th century resident - Elizabeth Dobbin - who said the frosty look and shape of the mountain reminded her of loaves of sugar.
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The mountain, with its unobstructed, expansive 360° views is actually situated in a complex of 3 mountains - to the south, Brimstone Mountain and to the north, Mine Hill.
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It is fairly rare, in that the summit is rocky with little vegetation. However, it has a wonderful array of flora and fauna, including a rare species of toad that needs to be protected.
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The Lenape Indians lived in the immediate area and there is evidence of significant archaeological artifacts, including burial grounds that should be preserved and studied.
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Most important, the pristine surrounding land possesses important water sources and streams which provides clean water for the surrounding towns.
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For a more thorough background on both the mountain and the history of the are, please watch Professor Hull's recent presentation.