Clams, BBQ, music, all for a good cause

Honoring an old Manor tradition while maybe creating a new one

By Manor Ink Staff

There was a tradition in Livingston Manor, started in the late 19th century, that brought out the whole town for food, fun and fellowship.

Started by resident Jack Sherwood and a group of conductors from the Ontario & Western Company, the railroad that served the Manor and the rest of Sullivan County, the event celebrated the trains, their employees and the town’s residents. Held on Sherwood Island, the tract of land now occupied by the Livingston Manor Central School, the gathering was a “clambake,” and it quickly became an annual happening.

With the demise of the railroad in the late 1950s, however, the Conductors Clambakes were relegated to history, largely forgotten by residents. But on Saturday, Sept. 11, Jennifer and Ben Grossman, proprietors of the The Smoke Joint on Rock Ave. in the Manor, reprised the tradition on a stellar late summer day. Held at KC’s Airport, property that was formerly the town’s old air field on Old Rte. 17, the Catskills Conductors Clambake 2021 served up food, music and craft items to a huge, enthusiastic and hungry crowd.

“My brother and I have wanted to resume the tradition to respect our rich history, celebrate our current success and fulfill our potential,” said Ms. Grossman.

Long lines were witnessed throughout the afternoon as festival-goers waited to purchase food and feast under a large dining tent. Others perused the offerings of local artisans and vendors in a row of booths along one side of the field featuring shops like Jitterbug.

Music was provided by Soul City, an R&B group from Wallkill, NY, and Sway, a classic rock band from Larchmont, NY.

Because the event was held on the day that happened to be the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC, monies raised by a 50/50 raffle was donated to support first responder organizations. Ralph Bressler, an EMT with the Livingston Manor Volunteer Ambulance Corps, spoke to the crowd at the Clambake about the services his and other institutions provide, and urged the audience to buy raffle tickets in support.

Jennifer Grossman said she and her brother intend for the Catskill Conductors Clambake to become an annual event once again, to be held the first Saturday after Labor Day.

“We want to bring the Manor community together and honor the people that have made it what it is today and what it will be tomorrow,” she said.

A Clambake Gallery

Here are a few scenes from the Catskills Conductors Clambake, held on Sept. 11.