Samuel Bixby Phelps (know as “ Mad” Sammie) was born February 6, 1921, on the Indian Spring Farm on the Delaware River in Port Jervis, New York. Within his first year, his family bought Riverside Farm in Walden, New York, and began the dairy farm business. Ever since his boyhood, he has been out in the fields observing nature’s activities. His mom bought him his first bluebird house, thus starting his life long love for birds.

In 1961, he wrote a letter to the Citizens Herald‘s editor telling the public how to build a bluebird house. This letter grew so much interest that the editor suggested he write an article each week on the birds and the happenings on the farm. In March 1962, the articles/column were named “Feathers And Fur”.

Through his writing and lectures, Sam has received many columnist, preservationist, conservational, environmental, national wildlife federation achievements and awards. In 1986 the documentary movie “Sam” (about Samuel Phelps’ life) by Aaron Weisblatt was nominated for an Oscar. In 1999, he was named the Revered Citizen of Orange County for his life long love and devotion to the Orange County Lands and Environment.

Today, at 85, Samuel Phelps still writes once a week for the local paper and resides at Riverside Farm in Montgomery, New York..

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Sam Phelps Timeline

1921 February 6, born Indian Spring Farm on the Delaware River in Port Jervis, New York

1922 Parents bought Riverside Farm Walden, New York

1938 Graduated Walden High School

1939 Played football Red Tigers Semi-Pro, unbeaten team of Walden

1940-41 Attended Cornell University

1941 Graduated from the agriculture school at Cornell University

1942-47 Played football

1947 Married Helen Gildersleeve built little red house

1951 November bought Riverside from his mother,2 days later the roof blew off the barn

1961 Wrote a letter to the editor of the Citizen Herald

1961-81 Wrote for the Citizen Herald and the Ellenville Journal

1962 March the column was named Feathers And Fur

1972 Sold the cows and began restoring old stone houses

1983 Wrote for the Wallkill Valley Times

1983-84 The movie documentary “SAM” was produced

1986 “SAM” documentary was nominated for the Oscars

1989 National Wildlife Federation Achievement

1990 Helen Phelps died

1991 First plane ride to St John

1991 Rotary International Self Above Self

Town of Montgomery Certificate of Appreciation

Village of Montgomery Resolution

Village of Maybrook Resolution

1992 Golden Sheaf Certificate 50 years Husbandry

1993 Certificate of Merit Assembly of New York State

1997 Sparc’s Journalism Award

1998 Orange Environmental Agriculture award

1999 Revered Citizen Award