In 1803 John P. Jones, the father of Monticello, and one of the pioneers of Sullivan County, saw the possibilities of a village located among the rugged hills of his future home, and with his own hands felled the first tree which marks the place where we walk and talk and do business. He saw his infant village grow to a place of some pretentions; from an unknown and struggling hamlet to the prosperous county seat of Sullivan County. His hopes were accomplished; his ideal was realized - the bud had blossomed.
On the highlands at an altitude of 1700 feet he built his log house, laid out his magnificent village park and made his wide Main street. He builded well, perhaps better than he knew, but well indeed. His village has now grown old; a century marks its birth, but each year has added to its many charms until it now has gained the proud distinction of the "Queen Village" of the Empire State, and it is weli earned. Its parks, beautiful and well kept; its miles of streets, wide and level, its stately shade trees, its fine spring water, handsome churches, excellent schools and modern buildings have done much to earn its reputation. Surrounding it are lakes, rivers and falls, far famed for their beauty and fishing; and woods where deer and game abound are near enough to afford a breakfast stroll.
Time has changed Monticello since John P. Jones was taken to his reward, but the change has been for the better. Now thousands of city people make their homes among us for the summer, and many have erected magnificent residences in our village and around our lakes. Now we have modern and well conducted hotels and boarding houses; our business interests have increased; we have grown larger, and, let us hope, better. The Monticello of John P. Jones' time is not the Monticello of to-day.
Monticello, beautious town,
Diadem in Nature's crown,
From early morn till fall of night;
'Tis thou affordest pure delight.
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