Sharon Springs Free Library

Post Card Collection

Howard (Gus) Osterhoudt, a long-time member of the Board of Trustees, collected, framed and presented this collection to the Library. As you look at these cards, let your imagination take you back to a time when life was more leisurely, more civilized, easier on the senses. This was the late 1800's and early 1900's, when Sharon was a famous resort and playground for wealthy New Yorkers. Many others came from Europe and South America to enjoy the country air and the health-giving waters from the variety of springs.

Let your mind wander through the village along with these people dressed in lovely clothing, magnificent hats, and their parasols, taking walks through the parks and along the board walks.

As we move on toward evening, there are the lavish dinners, and wonderful dances; in those days many of the hotels had their own orchestras. It was a special time, an era of wealth and of leisure.