Local+Businesses+from+the+Past

I was surprised to find so many businesses in the history of Sloatsburg because it is so small today. Route 17 was a major route to the Catskills and upstate New York. This brought many travelers through Sloatsburg on their way north. The Textile Mill brought many workers to the area that supported the businesses in Sloatsburg. Let me tell you about some of the businesses that used to be in Sloatsburg. As the automobile got more popular there was a need for full service gas stations. There were many service stations in Sloatsburg. There was Osborne’s Garage which sold Chevrolets and fixed cars. Sloatsburg Garage was owned by Packard, Paige and Jewett and they sold tires, tubes and accessories. Another station was Garty’s Garage which specialized in Buick sales and service. North of the original library was the Esso Station. Here travelers could fill up their cars. The opening of the New York Sate Thruway changed the number of cars coming though Sloatsburg which probably caused the closing of these garages. Here are some markets that used to be in Sloatsburg. There was Wright’s Market, which was located on Railroad Avenue. Wright’s Market sold fresh fruit and vegetables. The Atlanta Market and the Lafayette Market both sold meats, poultry, sea food, and groceries. The Lafayette Market also offered home delivery. Another market which was located next to the current hardware store was the Village Market. This market sold bread, cold cuts, groceries, and lots of other stuff. When the shopping center where Hayward’s is located opened, there was a parking lot. People didn’t have to park on the street and it made it easier for people to get their groceries. There where many markets and garages in Sloatsburg when Route 17 was the main road to get to upstate New York. Route 17 brought many travelers through Sloatsburg. When the Thruway opened there were fewer people taking Route 17. This caused many businesses to close.