Dear Editor,
This month, I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by North Salem Town Supervisor Warren Lucas before the North Salem Seniors Group, and I felt compelled to share how meaningful and enlightening the experience was.
What stood out immediately is that Warren is not simply serving this community; he is part of its living history. His family’s roots in North Salem stretch back to the 1800s, and through his remarks about his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Charles Bloomer, he brought that history to life in a deeply personal way. Knowing that his great-grandmother was born here in 1869, on land where the reservoir now stands, gave a powerful sense of continuity between past and present.
Warren didn’t just speak in generalities, he shared specific stories, records and historical connections that he has carefully preserved over the years. It was clear that this is not just an interest, but a commitment to honoring and understanding the town’s heritage.
His presentation also reminded us how the names we pass by every day — Bailey, Purdy, Bloomer, Delancey — are not just road signs, but echoes of the families who helped shape North Salem. Hearing about the early land grants, including those connected to the Van Cortlandt family in the late 1600s, and how land was divided and farmed, added important context to our shared history.
Particularly compelling was his discussion of the arrival of the railroad in 1847, which transformed local agriculture by allowing farmers to bring milk and butter to New York City. The later development of condensed milk production, which was even transported to Union troops during the Civil War, highlighted how this small community played a role in larger national events.
Equally striking was the impact of the reservoir system. To hear that North Salem’s population dropped from approximately 2,900 residents to just 920 after 1915, due to displacement, was a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of progress.
In a time when local history can too easily be overlooked, Supervisor Lucas demonstrated the value of remembering where we come from. His presentation was not only informative but heartfelt, connecting generations and reminding us all of the deep roots that define North Salem.
We are fortunate to have a town supervisor who not only leads today but also understands and respects the legacy that brought us here.
-Howard Hellwinkel, North Salem
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