Meet William from Cobleskill, New York.

Some days we get some very special visits. Today was one. Meet William (Bill). 78 years ago, he was born in Cooperstown, New York and raised In Cobleskill, New York. When he was a young boy, during the heat of the dog days of summer, he would beg his parents to bring him to the cave to enjoy Mother Nature’s air conditioning. It was something that they frequently did as a family. In the 1960’s, when he was 18 years old, Bill became a tour guide. This was during a time that females were not allowed to guide. The first female guides came some 20 years later in the 1980’s! Bill worked at Howe Caverns until he graduated from college with a degree in education. Even though his teaching degree exempted him from the draft, he proudly chose to serve our country and went to war in Vietnam. Upon returning home, his love of nature along with and his treasured childhood memories of Howe Caverns, led him to become a United States Park Ranger. He built a lifelong career within our National Parks system; eventually retiring as a historian. Howe awesome! Today Bill spent time with Rich, our cave historian, Mike, one of our lifelong guides, and Betsy, our Brand Ambassador, and also a guide. They were so honored and thoroughly enjoyed visiting and sharing stories. When we asked Bill if there was one thing he wanted to say, he said, “God doesn’t owe me anything. I’ve lived more life than most get the opportunity to.” May God bless and keep you always, Bill. One thing that we always say and always holds true, “You never forget Howe” Thank you for visiting us