The Borden brand is celebrating June Dairy Month, and their 150th anniversary, in style – with a donation to the New York Historical Society. Included was a scrapbook compiled by and including handwritten notes by Borden founder Gail Borden, the “Father of the Modern Dairy Industry” and inventor of condensed milk. The items will remain permanently at the Historical Society.
The real Elsie the Cow, America’s beloved mascot, joined company and museum officials for a presentation ceremony held on the steps of the Historical Society. Accompanying Elsie were her handlers, along with ninety-year-old Jim Cavanaugh, one of the original “Borden Boys” and one of the men credited with selecting the first Elsie at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
Alexander Hoyt, whose family owns the original John Gail Borden homestead and 100 acres of the famous Borden Home Farm in Wallkill, NY, donated the items to the Historical Society. The scrapbook was only recently discovered, while the tin portrait was found many years ago, just after the Hoyt family purchased the homestead and 100 acres of the famous Borden Home Farm in 1950.
The Borden story began 150 years ago with Gail Borden, who was a publisher, cattleman, surveyor, civil servant, politician and missionary in 19th century Texas before he began inventing new ways to preserve foodstuffs. In 1853, Borden began working on a process to condense milk as a means of preventing spoilage. Four years later, he established his first condensery in Burrville, Connecticut, which became known as the Borden Company.
63 Comments on “Elsie the Cow Visits the Museum”
Do you have any photographs of the Borden Home Farm in Wallkill, NY? I was a student at the Borden mansion when it was Mohonk Cragsmoor, a school for boys
Do you have any photographs of the Borden Home Farm in Wallkill, NY? I was a student at the Borden mansion when it was Mohonk Cragsmoor, a school for boys
Do you have any photographs of the Borden Home Farm in Wallkill, NY? I was a student at the Borden mansion when it was Mohonk Cragsmoor, a school for boys
My wife’s mother went to the Borden H.S. in Walkill,N>Y>.
We have a 23/4 ” child mug with Elsie’s picture and blue trim marked
Juvenile Ware (Universal) oven proof. We know it is old and are trying to detirmine it’s value today.
My wife’s mother went to the Borden H.S. in Walkill,N>Y>.
We have a 23/4 ” child mug with Elsie’s picture and blue trim marked
Juvenile Ware (Universal) oven proof. We know it is old and are trying to detirmine it’s value today.
My wife’s mother went to the Borden H.S. in Walkill,N>Y>.
We have a 23/4 ” child mug with Elsie’s picture and blue trim marked
Juvenile Ware (Universal) oven proof. We know it is old and are trying to detirmine it’s value today.
I WAS A STUDENT AT THE MOHONK CRAGSMOOR SCHOOL
IN GRAGSMOOR, NY . IN MY LAST YEAR I HELPED THE
LAFERTYS MOVE TO THE BORDEN MANSION. FOND MEMORYS OF THE BALLROOM AND THE HUGE BARN.
I WAS NOT TO PLAY WITH THE SERVICE ELEVATOR, HOWEVER, I HADE TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN WORKING CONDITION!
I WAS A STUDENT AT THE MOHONK CRAGSMOOR SCHOOL
IN GRAGSMOOR, NY . IN MY LAST YEAR I HELPED THE
LAFERTYS MOVE TO THE BORDEN MANSION. FOND MEMORYS OF THE BALLROOM AND THE HUGE BARN.
I WAS NOT TO PLAY WITH THE SERVICE ELEVATOR, HOWEVER, I HADE TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN WORKING CONDITION!
I WAS A STUDENT AT THE MOHONK CRAGSMOOR SCHOOL
IN GRAGSMOOR, NY . IN MY LAST YEAR I HELPED THE
LAFERTYS MOVE TO THE BORDEN MANSION. FOND MEMORYS OF THE BALLROOM AND THE HUGE BARN.
I WAS NOT TO PLAY WITH THE SERVICE ELEVATOR, HOWEVER, I HADE TO MAKE SURE IT WAS IN WORKING CONDITION!
My great grandfathers John Robert Galbraith and Henry Aley, both from the hamlet of Wallkill, worked at the Borden Farms in the ealry part of the 20th century.
My great grandfathers John Robert Galbraith and Henry Aley, both from the hamlet of Wallkill, worked at the Borden Farms in the ealry part of the 20th century.
My great grandfathers John Robert Galbraith and Henry Aley, both from the hamlet of Wallkill, worked at the Borden Farms in the ealry part of the 20th century.
I grew up on Borden Farm, before and after the boys school was there. Anyone know Jim Warren who attended?
I was one of a few girls that use to hang around the football field and watch the guys play ball. We caused alot of trouble.
I have many pictures of the area and mansion. I still go back to see family.
I grew up on Borden Farm, before and after the boys school was there. Anyone know Jim Warren who attended?
I was one of a few girls that use to hang around the football field and watch the guys play ball. We caused alot of trouble.
I have many pictures of the area and mansion. I still go back to see family.
I grew up on Borden Farm, before and after the boys school was there. Anyone know Jim Warren who attended?
I was one of a few girls that use to hang around the football field and watch the guys play ball. We caused alot of trouble.
I have many pictures of the area and mansion. I still go back to see family.
My stepson,Frank Arconti, attended Mohonk during the 1969-71 school years and gazed longingly at the girls behind the fence. They were the incentive that he needed to obey the Laffertys and buckle down for what he later called-“the most productive years of my schooling”. When did the school close?
My stepson,Frank Arconti, attended Mohonk during the 1969-71 school years and gazed longingly at the girls behind the fence. They were the incentive that he needed to obey the Laffertys and buckle down for what he later called-“the most productive years of my schooling”. When did the school close?
My stepson,Frank Arconti, attended Mohonk during the 1969-71 school years and gazed longingly at the girls behind the fence. They were the incentive that he needed to obey the Laffertys and buckle down for what he later called-“the most productive years of my schooling”. When did the school close?
I to went to Mohonk Cragsmoor school 1966-68. I remember a Jim Warren that I actually help him learn how to read. Mr.Smiley was a great teacher and a mentor to me. Mr Bennet was hard on us. But it payed off.
I remember Mr and Mrs Lafferty, and a wooden friend he called “Little Joe”, it was red. Each week we had to earn points to be in the plus side. Mostly doing chores working brush or raking leaves.
I loved going on field trips as long as you were on the plus side that week. I especially enjoyed going to the mountains, and doing early morning bird walks with Mr. Smiley.
I to went to Mohonk Cragsmoor school 1966-68. I remember a Jim Warren that I actually help him learn how to read. Mr.Smiley was a great teacher and a mentor to me. Mr Bennet was hard on us. But it payed off.
I remember Mr and Mrs Lafferty, and a wooden friend he called “Little Joe”, it was red. Each week we had to earn points to be in the plus side. Mostly doing chores working brush or raking leaves.
I loved going on field trips as long as you were on the plus side that week. I especially enjoyed going to the mountains, and doing early morning bird walks with Mr. Smiley.
I to went to Mohonk Cragsmoor school 1966-68. I remember a Jim Warren that I actually help him learn how to read. Mr.Smiley was a great teacher and a mentor to me. Mr Bennet was hard on us. But it payed off.
I remember Mr and Mrs Lafferty, and a wooden friend he called “Little Joe”, it was red. Each week we had to earn points to be in the plus side. Mostly doing chores working brush or raking leaves.
I loved going on field trips as long as you were on the plus side that week. I especially enjoyed going to the mountains, and doing early morning bird walks with Mr. Smiley.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor from Fall, 1967 to Spring, 1969.
I went back there a couple of years ago and the main building was being used as a retreat. The owner was very interested in local history. How about those ancient VW buses?
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor from Fall, 1967 to Spring, 1969.
I went back there a couple of years ago and the main building was being used as a retreat. The owner was very interested in local history. How about those ancient VW buses?
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor from Fall, 1967 to Spring, 1969.
I went back there a couple of years ago and the main building was being used as a retreat. The owner was very interested in local history. How about those ancient VW buses?
I attended the school from 1967-68 68-69 too. I remember the barn and tether ball, ping pong, pool, the bowling pins out on the back outside veranda. Though I never met “little joe” personally I remember being afraid of him.. I remeber field trip to Manhatten to the Waldorf and the 1776 play.
I attended the school from 1967-68 68-69 too. I remember the barn and tether ball, ping pong, pool, the bowling pins out on the back outside veranda. Though I never met “little joe” personally I remember being afraid of him.. I remeber field trip to Manhatten to the Waldorf and the 1776 play.
I attended the school from 1967-68 68-69 too. I remember the barn and tether ball, ping pong, pool, the bowling pins out on the back outside veranda. Though I never met “little joe” personally I remember being afraid of him.. I remeber field trip to Manhatten to the Waldorf and the 1776 play.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor School 1964-1967. Chris, I remember you.
We had running races around the barn. Mr. Smiley lived in a trailer on the far side of it. His brother, Mr. Brennan, lived in the mansion. (Mr. Smiley had changed his name to his mother’s maiden name.)
I loved all the outdoor activities, like clearing brush, bike hikes, and especially exploring caves and cliffs. We were so lucky: no school would allow those activities today! Thirteen-year-olds free-climbing in the ‘Gunks!
Study hall was on the first floor. I don’t know what the room was designed to be, but as I recall it was straight-ahead from the front door. A few desks were also in the entry room. The only “legal” bathroom was in the basement, and the only legal access was via the back stairs, from the third floor. So from study hall, you had to go up two flights on the main staircase then down three on the back stairs to go to the bathroom.
Most of the classes were on the second floor, as was the Laffertys’ apartment. My Spanish class was in a pantry on the first floor, as I recall.
On Friday and Saturday evenings we watched television in the room to the right of the main hall. One regular show was “Bonanza”.
I have very fond memories of my time at Mohonk and would love to hear from classmates. RLGeyer at gmail.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor School 1964-1967. Chris, I remember you.
We had running races around the barn. Mr. Smiley lived in a trailer on the far side of it. His brother, Mr. Brennan, lived in the mansion. (Mr. Smiley had changed his name to his mother’s maiden name.)
I loved all the outdoor activities, like clearing brush, bike hikes, and especially exploring caves and cliffs. We were so lucky: no school would allow those activities today! Thirteen-year-olds free-climbing in the ‘Gunks!
Study hall was on the first floor. I don’t know what the room was designed to be, but as I recall it was straight-ahead from the front door. A few desks were also in the entry room. The only “legal” bathroom was in the basement, and the only legal access was via the back stairs, from the third floor. So from study hall, you had to go up two flights on the main staircase then down three on the back stairs to go to the bathroom.
Most of the classes were on the second floor, as was the Laffertys’ apartment. My Spanish class was in a pantry on the first floor, as I recall.
On Friday and Saturday evenings we watched television in the room to the right of the main hall. One regular show was “Bonanza”.
I have very fond memories of my time at Mohonk and would love to hear from classmates. RLGeyer at gmail.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor School 1964-1967. Chris, I remember you.
We had running races around the barn. Mr. Smiley lived in a trailer on the far side of it. His brother, Mr. Brennan, lived in the mansion. (Mr. Smiley had changed his name to his mother’s maiden name.)
I loved all the outdoor activities, like clearing brush, bike hikes, and especially exploring caves and cliffs. We were so lucky: no school would allow those activities today! Thirteen-year-olds free-climbing in the ‘Gunks!
Study hall was on the first floor. I don’t know what the room was designed to be, but as I recall it was straight-ahead from the front door. A few desks were also in the entry room. The only “legal” bathroom was in the basement, and the only legal access was via the back stairs, from the third floor. So from study hall, you had to go up two flights on the main staircase then down three on the back stairs to go to the bathroom.
Most of the classes were on the second floor, as was the Laffertys’ apartment. My Spanish class was in a pantry on the first floor, as I recall.
On Friday and Saturday evenings we watched television in the room to the right of the main hall. One regular show was “Bonanza”.
I have very fond memories of my time at Mohonk and would love to hear from classmates. RLGeyer at gmail.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor School from 1964 to 1966. I remember Mr. Chowgluso and Hurbert Guise. Trips to Mohonk Mountain House and Ellenville. Climbing out at Pulpit Rock and Boy Scout meetings on the golf couse. Helped move to the Borden Mansion in Wallkill to the big dorm room. I remember the little red paddle and classes in the library, listening to the Beatles on the radio and having our laundry sent out. Life was good back then. Many memories.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor School from 1964 to 1966. I remember Mr. Chowgluso and Hurbert Guise. Trips to Mohonk Mountain House and Ellenville. Climbing out at Pulpit Rock and Boy Scout meetings on the golf couse. Helped move to the Borden Mansion in Wallkill to the big dorm room. I remember the little red paddle and classes in the library, listening to the Beatles on the radio and having our laundry sent out. Life was good back then. Many memories.
I attended Mohonk Cragsmoor School from 1964 to 1966. I remember Mr. Chowgluso and Hurbert Guise. Trips to Mohonk Mountain House and Ellenville. Climbing out at Pulpit Rock and Boy Scout meetings on the golf couse. Helped move to the Borden Mansion in Wallkill to the big dorm room. I remember the little red paddle and classes in the library, listening to the Beatles on the radio and having our laundry sent out. Life was good back then. Many memories.
I have millstones in varying sizes that came from the original Borden Condensery Plant that was opened in 1857. Everyone tells me I’m sitting on a fortune, but they are great for my front walkway and very charming as a border to my patio, I’m not sure I’d want to part with them. It’s nice to own a piece (or pieces) of such historic Americana. I have to wonder, though, if the Borden Company would be interested in knowing that these stones from their first condensery still exist.
I have millstones in varying sizes that came from the original Borden Condensery Plant that was opened in 1857. Everyone tells me I’m sitting on a fortune, but they are great for my front walkway and very charming as a border to my patio, I’m not sure I’d want to part with them. It’s nice to own a piece (or pieces) of such historic Americana. I have to wonder, though, if the Borden Company would be interested in knowing that these stones from their first condensery still exist.
I have millstones in varying sizes that came from the original Borden Condensery Plant that was opened in 1857. Everyone tells me I’m sitting on a fortune, but they are great for my front walkway and very charming as a border to my patio, I’m not sure I’d want to part with them. It’s nice to own a piece (or pieces) of such historic Americana. I have to wonder, though, if the Borden Company would be interested in knowing that these stones from their first condensery still exist.
I was a student at Mohok Cragsmoor School 1974-1977…I was among the 12 or so boys (I guess the student body had dwindled over the years) when the boarding school closed for good in December 1977. Mrs. Lafferty died in Arkansas in 1999, I believe. I have kept in touch with Mr. Smiley in Wallkill even though I did not know him well when I was a student at the boarding school. Please, I would very much like to be in communication with anyone who was a student at the school, including before me. I’m at: schaffner.jeff@yahoo.com
No little joe when I was there: it was just the paddle
I was a student at Mohok Cragsmoor School 1974-1977…I was among the 12 or so boys (I guess the student body had dwindled over the years) when the boarding school closed for good in December 1977. Mrs. Lafferty died in Arkansas in 1999, I believe. I have kept in touch with Mr. Smiley in Wallkill even though I did not know him well when I was a student at the boarding school. Please, I would very much like to be in communication with anyone who was a student at the school, including before me. I’m at: schaffner.jeff@yahoo.com
No little joe when I was there: it was just the paddle
I was a student at Mohok Cragsmoor School 1974-1977…I was among the 12 or so boys (I guess the student body had dwindled over the years) when the boarding school closed for good in December 1977. Mrs. Lafferty died in Arkansas in 1999, I believe. I have kept in touch with Mr. Smiley in Wallkill even though I did not know him well when I was a student at the boarding school. Please, I would very much like to be in communication with anyone who was a student at the school, including before me. I’m at: schaffner.jeff@yahoo.com
No little joe when I was there: it was just the paddle
Hi everyone,
I have been going to Mohonk for many years-before it become “discovered” and I love Mohonk history. As an educator I am interested in the old Mohonk school. In the barn on the property there are some remnants of the school and in the hotel there are some great photos of the boys school hanging in the hallway. Has anyone gone back to see them? What is the address of the school when it was in the old mansion in wallkill? I would love to see it. Has anyone famous graduated from the Mohonk School? Where were the students from, local boys? It must have been a great experience attending school ot Mohonk! Please reply. Thanks, Marlene
Hi everyone,
I have been going to Mohonk for many years-before it become “discovered” and I love Mohonk history. As an educator I am interested in the old Mohonk school. In the barn on the property there are some remnants of the school and in the hotel there are some great photos of the boys school hanging in the hallway. Has anyone gone back to see them? What is the address of the school when it was in the old mansion in wallkill? I would love to see it. Has anyone famous graduated from the Mohonk School? Where were the students from, local boys? It must have been a great experience attending school ot Mohonk! Please reply. Thanks, Marlene
Hi everyone,
I have been going to Mohonk for many years-before it become “discovered” and I love Mohonk history. As an educator I am interested in the old Mohonk school. In the barn on the property there are some remnants of the school and in the hotel there are some great photos of the boys school hanging in the hallway. Has anyone gone back to see them? What is the address of the school when it was in the old mansion in wallkill? I would love to see it. Has anyone famous graduated from the Mohonk School? Where were the students from, local boys? It must have been a great experience attending school ot Mohonk! Please reply. Thanks, Marlene
Ann, what do mill stones look like? Do they have holes and are they round
Ann, what do mill stones look like? Do they have holes and are they round
Ann, what do mill stones look like? Do they have holes and are they round
Does anyone have old school books or items from the Mohonk school days?
Does anyone have old school books or items from the Mohonk school days?
Does anyone have old school books or items from the Mohonk school days?
Fletcher McKinney, I’m checking back on this website to read up on any new input from students of Mohonk Cragsmoor School. I was sorry to hear of Mr Lafferty’s tragic car accidennt and death and also of the passing of Mrs. Lafferty. I went to school from 1964 to 1966 and remember the Cragsmoor Inn school and moving to the Borden estate. Great times bike riding and clearing brush and camping down at the lake. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that had memories of the school. My email is fletcher.mckinney@yahoo.com
All of the students had so many memories because we did so much more than just having to go to school.
Fletcher McKinney, I’m checking back on this website to read up on any new input from students of Mohonk Cragsmoor School. I was sorry to hear of Mr Lafferty’s tragic car accidennt and death and also of the passing of Mrs. Lafferty. I went to school from 1964 to 1966 and remember the Cragsmoor Inn school and moving to the Borden estate. Great times bike riding and clearing brush and camping down at the lake. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that had memories of the school. My email is fletcher.mckinney@yahoo.com
All of the students had so many memories because we did so much more than just having to go to school.
Fletcher McKinney, I’m checking back on this website to read up on any new input from students of Mohonk Cragsmoor School. I was sorry to hear of Mr Lafferty’s tragic car accidennt and death and also of the passing of Mrs. Lafferty. I went to school from 1964 to 1966 and remember the Cragsmoor Inn school and moving to the Borden estate. Great times bike riding and clearing brush and camping down at the lake. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that had memories of the school. My email is fletcher.mckinney@yahoo.com
All of the students had so many memories because we did so much more than just having to go to school.
I was sorry to hear about Mr. Lafferty’s tragic death that I read about. I also read that Mrs. Lafferty had also passed away. I was able to contact Mrs Lafferty before she died by calling someone at Mohonk Mountain Resort and getting her phone number to her residence in Arkansas. It was nice to talk to her remembering about how we had to have short haircuts and the great times we had in Cragsmoor .and at the Borden estate. I went to Mohonk Cragsmoor School from 1964 to 1966 and enjoyed much of the activities we always had, like bike riding, camping and travels in the VW buses. I would be interested in receiving emails from previous students. My email address is fletcher.mckinney@yahoo.com.
I was sorry to hear about Mr. Lafferty’s tragic death that I read about. I also read that Mrs. Lafferty had also passed away. I was able to contact Mrs Lafferty before she died by calling someone at Mohonk Mountain Resort and getting her phone number to her residence in Arkansas. It was nice to talk to her remembering about how we had to have short haircuts and the great times we had in Cragsmoor .and at the Borden estate. I went to Mohonk Cragsmoor School from 1964 to 1966 and enjoyed much of the activities we always had, like bike riding, camping and travels in the VW buses. I would be interested in receiving emails from previous students. My email address is fletcher.mckinney@yahoo.com.
I was sorry to hear about Mr. Lafferty’s tragic death that I read about. I also read that Mrs. Lafferty had also passed away. I was able to contact Mrs Lafferty before she died by calling someone at Mohonk Mountain Resort and getting her phone number to her residence in Arkansas. It was nice to talk to her remembering about how we had to have short haircuts and the great times we had in Cragsmoor .and at the Borden estate. I went to Mohonk Cragsmoor School from 1964 to 1966 and enjoyed much of the activities we always had, like bike riding, camping and travels in the VW buses. I would be interested in receiving emails from previous students. My email address is fletcher.mckinney@yahoo.com.
I have fond memories of attending Mohonk Cragsmoor from 1971- 1974. The Lafferty’s were strict but fair. Not easy running a school of young boys. Would love to hear from others who attended. My email is hhvegas@cox.net.
I have fond memories of attending Mohonk Cragsmoor from 1971- 1974. The Lafferty’s were strict but fair. Not easy running a school of young boys. Would love to hear from others who attended. My email is hhvegas@cox.net.
I have fond memories of attending Mohonk Cragsmoor from 1971- 1974. The Lafferty’s were strict but fair. Not easy running a school of young boys. Would love to hear from others who attended. My email is hhvegas@cox.net.
In answer to some of Marlene’s questions:
The school in Wallkll did not really use a street address as such, I think it was just Mohonk Cragsmoor School, Borden Home Farm, Wallkill….
I have seen the photos you referred to at the Mohonk Mountain House, on the floor above (or two floors above/) the level of the main dining room, I think.
Where were the boys from? When I was there, really most boys were not local at all…many were from Michigan (including me)…many from NYC area but only one when I was there from local Wallkill area. When I was there the school was more of a special education for boys with learning difficulties and others who needed special help for emotional issues. Any more questions, I’m at schaffner.jeff@yahoo.com
In answer to some of Marlene’s questions:
The school in Wallkll did not really use a street address as such, I think it was just Mohonk Cragsmoor School, Borden Home Farm, Wallkill….
I have seen the photos you referred to at the Mohonk Mountain House, on the floor above (or two floors above/) the level of the main dining room, I think.
Where were the boys from? When I was there, really most boys were not local at all…many were from Michigan (including me)…many from NYC area but only one when I was there from local Wallkill area. When I was there the school was more of a special education for boys with learning difficulties and others who needed special help for emotional issues. Any more questions, I’m at schaffner.jeff@yahoo.com
In answer to some of Marlene’s questions:
The school in Wallkll did not really use a street address as such, I think it was just Mohonk Cragsmoor School, Borden Home Farm, Wallkill….
I have seen the photos you referred to at the Mohonk Mountain House, on the floor above (or two floors above/) the level of the main dining room, I think.
Where were the boys from? When I was there, really most boys were not local at all…many were from Michigan (including me)…many from NYC area but only one when I was there from local Wallkill area. When I was there the school was more of a special education for boys with learning difficulties and others who needed special help for emotional issues. Any more questions, I’m at schaffner.jeff@yahoo.com
Can’t believe that this blog exists… I also went to Mohonk Cragsmoor School. I went from 1972-1975 after my parents pulled me out of the 5th grade at a private school here in Connecticut. Jeff (Scaffner), your name sounds familiar. I had ventured back to the school , I believe in the early 80’s and found it to be some sort of retreat I think. Everything looked the same though. I did enjoy my time there, even though I did a fair amount of “standing”. Gow212@aol.com
Can’t believe that this blog exists… I also went to Mohonk Cragsmoor School. I went from 1972-1975 after my parents pulled me out of the 5th grade at a private school here in Connecticut. Jeff (Scaffner), your name sounds familiar. I had ventured back to the school , I believe in the early 80’s and found it to be some sort of retreat I think. Everything looked the same though. I did enjoy my time there, even though I did a fair amount of “standing”. Gow212@aol.com
Can’t believe that this blog exists… I also went to Mohonk Cragsmoor School. I went from 1972-1975 after my parents pulled me out of the 5th grade at a private school here in Connecticut. Jeff (Scaffner), your name sounds familiar. I had ventured back to the school , I believe in the early 80’s and found it to be some sort of retreat I think. Everything looked the same though. I did enjoy my time there, even though I did a fair amount of “standing”. Gow212@aol.com