For more than half a century, Purple Mountain Press (PMP) has been a cornerstone of regional publishing in New York State, producing books that illuminate the history, culture, and natural environment of the Catskills, Hudson Valley, Adirondacks, and beyond. Now, the beloved independent publisher is entering a new era.
In January, a group of four publishing professionals—Brett Barry, Rebecca Rego Barry, Carolyn Bennett, and Lee Hudson—took ownership of the press, with a shared goal of preserving its legacy while reinvigorating its publishing program. The new owners bring decades of experience in publishing, journalism, book history, and regional storytelling, and they plan to expand PMP’s reach through updated editions of classic titles and the publication of new books.
“Independent publishers are an absolutely crucial link to our regional and natural histories, and Purple Mountain Press is such an important example of that,” says Brett Barry, a producer, voice-over artist, and lecturer at SUNY New Paltz. “I’m excited to be a part of the next incarnation.”
Founded in 1973 by Wray and Loni Rominger in the Catskill Mountain village of Fleischmanns, Purple Mountain Press began as a small operation focused on the history of the Catskills and the nearby Hudson Valley. Over time, its scope expanded to include the Adirondacks, Lake George, and the Mohawk and Champlain Valleys. The press has published more than 100 books covering topics such as colonial history, the Revolutionary War, Native American history, regional folklore, maritime heritage, and railroads.
PMP has been home to an impressive roster of regional historians, naturalists, and writers, including Alf Evers, Michael Kudish, Diane Galusha, Carleton Mabee, Robert and Johanna Titus, Tim Duerden, Shirley Dunn, and Sandra Weber. The press’s books have helped shape public understanding of the rich and complex history of upstate New York, making important research and storytelling accessible to general readers.
“Purple Mountain Press has brought so much history to so many people. And, of course, it is itself historical,” sys Carolyn Bennett, an editor and historian with deep ties to Catskills publishing. “We all look forward to expanding its offerings and providing new works and revived editions of PMP classics.”
Expanding PMP’s Legacy
Under its new ownership, PMP will reissue select titles from its backlist with refreshed artwork, new introductions, and updated formats. At the same time, the press will seek out new works that align with its mission of documenting and celebrating New York State’s history.
“From Kubick to Galusha, from Kudish to Titus, and a host of other celebrated authors, Purple Mountain Press has illuminated many corners of New York State history,” says Lee Hudson, a longtime regional historian and former editor-in-chief of Catskill Tri-County Historical Views. “It’s a privilege to continue its tradition.”
The new owners plan to work closely with authors, booksellers, librarians, and museum professionals to ensure that PMP’s books remain widely available and relevant to contemporary audiences. A new logo has been unveiled, and the press will announce its first wave of new and reissued titles in the spring.
For Rebecca Rego Barry, taking the reins of PMP is both a professional and personal milestone. “I remember when I first started visiting the Catskills in the mid-90s, seeing the Purple Mountain Press sign in Fleischmanns and wondering if maybe I could work there one day,” she said. “Well, that day has come!”
A Name with a Story
Despite its long-standing association with the Catskills, Purple Mountain Press does not take its name from an actual mountain in the region. The inspiration came from founder Wray Rominger’s childhood, when his third-grade teacher took issue with a drawing of mountains he had colored purple. “Mountains aren’t purple,” she insisted. Rominger disagreed, referencing “America the Beautiful” and its famous lyric about “purple mountain majesties.”
Years later, after moving to the Catskills, Rominger found validation. One evening, as the sun set over the mountains, he was struck by their shifting hues. “By God, they really are purple!” he exclaimed to his wife, confirming what he had known all along.
Washington Irving made a similar observation in his writings about the Catskills, describing how the mountains transformed throughout the day, “until in the evening they painted themselves against the glowing sky in the deep purple of an Italian landscape.”
Looking Ahead
PMP’s new era will officially kick off later this year with a launch event at The Print House, a bar in Fleischmanns that now occupies the former PMP office. In the meantime, readers can stay up to date on new releases and events by visiting nysbooks.com and following PMP on social media.
With an eye on both the past and the future, the new owners are committed to ensuring that Purple Mountain Press continues to serve as a vital resource for anyone interested in the history and culture of New York State.
This article appears in February 2025.
My father Robert Deyo worked with the CCC’s during the depression. His camp was at onteora,close to the Esopus creek. Our family needed money for our farm in Gardiner. The CCC’s planted hemlocks in the surrounding Bald Catskill mountains. There’s not a lot of info on them. Thanks