The Roeliff Jansen Historical Society 

The Roe Jan community is invited to celebrate the launch of Maryann Proper’s second book in The Hill series at an Author’s Talk co-sponsored by the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society (RJHS) and the Roeliff Jansen Community Library.

 

Local author Maryann Proper will present her highly anticipated new novel, the sequel to her acclaimed debut A Story from a Basket Maker’s Daughter: The Hill. The evening at the library will feature a discussion about the book, its ties to local history, and memories of days gone by. The program will include an opportunity to purchase signed copies of both books, and a display of Taghkanic baskets.

 

Maryann’s first novel struck a deep chord with readers throughout the Roe Jan region. Her new work continues the journey through Columbia County’s past, weaving together her family’s story against the backdrop of early twentieth century history.

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Tamara Gaskell, Director of the Roe Jan Community Library, notes:

 

"Maryann's books have a way of bringing our community together, reminding us of the traditions and values that have always been at the heart of the Roe Jan area. We are honored to co-host this event with the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society and provide a space for residents to celebrate Maryann's work and our shared history."

 

Lesley Doyel, President of the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society (RJHS), adds:

 

“The Society is delighted to be part of continuing the legacy of Elizabeth Proper, known as the ‘Last Basketmaker,’ and her daughter Maryann, who has researched and woven together the fascinating story of her own family, who, along with a few other families, lived for decades in relative isolation at a place just west of Route 82 in Gallatin, NY called the Hill.”

 

The families of The Hill trace their roots back to German immigrants who arrived around 1712. Brought to colonial New York as indentured servants to labor in the pine pitch industry in the Hudson Valley. Some eventually escaped harsh conditions and found refuge in the forests of the Taghkanic region. There they built a secluded life, drawing on traditional basket making skills they had brought with them from Germany.

 

Over time, these families honed their skills and developed what came to be known as Taghkanic baskets—durable, beautifully crafted pieces made primarily from black ash, oak, and hickory. The name” Taghkanic” is thought to be of Native American origin, meaning “forest wilderness.”  Over time, the baskets evolved from purely utilitarian items into highly prized commodities. Ultimately, through local commerce, the baskets led to a progressive, yet cautious connection with the outside world.

 

ANTIQUES Magazine has called Taghkanic baskets, “unique works of functional art that can be fixed to a particular place and time, wrought with ingenious craftsmanship by a small number of skilled hands hard at work. In this, they are spectacular.”

 

Inspired by the stories told by her family, in her second book, author Maryann Proper continues the story begun in her first novel, The Hill: Hard Times. In her second recently published book, The Hill: Trying Times, her protagonists face the many challenges posed by WWI, the deadly Spanish Flue, and widespread economic hardship. This phase of the story finds Fred and Mary, whom we got to know in the book, having to cope alone, after the loss of people dear to them. What inhabitants of the Hill learn and experience through contact with life beyond their insular community, make them apprehensive about to venturing beyond their village. Will Fred and Mary also think twice about becoming part of that tumultuous world?

 

For this event at the library, the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society and Mike Fallon of Copake Auction will display outstanding examples of Taghkanic baskets, including several made and signed by Elizabeth Proper. Photographs of Maryann as a child with her mother—taken in the early 1970s by noted documentarians Jack and Helen Ofield—will also be on view.

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About the Author

 

Maryann Proper grew up in Taghkanic, NY, and has lived in Columbia County for decades. She began writing to preserve her family’s story for future generations, blending memory and fiction to reflect the enduring spirit of the Roe Jan community.

 

Her first novel, A Story from a Basket Maker’s Daughter: The Hill, was a local favorite. Now, with the release of its sequel, she continues to bring the history of The Hill and its people vividly to life.

 

This program promises to be a meaningful and enriching evening for the entire Roe Jan region. Please join us on September 10 at 6:00 PM at the Roe Jan Community Library.