Digital History Initiative

This archived study offers rare insight into one of Middletown's most important social, cultural and educational institutions: the library. This comprehensive work covers nearly a century of the library's evolution, from its beginnings to the new Thrall Library on Depot Street.
Includes an experimental "computer-generated transcription" text mode.

The first digitized text in this initiative, which began in the 1990s, was Peter A. Laskaris' Mr. Laskaris granted Middletown Thrall Library the right to reproduce this rare work so that any person with Internet access could explore the rich history of Middletown, New York. If you do not have Internet access, you may access this text in print at the library or view it using our public Internet terminals or Local History/Genealogy research workstation.
Includes an experimental "computer-generated transcription" text mode.

These archived historic post cards represent architectural structures central to Middletown's rich heritage and illustrate, without words, the evolution of a small town from a quaint development to cultural epicenter. The original souvenir post cards are viewable in the library's Local History department.

These archived images, digitized from the Historical Society of Middletown and the Wallkill Precinct, Inc. photographic collections, highlight various aspects of Middletown's rich past and other key areas in and around the City of Middletown. This digital exhibit contains a number of photographs of schools, buildings, businesses, places of worship, streets, trains, train stations, celebrations, portraits, class pictures, and modes of transportation.

You can use our image archive search engine to locate historical photographs in and around Middletown, New York, or you can ask a librarian for more information.

Archived text description: "This volume is published with a view of supplying a work of ready reference in all matters of general interest relating to the village of Middletown, as well as to afford the business portion of its citizens a medium for advertising their respective occupations and wares." (From the "Introduction") This work also contains a number illustrations and historical references specific to the Middletown, NY community at the time.

This archived chronological history features many "first things," people, and places in Middletown, New York.

An archived concise and illustrated history of Middletown, New York.

Archived document: An Orange County Fair Premium Book was issued each year to list rules and regulations for the exhibitions, including livestock, food, flowers, sewing, etc. It also included advertisements for local businesses. We have included an example of an Orange County Fair Premium Book from 1910.

Archived document in PDF format. 33 pages (50 MB).
Partial newspaper clippings from Middletown Times-Press concerning the fire of October 1921.