At a special Ribbon Cutting preview, guests got a glimpse of the new exhibit “Unpacked & Rediscovered: Selections from Washington’s Headquarters’ Collection.” Those attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which took place November 28, were more than a little awed by the spectacle of seeing over 1,300 artifacts once again housed in the stately 1910 Georgian Revival-style Museum, which had been closed for almost two years of renovation.
“Unpacked & Rediscovered” is a compilation of artifacts collected since 1850, when the historic farmhouse, used by General and Mrs. Washington, opened as the first publicly owned historic site in the nation. The exhibit includes Revolutionary War muskets, swords, and a knapsack, epaulets worn by Lt. Augustus Van Horne Ellis during the Civil War, the Nuremburg Kitchen, consisting of over 100 miniature pieces of cooking utensils, numerous commemorative medals and plates featuring Newburgh and its local history, and international artifacts given over the years, to list just a few items. It’s an eclectic collection reflecting diversity of interests and highlighting examples of the grass roots of the American preservation movement.
Thank you to the Newburgh Preservation Association for the award they presented me with last night for “Outstanding Service to Preservation in Newburgh”. It was really great meeting so many of you who loyally follow the blog and who also shared so many kind words. Writing this blog really just makes me happy, but it was nice to receive a little recognition for the hard work that it takes to make it happen. It motivates me to try to make 2013 even better! Thank You.
“Are you passionate about restoring vintage items to their former glory? Do you search for forgotten treasures in garage sales, estate auctions, and pawnshops? Have you turned your love of restoration projects into a business? Are you part of a dynamic team of artists and designers that restores and customizes the classics? If you are an expert in the art of restoration, then we want you!
Please see the attached press release and flyer for your review and consideration. To be considered, please email us photographs of yourself or group (both group photos and individual photos of each member), a description of the roles or jobs of each person, your story and why you or your group would make for compelling television, the city and state you live in, and contact information (name, number, email) via: RVScasting@yahoo.com.”
The Preservation Mob, a group of concerned citizens dedicated to safeguarding the rich history of the City of Newburgh, gathered on October 13 to oppose the demolition of 159 Grand Street.
The peaceful group was met with a police blockade, including cops on foot and in police cars. At one moment there were nearly as many police officers as protesters. The Preservation Mob gathered to salvage historical artifacts from 159 Grand St. before the building is reduced to rubble. Located in Newburgh’s Historic District, the beautiful 159 Grand St. has most of its original features intact.
Recently, the Newburgh city council voted to pay $295,000 to demolish three buildings, including 159 Grand St. An independent estimate put the cost of the demolitions at only $90,000.
The city has ignored the Grand St. property for more than seven years, protesters said. As soon as their preservation plans became public, city police took action to guard it for demolition.
“When asked why they were there, we were told that their superiors assigned them to this property to ‘insure your safety,’” said Michael Gabor, a Preservation Mob member and Newburgh business man.
City police barricaded the entrance of the building with yellow tape. The day before the protest, the city posted a sign that said, “No Trespassing. City Owned Property.”
After the Preservation Mob had gathered on Saturday, two more police cars arrived with three more officers.
“Mind you there were maybe ten of us milling about, talking to the press, each other and to the neighbors, nothing more,” said Gabor. Gabor added that Newburgh Mayor Judith Kennedy, who lives near 159 Grand St., asked him what was going on when she drove past the protest.
“You don’t know that you approved $100,000 to raze this building? You don’t see a problem with that?” Gabor said. According to Gabor, Kennedy said she would talk about the issue later, and then drove away.
When asked for a statement, Johanna Porr, director of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, said she wasn’t pleased with the city’s action regarding the 159 Grand St. property. “I’m disappointed that City Officials and the Land Bank don’t understand that the most important asset the city has is its architectural heritage,” she said. “The only way to dig ourselves out of this terrible economic situation is to attract responsible residents and businesses. I wish City Officials would prioritize our vibrant history, arts and adaptive re-use communities and follow the lead of these creative people who are currently restoring the city.”
In addition to rescuing 159 Grand St., the Preservation Mob wants to bring attention to the use of city money for this non-emergency purpose, as well as the fact that there are no plans to get the three properties back on the tax rolls.
Preservation Mob members also questioned city’s lack of vision in terms of tourism. “The most accessible route to job creation in our city is tourism- the infrastructure for it already exists- and the route to tourism is our historic district,” said Gabor.
This is an exciting opportunity that fits Newburgh perfectly! This Old House magazine and PreservationDirectory.com are seeking nominations for the 6th annual “Best Old House Neighborhoods” feature. According to This Old House Associate Editor, Keith Pandolfi,”The point of this contest is—as it has always been—to familiarize TOH readers with outstanding, sometimes overlooked neighborhoods or towns that have exceptional older houses, and residents working hard to both restore them, and maintain them-for future generations.” TOH is looking for 64 (one in each state, one in Puerto Rico, and one in each of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories) to add to its list of Best Old House Neighborhoods.
“As always,” says Pandolfi, “we’re especially interested in overlooked places known for affordable houses that are heavy on architectural details.”
To suggest a historic district, town or city, please send the following information to bestoldhousenabes@thisoldhouse.com. The deadline is Friday, October 19th. Link
Be sure to include:
The name of the neighborhood, town or district you wish to nominate
A brief history of the area
A brief description of the types of houses available, including architectural styles, the period in which they were built; and the average price range.
A short paragraph on why you think the area deserves to be included on the list.
At least five high-resolution digital photographs (300 DPI, at about 8.5 by 6.5) of houses, streetscapes and, if possible, neighborhood events.
Soon, more of Newburgh’s heritage will disappear forever – and a few citizens plan to do something about it.
The world’s first Preservation Mob invites you to join them on Saturday, October 13 at 3 p.m. to help advocate for the salvage of historical artifacts from 159 Grand St. before the building is reduced to rubble, creating another empty lot with no plan in place.
Recently, the Newburgh city council voted to pay a Schenectady, N.Y. company $295,000 to demolish three buildings: 159 Grand St. 113 Washington St. and 10 Dubois St. An independent estimate put the total cost of the demolitions by a Newburgh-based company at only $90,000. Located in Newburgh’s Historic District, the beautiful 159 Grand St. has many of its original features intact. Instead of destroying Newburgh’s heritage one building at a time, why not use the money to renovate these structures? A microphone will be set up nearby where they hope that you’ll record your vision of Newburgh’s future.
“Newburgh’s historic district is New York State’s largest and contains a collection of structures which span four centuries of architectural history. In 1782-3 General Washington commanded the army from a farmhouse on the banks of the river and in 1850 it became America’s first historic site. Growing to prominence in the 1820s through river industry, the Empire State’s prominent families built ornate mansions overlooking the waterfront there. In the 1840s, Andrew Jackson Downing created the first architectural collective in the American tradition by pioneering an integrated style landscape design and bringing the world’s most creative minds to the area to build their masterpieces. Newburgh’s institutions and businesses flowered during the gilded age and left a wake preeminent public spaces. America’s first “garden city” was built here in the twentieth century and the walkable downtown areas boasted premier shopping and entertainment venues. Always at the forefront of historic preservation and green-space commemoration, it a tragic reality that Newburgh suffered severely during Urban Renewal. Between 1970 and 1973, 1,300 structures were senselessly demolished leaving 50 acres of waterfront property vacant for decades. Economic crisis and political instability followed and today a group of businessmen and artists have reclaimed the downtown to restore the City’s vibrant traditions despite these troubles. In spite of the lessons learned from Urban Renewal, the city government continues to ignore the city’s greatest assets. We are demanding an end to this short-sightedness — that we want our city to find better solutions, to uphold architectural protections and to market these properties with accountability to the entire fabric of our community”.
