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12/20/10 9:30am

Newburgh Panorama Mural

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The Newburgh Panorama Mural is a representation of the pride of Newburgh in it’s glory days. One look at this painting and you can see why. The mural was painted by Albert Nemethy in 1950 and was commissioned by Abram and Eva Levinson, owners of the former Hotel Newburgh. They had it commissioned especially for the Green Room to show case Newburgh architecture. The mural is still in the Green Room if you would like to view it for yourself.

With the hotel going in a steep decline in the 1970’s, it was saved by the Newburgh Historical Society and moved to a bank. In 1996 it was moved to Stewart Airport where it stayed until 2006 when the Green Room was restored by Safe Harbors of the Hudson (the organization that presides over the Green Room and Ritz Theater) and had a grand opening at their gala. I love looking at this painting as it shows parts of a Newburgh that many of us never got to see.

There are over 20 individual Newburgh scenes painted in this mural. It is a rather large painting, so I took pictures of each individual scene. Some of the places are long gone now and some still exist. If you remember any of the vanished places, feel free to comment on what we see in the scene. Thank you Safe Harbors for letting me come in and share the mural!

History
12/07/10 9:30am

Warm Up With the Washingtons

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Ever wonder how people kept warm before electricity, central heating and electric blankets? Forget reality television and discover for yourself when you come to Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, Sunday, December 12th, 12 PM until 5 PM.

  • Costumed Historic Interpreters in every room to answer your questions!
  • Live music by the Salmagundi Consort in the headquarters dining room.
  • Hot cider and cookies will be served outside by a fire!
  • Special Event Admission: $4 per person ages 6 & under free

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is a registered national historic landmark. It is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets within the city of Newburgh’s East End Historic District. For further information contact: (845) 562-1195

History
11/16/10 9:30am

The Green Room

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©Safe Harbors of the Hudson

New York City had places like the Copacabana and the Cotton Club. Newburgh had the Green Room. It was the place to go to in Newburgh’s heyday, all the way up to the 1960’s. Located underneath the Ritz Theater, the Green Room was used for weddings, birthdays, parties, conferences-you name it. It is also rumored that a few bigwigs partied there as well.

The Green Room went through all kinds of interior design phases through the decades. When Safe Harbors of the Hudson acquired the Green Room, it got a makeover. Floor boards were lifted that revealed the original green terrazzo floors. Today the Green Room is a fully functioning event space with a capacity for 250 people and a functioning kitchen. Click here for rental information.

One of the exciting things about the Green Room is all of the history everyone shares there. Joyce W Schoenberger mentioned that the Green Room was the “in place to have weddings…the food was from their kitchens and was very good. The music was from a band called Ward Harrison and they were great. We always had our Block N dinners from NFA and many famous sport figures would attend. Stanley Levinson always supported all the Newburgh teams also. It was a great time in the city. I hope it can return.” Joyce also had her own wedding reception there, 50 years ago Sept. 10th, 1960.

Grampy J Wilson remembered, “my parents and my older sister attended many functions there, as I recall. In fact, I believe that my Dad’s NFA high school fraternity held a pre-marriage reception for my Mom and him in that venue back in 1925 when it was the ballroom for what was then named the Hotel Plaza. By the 1940’s, the name had changed, and the hotel was operated by the Levinson family.”

Another exciting thing is that SHOH was able to attain many photos of events in the Green Room. Take a look at the collection. But these are some of my favorites.

History
11/02/10 9:00am

Train Stations of the Hudson Valley Past and Present

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Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St. Newburgh, 7 p.m. Nov. 3rd

Dr. Andrew Smith looks at the largely forgotten and overlooked institution of the local train depot. While many train stations have been since demolished, a few still remain. Included will be a presentation by The Railroad Playhouse dedicated to the preservation of Newburgh’s historic West Shore Railroad Station by providing space for performing arts experiences.

Before and After
10/26/10 9:00am

Before and After: C. M. Leonard Company Firehouse

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This “before and after” is of the Leonard Steamer Company firehouse which was built in 1878. It was located on Water Street, a large section of Newburgh on the waterfront that was demolished during “urban renewal.” By the drawing you can tell this building was part of the pride of the community. It was named after Chancey M. Leonard, who was a businessman and fireman who had “won the unqualified esteem and warm friendship of his fellow-townsmen to so great a degree.”

Like most of these “before and after” posts that show the effects of urban renewal, you get to see the architectural loss that Newburgh suffered as a result. I love skimming back and forth through the pictures to see the different changes. I also am crazy about the little fireman cherubs on the chandelier medallion! Can you see in the 4th photo that the chandelier chain drops down from a mini fire hydrant? What firehouse is built today with such detail?

Photos are from: ©Library of Congress, 1970 © Newburgh her Institutions, Industries and Leading Citizens

Community
10/13/10 9:00am

Newburgh’s Greek Heritage

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Sunday, October 17, 3pm, The Newburgh Heritage Center 123 Grand St., Newburgh, NY

Enjoy a discussion led by Catherine Pitsinos Grigorakis, Hope Stephano, Marian Apostolou-Baldwin, Penelope Karageorge, Spiros Chumas and other members of Newburgh’s Greek community as they discuss their rich Greek heritage, businesses, neighborhoods, church-life and traditions. Bring you own photographs and memories to share!

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