A community that loses touch with its past, no longer retains its character.
We at The Spotlight understand this well, and do our best to write the stories that make this your town.
2015 will mark our 58th year, but we’d be remised if we started the New Year without recognizing the passing of one of our own.
Allison C. Bennett served the Town of Bethlehem as its historian for eight years, and for 20 more she contributed her stories to this newspaper. She died on Oct. 1 at the age of 90.
“It has been a source of pleasure for me to be able to identify in some small way with the lives, homes and public buildings that had their beginnings and their identity here over a long span of years,” stated Bennett, within the pages of “Times Remembered,” a book she published locally in 1984. “In attempting to tell a part of their story, it is my hope that people have been instructed and entertained, that the communities involved have been made more conscious of their heritage and that I have been able to impart some honor and distinction to a region that is very close to my heart.”
Without a hint of hyperbole, Bennett’s efforts have educated generations of her fellow Bethlehem residents. Her “Times Remembered” contained 58 chapters, ranging in time from the Dutch settlers to the town’s 175th anniversary. She would proceed to publish four more books, occupying both the reference and general circulation sections of the town’s public library.
Born in Albany, Bennett was the proud descendent of Dutch, French and English colonial settlers in the area. She attended Oneonta State College and Mildred Elley Secretarial School. Allison married William D. Bennett in 1946 and together they raised three children. Allison had long been an active participant in community, civic, and church activities as well as in patriotic and historical associations. She was a feature writer and a well-known speaker on historical subjects.
Bennett was a world traveler, interested in land conservancy, and active in many community organizations. She is a past president of the Friends of Schuyler Mansion, the Women’s Auxiliary of the Albany Boys Club, and the Albany Women’s Classical Union, Reformed Church in America. She had long been active in the Albany County Historical Association and was honored to be selected as a Trustee Emeritus. She served on the boards of Friends of Olana, the Albany Boys Club, and the Bethlehem Historical Association.
She is survived by her husband, William D. Bennett; son, Keith W. Bennett (Sue) of Delmar; daughters, Susan Scofield (Robert) of Kennedyville, MD and Mary Lou Terko of North Ferrisburgh, Vt.; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; and in-laws, Richard Bennett and Catherine Fisk. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Chesebro.
“I have been fortunate in having many friends and acquaintances who had a wealth of historical background to impart,” stated Bennett.
No, Mrs. Bennett. We were all fortunate to have you as a neighbor.
