As of 2016, just before Hull took over at the Hudson Valley Mall, the Victoria’s Secret was still here. The Foot Locker and Kay Jewelers and LensCrafters were still here. And C&C Unisex Hair Design.

My maternal grandfather, Will Herod Brim, was an odd fellow. Very few people knew him well, and that suited him just fine. He wore his feelings on his sleeve, was superstitious to a fault, and was “as ...