A Plaque Dedication at Skene Memorial Library in Fleischmanns to Honor the Founders of Purple Mountain Press on May 15 [Celebration & Pop-Up Book Sale to Follow at The Print House]

FLEISCHMANNS – Purple Mountain Press (PMP) is excited to share some news and extend an invitation to local history lovers. On May 15 at 3:00 p.m., PMP will donate a collection of regional books and a plaque honoring Gilbert (Wray) and Loni Rominger, founders of Purple Mountain Press, to Skene Memorial Library in Fleischmanns. The Romingers published hundreds of local history books from the village of Fleischmanns for decades. The community is welcome to attend the plaque dedication. Several people will offer brief remarks to commemorate the Romingers. Wray Rominger passed away in November 2025 and was predeceased by Loni. They were much beloved community members. After the library event, all are invited to join PMP at The Print House in Fleischmanns, a restaurant that now occupies the former Purple Mountain Press space and honors it with its name, “The Print House.” We will 

share light bites as we celebrate the past, present, and future of PMP, now in its 53rd year,

with authors, readers, and community members. The renowned Catskills author Bill Birns, editor of the new book, Peter Pan in the Catskills, will regale us with some fascinating local lore, and a selection of books will be for sale.  

Rendering of plaque to be dedicated on May 15, 2026 

Pictured at left: Joe Devito (left), proprietor of The Print House, a Fleischmanns restaurant and bar in what had been the Purple Mountain Press printshop from the 1970s-1990s, got some instruction on how to operate a letterpress from Wray Rominger in 2023. The press was unearthed when the building was renovated. Photo courtesy of Diane Galusha 

Purple Mountain Press: A Brief History 

PMP specializes in books about the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Adirondacks, particularly related to Colonial history, the Revolutionary War, the natural environment, folklore, Native Americans, maritime history, regional culture, and railroads. Founded in 1973 by Wray and Loni Rominger in the village of Fleischmanns, PMP is now stewarded by Carolyn Bennett, Lee Hudson, Brett Barry, and Rebecca Barry. 

To stay informed about new books and events at Purple Mountain Press, visit purplemountainpress.com to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Media Images: Available upon request. 

Press Contact: Rebecca Barry rebecca@nysbooks.com 

About Purple Mountain Press: Purple Mountain Press, Ltd. based in New York State’s Catskill Mountains, specializes in local and regional books on the natural and cultural history of upstate New York. Founded in 1973, PMP has published more than 100 titles. PMP is a majority woman-owned local business.