While researching for my biography of Catskill fly-tier Rube Cross I recently came across the July 20, 2023 article written by Kim Simons about her relatives who owned the Lew Beach Villa. 

Cross was working as a bouncer and janitor at the Villa in 1941 when his house, not far from the dance club, burned to the ground. If anyone has photos of Cross at the Villa, photos of Rube’s house or any snapshots of Rube Cross that they’ve never seen published before, I would be very grateful if they would get in touch with me via the River Reporter’s copy editor at copyeditor@riverreporter.com. 

I think this biography will shine a light on Cross and his legacy as one of the great fly-tiers in America in his day. 

Richard K. Lodge
Newburyport, MA