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Sugarloaf: A Small Mountain with Big History

Learn about the remarkable "out-size" history -- and connections to important people -- of this little mountain on the western edge of Montgomery County. Our speaker is Ralph Buglass.

Presentation Highlights: 

A virtual, fast-paced visit through lots of pictures--including vintage photos from the Library of Congress--highlighting Sugarloaf Mountain's extraordinary history:

• A structure designed for the summit of the mountain by the 20th century's most famous architect instead became one of the most visited museums in New York City.
• The mountain almost became the home of Camp David -- and has its own commemorative postage stamp.
• Early in our country's history two unusual business enterprises were located in its shadow -- an iron furnace and a glassworks whose fine products can now be found in such showplaces as the Corning Museum of Glass.
• A geologic "rarity" known as a monadnock, it was designated as one of the first "national natural landmarks."
• Its flora and fauna include many plants and some animals not otherwise found in this area; the American chestnut tree -- wiped out in a blight in the early 20th century -- is also a big part of the Sugarloaf story.
• And this little mountain once had three schools – why?

Ralph Buglass is a frequent speaker for Montgomery History, the county historical society, and an instructor at area lifelong learning programs. A retired communications professional, he recently co-authored a pictorial history of Rockville as part of the nationwide Images of America series. He has a BA in American history and MA in journalism from Cornell and American Universities, respectively. As an elementary student, he got his first library card from the then-newly opened Little Falls Library.

A Partnership Between Little Falls Village & The Little Falls Library of Montgomery County Public Libraries