Book Review: Amsterdam, New York: Annals of a Mill Town in the Mohawk Valley by Hugh Donlon

Amsterdam New York's history has been publicized three different ways in the past year. Most recently, hundreds of Amsterdam residents turned out to see the "Amsterdam Oratorio," written and produced by Maria Riccio Bryce. Earlier, Bob Cudmore's documentary film "Historic Views of the Carpet City" aired on WMHT and then was released on video. A third and less heralded portrayal of Amsterdam's history was the re-publication of Hugh P. Donlon's AMSTERDAM NEW YORK: ANNALS OF A MILL TOWN IN THE MOHAWK VALLEY.

Prior to the initial publication of Donlon's book in 1980, Amsterdam had a history, but it was scattered in dozens of places. Donlon brought it all together in one place when he wrote and published ANNALS OF A MILL TOWN. The book is an oversized soft cover containing 255 pages of the city's history. One of the features that people love most is it several hundred photographs and postcard reproductions, showing the city as it used to be. In a city that has changed as much as Amsterdam, these pictures are absolutely essential.

If you have never looked at this book, put a seatbelt around your emotions before you do. While you may only experience nostalgia, you most likely will also feel sadness at the way Urban Renewal gutted Amsterdam. Sorrow may also turn to anger towards those leaders who were supposed to have left the city and its future generations a heritage, but instead sacked it.

The book is organized by categories with titles like Transportation and Communication, Industry and Business, and People and Places. It is somewhat, although not completely, chronological, beginning with the formation of Tryon County (out of which Montgomery County was carved) and ending with the late 1970s.

The book is not without its flaws. Mr. Donlon's prose style is stilted at times and the organization of the book by categories makes it seem somewhat of a hodge-podge. The biggest problem with the book, however, is its index. It is just not comprehensive enough, especially when you consider that local histories are one source people turn to for genealogical information. If you want to find information about a particular individual or business, chances are they will not be listed in the index and you will have to thumb through the entire book to find the information.

Although not the definitive history of Amsterdam, nevertheless, ANNALS OF A MILL TOWN is the first and only complete history of Amsterdam. Other books like THE SANFORDS OF AMSTERDAM by Alex M. Robb, FROM BOYHOOD TO MANHOOD by Spencer Kellog, ADVENTURES OF A SMALL BOY IN HIS SMALL WORLD by Adam Golab, and PORT JACKSON by Katherine M. Strobeck contain useful information about Amsterdam but the City's complete history is not their primary objective.

While many older people may already own a copy of Donlon's book, purchased the first time it was printed, many young people may not. This book is essential reading for Amsterdamians who want to understand their roots. For those who have moved to the city from elsewhere, it is a essential reading for understanding Amsterdam's current economic, cultural and political situation.

Until the definitive history of Amsterdam is written, I can continue to recommend ANNALS OF A MILL TOWN.