| The Village of Hunter was incorporated in 1896. Colonel William Edwards built a tannery close to the Schoharie River to form the nucleus of the settlement first known as Edwardsville. In the early years it was famous for wood products produced in the factories located along the river. The arrival of the railroad caused a shift of emphasis to tourism. Hotels, boarding houses and stores that provided food and dry goods for both summer visitors and year-round residents were built. |  |
| Antique shops, a school, library, fire company, the Masonic Lodge, the Odd Fellows Lodge, reflected the interests and needs of the community, along with churches of various faiths and a synagogue. In the 1920s and 1930s Hunter became the location of many children's camps. One, Camp Loyaltown, for children with special needs, is still in existence.
Now, a cultural/art center is being developed in the area around the movie theater and the Ruder-Finn Meeting Center. The Catskill Mountain Bookstore & Gallery recently opened and the movie theater's waiting and concession area has been expanded. A series of musical and theatrical events, poetry readings and art exhibits will be featured during the summer and beyond. Dolan's Lake, a favorite recreation, offers swimming, fishing and picnic facilities. The famous Hunter Mountain Ski Bowl opened in January 1960, followed shortly thereafter by the ever-popular ethnic Summer Festivals. Most recently, the Catskill Mountain Foundation began a Green Market offering locally grown, organic produce (open Saturday & Sunday until July 4, Thursday through Monday through Labor Day weekend, and Saturday & Sunday through Thanksgiving weekend.) St. Mary of the Mountain Catholic Church, organized in 1841, was renovated in 1998 by the Hunter Foundation and local volunteer labor. It has recently been designated a State and National Historic Landmark. |
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