Today we remember Robert J. Murphy on what would have been his 77th birthday. We lost Bob on July 10, 2020, to cancer, but his legacy will live on forever given all that he did to research, collect and write about the history of Beacon. Bob edited our Society's popular monthly newsletter for 38 years, was City Historian and served as president of our Society for two decades. He left his mark forever on our story -- and our hearts. We dedicated our headquarters in his name, recognizing his lifetime of research to preserve our history. We miss you, Bob! (fb)

Peter Schenck and the War of 1812 From a letter to the April 6, 1884 New York Times, we learn that a local businessman, Peter Schenck, was personally affected by the War of 1812. The British navy, as part of their military strategy, had blockaded the American ports from Maine to South Carolina to shipping. This was bound to hurt fledgling of industries like Schenck’s. But by using Yankee ingenuity, or so the letter implies, he survived the war. The letter reads: "Before the War of 1812 Henry Cowing and Peter H. Schenck started a cotton factory at Fishkill-on-Hudson (really Matteawan). The 1812 factory was doing good business. The British blockaded every Atlantic port, and there was no getting cotton for the factory by water. Cowing and his partner were not to be daunted, however, and while the war lasted, they had their cotton taken from Charleston, South Carolina to Fi’shkill by wagon. The distance covered was over 900 miles." COPYRIGHT Beacon Historical Society Newsletter September 1981 By Robert J. Murphy What are you waiting for? Join the Beacon Historical Society today! It’s just $25 to receive our newsletter, invitations to special events and the satisfaction of helping us to preserve and promote our city’s story. Use PayPal on our website under the Support tab, or mail your check to P.O. Box 89, Beacon. (fb)