Now and Then, Putnam County, New York is a revised edition of what was originally published in the Summer of 2014 as Then and Now Putnam County, New York. This book shows how various locations have changed in Putnam County over the years. Unlike most local history books, which are black and white, this one contains more than 250 images of which 140 are in color. The book is an expansion of a Then and Now project Dr. Maxwell did for the County's Bicentennial Celebration. For that project, Maxwell gathered old photographs and postcards, at least 50 years old or older, from each of the six towns in Putnam County. He looked specifically for key landmarks, such as town halls, fire departments, libraries and schools. He then took a picture, corresponding to the same landmark in September 2012. The project included both a Then and Now picture, with a simple title caption for each picture. It was placed in a flexible binder and put in the County's 2012 Bicentennial time capsule. It will be opened in June 2062. The original project featured a hand colored postcard of the old County Courthouse in the Town of Carmel, which was produced in Germany ca. 1910. That landmark is still a courthouse, so a picture of the same courthouse was taken in September 2012. Some landmarks have changed. The original wooden train station in Garrison is now Antipodean Book Store. For the Then picture, the project includes a black and white photograph from 1880-1899 when the building was used as the Garrison Train Station. The Now picture shows the building, now located across the street where it serves as the Antipodean Book Store. Dr. Maxwell received numerous requests for copies of the Then and Now project. That led him to compile this book with hopes of reducing the cost. In the process, he expanded on the project by including an historical explanation for each picture, along with other related photographs. He also included and additional two pages of old images for each town, all being more than 50 years old. Some of the images are more than 100 years old. This book contains information previously undiscovered for many years. One such fact is related to the Then picture for the Mahopac Fire Department. It shows a postcard, with some men from the Fire Department standing in front of their 1920 building. The book explains the building they were standing in front of was built to serve as the first Mahopac Central School. When the second Mahopac Central School was built across the street in 1918, the fire department secured the building. Some history books cite that second school building as the first. The book is dedicated to two former Putnam County Historians: Richard "Dick" Muscarella and Denis Castelli. Dr. Maxwell credits the Putnam County Historians Office, and historians Sallie Sypher, Reginald White, Catherine Wargas, Allan Warnacke, Donald MacDonald, Greg Amato and Betty Light Behr for help on the project. Dr. Maxwell has authored other books including "More than 500 Proven Ways to Reduce Expenses." He is an award-winning journalist recognized by the Associated Press. He served as a new correspondent and photographer for numerous newspapers including the United Press International (UPI). His photographs have appeared in newspapers all across America. Dr. Maxwell is the Town Historian for the Town of Patterson, New York. He is one of the founders of the Putnam County Cemetery Committee, of Habitat for Humanity of Putnam County and founder of The Living History Guild. He serves as pastor of Patterson Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist church in New York State, founded in 1751 and a President of the Hudson Valley Trust. Dr. Maxwell is available for book signings or to present a talk on the book for libraries, historical societies, schools or other organizations. His website is LarryMaxwell.com
About the Author: Dr. Larry A. Maxwell loves history. He is the Patterson Town Historian, a re-enactor, a member of the Company of Military Historians and Pastor of Patterson Baptist Church, the oldest Baptist church in New York State. He has served as a historical advisor for the History Channel, the Travel Channel and the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation. The Governor of Kentucky conferred upon him the title Colonel, in honor of his humanitarian work along with his work to preserve and promote history, both locally and nationally. In 1997, he was a founding member of the Putnam County Cemetery Committee. The committee helps protect and preserve historic cemeteries in Putnam County. In 2001, he founded The Living History Guild to help keep history alive in a fun and exciting way. He conducts numerous living history events. He hand sews uniforms from various periods, using historically accurate materials and techniques. Re-enactors and actors in movies and television shows wear his uniforms. He is an award-winning writer. He authored numerous books. Some of his books are available at the website GoodInformation.US. He wrote the manual, You Can Make a Revolutionary War Regimental Coat. He is also President of the Hudson Valley Trust, Inc. The purpose of the Trust is to protect and promote the architectural, agricultural, cultural and historic resources of the Hudson Valley. The Trust has completed numerous community enhancement projects in the Hudson Valley. A number of those projects were completed in Putnam County. He is working on the development of Patriot's Park in Patterson, N.Y., where a series of larger than life monuments will honor those who served in our country's wars. Dr. Maxwell is available as a speaker for conferences or special events. He can be contacted at LarryMaxwell.com