Sloatsburg Stories
Real people. Real places. The history beneath the highway. A documentary podcast exploring the voices and forgotten places of the Ramapo Valley - recorded on site in Sloatsburg, New York.
About the Project
Sloatsburg Stories is an ongoing documentary podcast created by Erik Larson and recorded across the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains. Each episode blends oral history, archival tape, and field recording to capture how one small Hudson Valley town has weathered nearly a century of change.
The series brings together longtime residents, local historians, and new voices to share how Sloatsburg connects to something larger: the story of movement, memory, and what gets left behind when progress comes through.
Listen to the Episodes
The Thruway, the Red Apple, and the Lost Hamlets
The highway promised progress, but it also carved through mountains, neighborhoods, and people’s lives. Featuring historian Carl Wright on how the Thruway reshaped Sloatsburg and erased the nearby hamlets that once lined Johnsontown Road.
How Sloatsburg Grew Up
Sloatsburg's story of growing up is told through the places where the community learned, played, and gathered. In this episode, historian Carl Wright recalls a village on the edge of change, when classrooms still echoed with chalk and laughter, when baseball was the heart of a Saturday afternoon, and when the first televisions brought faraway worlds into local living rooms.
We begin with the schools that shaped generations of students, from the one-room schoolhouse to the newer buildings that reflected a town finding its footing. Then we move to the ballfields, where Little League games and pickup matches created the friendships and rivalries that defined summer in the Ramapo Valley. Finally, we look at how television transformed everyday life, connecting Sloatsburg to the wider world and altering the rhythm of family evenings forever.
Told through memory, sound, and story, How Sloatsburg Grew Up captures the moment when a small mountain village stepped into the modern age and remembers what it left behind.
Halloween in Sloatsburg
Halloween in Sloatsburg wasn’t always parades and fire trucks. In the 1950s, it was powdered donuts in church basements, apple cider in paper cups, and neighbors trying to guess who was behind each mask. Former mayor and historian Carl Wright remembers those nights, and how a handful of locals turned a small gathering into one of the Hudson Valley’s favorite parades.
Forty years later, the tradition is still going strong. But as the sun sets and the candy runs out, the stories turn darker. From Hessian soldiers said to march the old rail line to the mysterious Lady in Lavender of Tuxedo Park, these are the legends that linger long after the lights go out.
Meet the Guests
Carl Wright - Former Mayor and Town Historian
Carl has dedicated decades to documenting Sloatsburg’s past. From early settlement records to the modern village archives, his work preserves the small details that make this place unique.
Share Your Sloatsburg Story
We are collecting personal memories and lived experiences from around Sloatsburg and the Ramapo Valley. Call our recorded line and leave a message that may be featured in a future episode.
What to Share
- A memory tied to a place, person, or event in Sloatsburg
- Stories about growing up, local traditions, school memories, or community moments
- Observations about landmarks, businesses, or how the village has changed over time
How It Works
- Call (315) 510-9744.
- After the tone, say your name, your connection to Sloatsburg, and your story.
- You can talk for a few minutes if needed, but try to keep it focused.
- If we would like to include it in an episode, we may reach out for a short follow-up or higher-quality recording.
Permission and Use
By leaving a voicemail, you agree that your voice and story may be used in the Sloatsburg Stories podcast and related media, including our website and social channels. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please say so at the start of your message.
Tips for a Great Message
- Be specific. Names, streets, years, and small details help listeners picture the moment.
- Speak close to the phone in a quiet space.
- Spell out names or places at the end if needed.
- Keep each message focused on one story or topic.
Support the Show
Sloatsburg Stories is independently produced through Blue Door Productions. Every interview, edit, and soundscape is crafted locally.
- Join the Mailing List - Get notified when new episodes and limited merch drop.
- Buy Me a Coffee - Help offset recording and editing costs.
- Spread the Word - Share an episode with someone who knows the area or loves a good story.
About Blue Door Productions
Sloatsburg Stories is produced by Blue Door Productions, a Hudson Valley creative studio founded by Erik Larson.
Recorded on site in Sloatsburg, NY - edited and mixed at The Lab. Music by Waistcoat Ruckus. Archival content provided by Carl Wright and the Sloatsburg Historical Society.