January 14, 2025

Sloatsburg Historian Harrison O. Bush, Jr. turned 99 yesterday, January 13, 2025. Myself and the Village of Sloatsburg would like to extend our sincerest wishes to Mr. Bush for a very Happy Birthday and thank him for his continued service to the Village of Sloatsburg.

Peter Bush, Harrison's son, has written the following in honor of his father's 99th Birthday:

My father, Harrison O. Bush, Jr., great-great-grandson of Jacob Sloat, turned 99 on January 13, 2025.

A remarkable person whose life has been characterized by service to God, Country, and Community.

Born in Tuxedo Hospital on January 13, 1926, Harrison (and his younger brother William Allen Bush, who predeceased him in 2008) excelled academically and participated in many community activities, including Boy Scouts and track.

Harrison graduated from Suffern High, Class of 1944. Barely out of school, Harrison served his country, seeing active duty in WW2 in the 330th Infantry, 83rd Thunderbolt Division. Harrison received a purple heart. In addition to active duty, he acted as a translator during the war, recalling that when anyone needed French translation (thanks to what he always said, he had an excellent French teacher at Suffern High), a cry went up to “Get Bush up here!”

At the end of the war, Harrison returned to his hometown and had a distinguished teaching career. This included the prestigious Watkins School in Connecticut, where he still recalls the names of several of his students and their distinct personalities. “I taught at a boys' school where there were grades 5-12. I loved the fifth grade most of all. I had no more than 10 boys in the class, and I still remember them so well…little redheaded David, who said, “Let’s give Queen Elizabeth a call,” Steven Foote, who became a priest and an authority on food, and little Danny Mason who called himself “period dot.” We had a lot of fun in that class studying American history. One of my better students in upper grades decided to become a teacher.” Harrison taught history and German at Monroe Woodbury in Orange County, NY. Upon his retirement, Harrison remained active as a beloved substitute teacher at several Rockland County schools.

Harrison was instrumental in advocating for creating recreation opportunities for village youth during his time as village trustee, served on the Rockland County Preservation Board and the Sloatsburg Historical Society, and remains the village historian of Sloatsburg. The Friends of Harmony Hall remain grateful for the significant work Harrison did to rally local and state historians/preservationists to save Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House when it was in imminent threat of being torn down in 2004! Harrison served as the first president of The Friends of Harmony Hall – Jacob Sloat House and navigated early challenges with a resolute solution-oriented spirit of collaboration. Harrison has continued to serve on the Board of Trustees since its inception.

Happy Birthday, Harrison, and bless you always!