Issue 40 Clear Sailing on the Hudson River April 2007 The year was 1966. American Hudson. Since then, the conducts scientific studies. folk singer and musician, Pete members of Clearwater have The staff of Clearwater is Seeger, had just shifted his been working to revive and dedicated to the Hudson’s environmental efforts from protect the Hudson River. restoration in conducting Civil Rights and Vietnam Until recently, the Hudson research and informing the War rallies to more local is- was the number one cleanup public about its various sues of the Hudson River. At site of the environmental threats, as well as what the the time, the river was pol- Superfund, a federal pro- community of the Hudson luted with raw sewage and gram charged with the allo- River Valley can do to aid toxic chemicals dumped by cation of funds to clean haz- the river that provides them businesses and factories. It ardous waste in the environ- with historical wealth. became so polluted from this ment. Now, the Hudson Recent events for Clearwa- open disposal of toxic waste ter and the staff was the that it was uninhabitable by launch of Clearwater for the its native species. spring season, celebrated To raise awareness from the April 7th at Lynch’s Marina people of the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie. Coming Valley, Seeger and other en- soon is the Clearwater Festi- vironmental activists helped val on June 16th and 17th. to erect the sloop known as This event hosts over 15,000 Clearwater. The idea was to people a year and has been build a vessel that replicated a held for over three decades. classic mid-19th century Hud- Musicians, speakers, ven- son River sloop in order to dors, environmental exhibi- entice the public to the river tionists, displays, and grass- and to witness firsthand the roots activist booths are pre- pollution and how to help Clearwater.org sented to educate those that preserve it in the future. In attend, as well as to raise 1969, over 2,000 people sup- River has shed itself of the funds for the restoration of ported the launch of Clearwa- polluted reputation and is both Clearwater and the ver Valley National Heritage Area ter in South Bristol, Maine. becoming more habitable for Hudson River. For more in- formation, contact the Clear- Seeger continued to raise natural life and human us- water office in Poughkeep- awareness about the increas- age. sie, NY at (845) 454-7673 or ing damage to the Hudson Today, Clearwater still sails visit their website. River and was a key member from Albany to as far as in drafting the Clean Water New Jersey to raise aware- RJ Langlois Act of 1972, which stated that ness about the Hudson River. no longer could any toxic The sloop even holds educa- substances be disposed in the tional sessions as well as

Special points of interest: Inside this issue: • Coverage of the anniversary of Washing- Meet the Historian 2 ton’s arrival to Newburg in page 4 Featured Historic Town 2 • Meet more of HRVI’s current interns on Featured Historic Site 3 page 4

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY Featured Website 3 Patriot’s Weekend 2007 4 Meet the Interns 4

The Academic Arm of the Hudson Ri Contact Us 5 Hudson River Valley Institute Meet the Historian — When I ask people how they feel about explored is the Beekman Furnace built by the community since moving to Beek- their jobs, most usually reply with a long Clove Spring Iron Works in 1873, and the man from Brooklyn in 1976. Sharing his pause or the overly enthusiastic, “Eh.” When I nearby Dalton Farm’s Roosevelt House in lifetime interest in history with others, asked Thom User about his job as the Beek- Poughquag, recreated by the Friends of Mr. Usher joined the Beekman and man Town Historian, he said: “I enjoy it very Beekman History to look more like FDR’s Dutchess County Historical Societies, much. It’s something I love.” office when he was in residence. Mr. the Dutchess County Municipal Histori- Usher’s most recent project is the renova- ans, and the Dutchess and New York By the end of our phone conversation, I tion of the Grist Mill at the junction of State Genealogy Associations. After his was not only convinced that Mr. Usher was Poughquag and Beekman off the Old Upper retirement from IBM, he became the passionate about the history of Beekman, but Road. Mr. Usher hopes that this can one day president of the Beekman Historical also that I should visit the wealth of historical house a town museum and tourist and visi- Society from 2003-2004 until accepting sites that Beekman has to offer. tor center. the position as the Town Historian. Thanks to efforts from Mr. Usher and Mr. Usher also oversees the Town of Mr. Usher recently self-published others dedicated to promoting and preserving Beekman history website, maintaining the two books chronicling Beekman’s his- Beekman history, I can explore the Town Hall, online newsletter, and compiling data to tory: “The History of Beekman” (2003) constructed just prior to America’s entrance flesh out the town’s history. He is commit- and “The Spirit of Beekman” (2005). into World War II, and the last W.P.A project ted to documenting the oral history of Beek- For more information, Thom Usher can that Franklin D. Roosevelt funded. I can ar- man and is working on collecting recordings be contacted at 845-724-5364 or at beek- range for a tour of the Old Upper Road, an of speeches made from the Town Hall dur- [email protected]. Indian path used to transfer goods and military ing events such as the 200th Anniversary of supplies from Fishkill to Hartford during the Amanda Hurlburt the town (1988). Though he is relatively Revolutionary War, which has changed little new to the historian post (he was appointed in route over the past 225 years. Also to be in 2004), he has been an active member of Featured Historic Town — Middletown

Originally part of the Town of Oswego Midland Railroad. He achieved his goal of the property until his death in 1947, Wallkill (established in 1772), Middle- of a united railroad system in 1873, when he when he willed it to the hospital. The town became an autonomous village in drove the final stake at the Westfield flats in hospital sold the grounds to facilitate the 1848. Though an 1872 charter, this ru- Oswego. Wheeler also contributed to the build- development of Orange County Commu- ral community established its police ing of Middletown’s Grace Episcopal Church nity College in 1950. Today, the Webb department in which eight chief officers and served as president of the city’s Board of Horton House is known as Morrison patrolled the newly created wards. By Education. He later became the director of the Hall, serving as a place for educational, 1888, Middletown evolved into a city, Middletown and Crawford Railroad and was administrative and maintenance purposes augmenting the size of its law enforce- appointed a trustee of The Middletown State and is on the United States National ment and relocating the station to City Homeopathic Hospital. Register of Historic Places. Hall on James Street. Since 1972, it has In the heart of Middletown stands the been in it present location at the U.S. Middletown Paramount Theatre. Its Postal Office. To protect the force from doors first opened on Tuesday, June 10th partisan politics, a Middletown Police 1927 featuring the film The Big Pond. Commission was instituted in the early Unfortunately, the theatre closed in 1978 1940s and today the five-member Com- following failures of numerous operators mission serves as an advisory role. to draw business. The Arts Council of In 1866, Elisha Pearl Wheeler Orange County purchased the building in envisioned a railroad that linked the 1981 and restored the theatre, reopening Great Lake lines of Oswego and Erie Epodunk.com it in September 1985. In April 2002 it with those of northern New Jersey and One of the most famous Middletown was put on the National Register of His- of New York Harbor. Middletown then homes is the Webb Horton House constructed by toric Places. Mayor Joseph De Stefano functioned as a major stopping point Frank J. Lindsey from 1902-1906, a well re- received credit for his vision of restoring before the rail line turned due west to- spected oil and textile magnate who had also the seventy-two year old Paramount to wards Oswego. The following year he established the Webb Memorial Hospital and the its former days. served as a trustee member of the Mid- Webb Horton Presbyterian Church. The last Paul Contarino dletown, Unionville and Water Gap Horton to live in the house was Eugene Horton, Railroad and was affiliated with a Wall- who had bequeathed the estate to a cousin and kill commission for the New York and employee, John Morrison. Morrison maintained

ISSUE 40 Page 2 Featured Historic Site — Storm King Art Center

As industrial and residential con- The Storm King Art Center was founded Ricky and Barbara Hepworth, among struction encroaches on forested in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden and H. Peter many others, have finally found their fields and woodlands, the Storm Stern. Inspired by the outdoor art display match. The Hudson Highlands couch King Art Center in Mountainville, of sculpture artist David Smith, the mu- dramatic modern structures in 500 New York celebrates postwar Ameri- seum bought thirteen of Smith’s sculp- acres of preserved landscape. Still, the can and European abstract sculpture tures for the Mountainville landscape in collection profits from its host. Chang- in the context of the majestic Hudson 1967 and opened a permanent collection ing light and weather patterns accentu- Highlands. Panoramic views of the five years later. ate and highlight the modern sculpture Hudson River Valley envelop this within the cycle of nature. Where mod- permanent collection of stainless ern art intrudes on wilderness, it suc- steel, bronze, granite, stone and At the Storm King Art Center, nature and cumbs to its force. The Storm King Art wood abstract sculptures from the art are in a tug of war for attention; the Center offers magnificent views of the 1960s to the present. The large ab- imposing statues of David Smith, George Valley and an intriguing environment stract works of David Smith, for modern sculpture art. The Center Henry Moore and Louise Nevel- is a nonprofit educational organiza- son are dwarfed by the grandeur tion governed by a board of trustees. of the landscape; the pieces, un- Admission is $10 for adults and $9 obstructed by the walls of tradi- for senior citizens and students. tional indoor museums, punctuate More information is available at the large open space. http://www.stormking.org Igor Volsky

www.stormking.org Featured Historic Website — Boscobel Museum

Completed in 1808, Boscobel has There are many different events stood as a testament of early American held at Boscobel throughout the year, all artistry and elegance. The house, de- of which are detailed on their website. signed by States Dyckman and com- Events include seminars sponsored by the pleted by his wife Elizabeth, has had Friends of Boscobel, such as “Hudson several different owners until the es- River Painters of the 1825-1875 Period” tate was purchased by the government and “Fashion in the Federal Period,” both in the 1950s. At that time, a veteran’s in April. From June to September Bosco- hospital was built on the site and Bos- bel serves as home to the annual Hudson cobel was declared an “excess.” The www.boscobel.org Valley Shakespeare festival. The grounds house was sold for thirty-five dollars of the site are opened free of charge to and was slated for destruction. How- Federal period” are also captured on the Bosco- artists in order to capture the beautiful ever, with the help of local historians, bel website. Visitors to the website can explore landscape and scenery on the second Boscobel was recognized for its fan- not only a detailed history of the site, but can Tuesday of every month. Group and tastic example of early-American ar- also look at highlights of the collections of the house tours are also offered to the public chitecture and decoration and recon- home, such as the early-American furniture. and the site is open to school trips as well structed in Garrison, New York, fif- Also, the grounds and museum gift shop can be as receptions and weddings. teen miles north from its original loca- examined through photos and the diverse selec- Admission to Boscobel ranges tion. tion of events is detailed. Boscobel is most well from $12 for adults to $5 for children, and Located on a bluff overlook- known for its distinguished Federal architecture is open April through December. Bosco- ing the Hudson River, Boscobel is and wide collection of Federal-style arts and bel is closed May 20, 2007, all Tuesdays well known for its breathtaking views furniture, all available online. The website of- and Thanksgiving and Christmas. For of the Hudson River Valley and sur- fers the most recent press-releases, as well as more information, visit rounding area. The unique history and information on becoming a member of the www.boscobel.org. character of the “house museum of the Friends of Boscobel organization. Maria Zandri

Page 3 HUDSON RIVER VALLEY INSTITUTE Patriot’s Weekend 2007 — Washington’s Arrival to Newburg Following the lecture, Washington’s guests Overlooking the blooming banks of the licly operated historic site in the nation. Fur- will share in the excitement of their gen- mid-Hudson, an 18th century stone farm- nished to reflect its condition during the eral’s glorious entrance amidst cannon-fire house stands proudly, guarding the prop- Revolutionary War, the house still includes and musical fanfare. A reenactment battle erty that once welcomed the nation’s most the separate kitchen that was constructed and retreat ceremony will mark the conclu- esteemed general and his troops during a specifically to accommodate the slaves and sion of the presentation and allow visitors to crucial moment in the American Revolu- troops of Washington’s stay. While stationed tion. On Sunday, April 29th, Washington’s at the house, General Washington rejected Hasbrouck House, Newburgh NY the idea of an American monarchy and suc- Headquarters State Historic Site will em- (courtesy Wikipedia.com) brace the return of its general in a magnifi- cessfully neutralized a mutiny among his cent ceremony; the event marks the 225th men. There, he also created the Badge of Military Merit, a forerunner of the Purple anniversary of Washington’s stay at New- th burgh, using the strategically-situated Has- Heart, and on April 19 , 1783, issued the brouck House as his military headquarters “cessation of hostilities,” thus ending the from April 1782 until August 1783. Revolutionary War. The event officially commences at mid- Admission to the program on the grounds is day with the Brigade of the American free; for information regarding guided tours Revolution’s display of military regalia, tour the museum and grounds. and ticket prices, please contact Washing- and afterward, author Thomas Fleming ton’s Headquarters State Historic Site by Built in 1750 and employed as a gristmill by will present his latest written work, “The calling 845-562-1195. a Huguenot couple, the Jonathan Hasbrouck Perils of Peace: America’s Struggle for property was acquired by the State of New Jessica Friedlander Survival after Yorktown,” due this fall. York a century later and was the first pub- Meet the Intern — Danny Fatto

Daniel Fatto is a Junior at sionally. Thinking outside the box is one would like to eventually have a Marist College with a major in Digital of his main specialties and when it comes gallery of the artwork he has Media and a Minor in Studio Art. to being creative and innovative, he’s the done on the side, when every- Originally from Staten Island, Danny guy to talk to. thing is settled after college. (as he is more commonly When not worrying about lay- Danny Fatto know) left the city life to outs and which colors are right for the the city of Poughkeepsie mood, Danny likes to snowboard, paint, to continue his artistic path hunt and play handball. Good movies and in life. Planning on be- old cartoons are always a plus too. coming a graphic de- signer/animator of some Eventually he plans to be famous sort, HRVI presented the and not have to worry about looking for perfect opportunity to gain clients and hunting for design jobs, but some experience and have that people would be knocking down his his work printed profes- door for a chance at his designs. Also, he Meet the Intern — Igor Volsky

Igor Volsky is a nomad by nature. Born dle of the fist Gulf War, before finally in the former Soviet Union in January settling in the United States two years of 1986, Igor was snatched from his later. After attending a number of dif- crib just three months later. Following ferent public schools and living in the deadly Chernobyl nuclear explosion towns across New Jersey, Igor devel- of April 1986, Igor and his family ser- oped an interest in politics, govern- endipitously avoided radiation by shov- ment, and ultimately, history. He is in ing themselves into the last train leav- his third year of studying history at ing for Moscow, as its doors were clos- Marist College and is especially inter- ing. Greater migration followed. To ested in the history and politics of escape the confines and limitations of American foreign policy and global Russian anti-Semitism, Igor and his intervention. family immigrated to Israel in the mid- Igor Volsky

ISSUE 40 Page 4 Contact Us

The Hudson River Valley is one of only 37 Congressionally designated National Heritage Areas in the United States. As one of the most important Hudson River Valley Institute regions in the United States, it is the fountainhead of a truly American Marist College identity. Recognizing the area's national value, Congress formed the Hud- 3399 North Road son River Valley National Heritage Area in 1996 to recognize, to preserve, to protect, and to interpret the nationally-significant history and resources Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-1387 of the Valley for the benefit of the nation.

Phone: 845-575-3052 The Hudson River Valley Institute at Marist College is the academic Fax: 845-575-3176 arm of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Its mission is to E-mail: [email protected] study and to promote the Hudson River Valley and to provide educational resources for heritage tourists, scholars, elementary school educators, envi- ronmental organizations, the business community, and the general public. Its many projects include the publication of the Hudson River Valley Re- The Hudson River Valley : view and the management of a dynamic digital library and leading regional ”The Landscape that Defined America” portal site.

As the center for the study of the Hudson River Valley, the Hudson www.hudsonrivervalley.org River Valley Institute (HRVI) at Marist College is the central hub for infor- mation about the region. HRVI serves heritage tourists, scholars, elemen- tary and secondary school educators, environmental organizations, the business community, and the general public seeking to know more about the region that Congress called "the Landscape that defined America."

Staff Dean of the Marist College School of Liberal Arts Thomas Wermuth, PhD, Director Hudson River Valley Institute

Professor Colonel James Johnson (U.S. Army, ret.), PhD, Executive Director Hudson River Valley Institute

Christopher Pryslopski, Program Director

Ann Panagulias, Office Manager

Jessica Friedlander, Internship Coordinator Contributors to this issue: RJ Langlois, Editor-in-Chief Amanda Hurlburt, Intern

Paul Contarino, Intern Igor Volsky, Intern

Danny Fatto, Web Designer Maria Zandri, Intern

Jessica Friedlander, Sergeant Major The newsletter is the production of the interns of HRVI

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