It is stated with authorit}^ however, that the idea of associating bricks with hats did not originate in Fishkill. Carthage lies about four miles to the north of Fishkill Landing. It was formerly known as Low Point, to distinguish it from the High Point -- New Hamburg -- two miles above. The latter village lies at the mouth of Wappenger's (or Wappingi's) Creek, so named from the Indians who once owned the land on the east shore from this vicinity south to the island of Manhattan. From this point is the best view of that projection upon the western shore that has borne from early colonial times the significant name of den DnyvcVs Dans Kauicr -- the Devil's Dance Chamber. It is a rock, half an acre in extent (an island by courtesy), where formerly the Indians held their pow-wows. Here, with wild, savage ceremonies, the imaginative sons of the forest invoked their evil spirit. Under the lead of their medicine-men they worked themselves to a frenzy with violent dances and chanted invocations. According to the belief of the Dutch skippers.
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the devil appeared here to his \'otaries and set them on when any ])articularly atrocious deed was to be accomplished. The crew of Peter Stuyvesant, on passing this place in ascending the river, were " horribly frightened by roystering devils," if we may believe the sober narrative of Knickerbocker. The traditions relating to this miniature island commenced when Hendrick Hudson made his voyage of discovery, and have reached quite to the present day, for there are many young men -- not to mention maidens -- who would hesitate long before venturing to spend the lonely hours of night in a solitary vigil on the Dans Kamer. For some reason not >'et fathomed the spectre of Kidd rises where\'er there is a remarkable rock or cove on the river bank.