Lecture: 'Orange County: Hollywood of the East'

GosheN — In the early 20th century, more than 20 films were made in the picturesque Neversink River Valley. Seth Goldman, executive director of the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation, will give a talk about this era from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, 240 Main St., Goshen. Goldman will tell colorful stories about the movie stars who once descended on the town of Cuddebackville and filmed Westerns, dramas and comedies. D.W. Griffith, an early Hollywood mogul, considered the area to be "the most beautiful, altogether the loveliest spot in America. There is a quality about the light there, particularly a twilight that I have never found elsewhere. It is transcendently illuminative for [moving] pictures." Goldman will show several short flicks shot in the area, films that may have been forgotten with time but remain treasures worth remembering. His talk will follow a buffet lunch. Tickets are $18 for Harness Museum members and $20 for non-members. Goldman's talk is part of the museum's "Lunch & Learn Midday Lecture Series." For reservations call 294-6330.