Above photo: Artist Gus LaMonica’s portrait of the county’s first settlers trudging their way up a snow-covered slope to reach the Schoharie Valley was guests’ favorite at a recent showing by the Town of Cobleskill Historical Society.

COBLESKILL—Thirty art and history aficionados attended Cobleskill historian’s showing of Gus LaMonica’s paintings, “Scenes from Schoharie County History,” at the group’s March 2 meeting.

Eleven framed LaMonica works were displayed for the evening at the Cooperative Extension building on South Grand Street.  A program on the artist and his works was offered by the historical society’s Christopher Baron.

Special guests included Gus’s widow, Joan, and several members of the family.

Mrs. LaMonica donated to the society a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s sales of her husband’s book, “Sense or Nonsense?” and from “Sloughter’s Hilarious History of Schoharie County,” which he provided illustrations for.

Visitors had the opportunity to cast paper ballots for their favorite painting.  Guests selected LaMonica’s portrayal of the county’s first Palatine settlers trudging up a snow-covered slope, making their way to the Schoharie Valley.

The Cobleskill historical society’s next meeting is April 6. Midtel’s Jim Becker will present a program on the nearly 130-year history of the Middleburgh Telephone Company.

The historical society’s programs are always free and open to the public.

As a nonprofit, 501c (3) organization, Cobleskill historical society membership donations are tax deductible. New members are always welcome. Dues are $10 for the year for both individuals and/or families.

Checks may be mailed to the Town of Cobleskill Historical Society, PO Box 423, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

Follow the society on Facebook at “The Official Town of Cobleskill Historical Society.”