In 1977, Marie Hoose wrote a book called Nanuet’s Heritage, a history of Nanuet. It is a veritable treasure trove of historical items.
It was dedicated to the class of 1976 of Nanuet High School. Patch sat down with her for an interview.
Why did you write it? What was it for?
My sister (Karen) was in the class of 1976. She wanted material for a “penny sheet” (a one page newspaper, popular in Colonial times). Since I was a history buff, I got the job.
The penny sheet was a single sheet of paper, printed on both sides. It contained news, recipes, etc. The school mimeographed it and it was distributed in the school, library and local delis.
Was it a formal publication?
No, I did it for the class of ’76.
Why was it never published? Did you try to publish it?
At the time, local history was not in vogue. Since it was very local, there was no publisher interested.
Was the penny sheet not a publication?
No, it was just for the school and local delis. It was mimeographed by the school and the kids distributed it.
Why not publish it today?
I’m into different things now. Let someone else pick up where I left off.
How long did it take you to write the book?
It took me a year. I had all the material-- it was just a question of putting it all together. Also, I was working full-time at the time. (after work), I worked at it continuously until it was done
Where did you get the material?
The material came from the libraries, New City and Nanuet. The Historical Society was not an entity like today. (None of Hoose’s material was from the historical society).
I also used the Fire Department commemorative book … I just went there and asked for it … It’s probably here (at my home), somewhere … It’s about Nanuet, too (not just the Fire Department).
The easiest material to retrieve was from the [George Henry] Budke Collection, which the library purchased. It’s probably still there in the research section. I got all the material I wanted. I didn’t have to add or trim anything. [Note: The Nanuet library still has some volumes. The New City library collection is much more extensive. The entire collection deals with local history].
Where did all the pictures come from?
I took some myself (with a A Vivitar 35mm and developed them at the drugstore); others came from a Fire Department commemorative book; the Historical Society was also a good source. Now they have them in digitalized form. The pictures were in black and white. This was more than 30 years ago.
Which picture was your favorite?
Probably the one of Lake Nanuet.
What parts of the book are your favorite or most interesting tidbits of Nanuet history?
I haven’t looked at it in 30 years; probably the place names.
How did you become a history buff?
I always loved history. It teaches about people, what they did and why. (My favorite historical period was) Henry VIII, Elizabeth I. (I used to read) History and biographies (Math was Hoose’s least favorite subject)
Tell me about your sister. Were you close?
Guess so—as close as two sisters can be. She liked poetry.
How many were in your sister’s class?
No idea. It was small; around 170 maybe.
What does your sister think of it?
I have no idea.
What did your sister’s graduating class think of it?
No one said anything. It was finished a year after their graduation. (She added that no one received copies of it) I doubt they were even aware of it
Why did you write it for your sister’s graduation class and not your own?
I graduated in ’65. There was no demand for anything like that. My sister’s class was ’76. It was the bicentennial.
