New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Hudson Valley - Catskills

Dutch History of Christmas Treats With Peter Rose

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ben_franklins_worldUndoubtedly, you have heard or read Clement Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (1822), but have you ever wondered where the traditions of stockings, presents, and cookies come from? And what about jolly old Saint Nick? Who was he and why do we call him Santa Claus?

In this episode of the “Ben Franklin’s World” podcast, Peter G. Rose, culinary historian of Dutch foodways in North America and author of Delicious December: How the Dutch Brought Us Santa, Presents, and Treats (SUNY Press, 2014), joins me to discuss the origins of Santa Claus, cookies, and more in the United States.  [Read more…] about Dutch History of Christmas Treats With Peter Rose

Puritans, Prussians, and the History of Christmas Cards

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First Xmas card by John Callcott HorsleyNew York has important associations with the formation of what is now considered a traditional American Christmas. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “Twas The Night Before Christmas”) was first published in the Troy Sentinel in 1823; The Albany Evening Journal ran an advertisement on December 17, 1841, that is believed to be the first time Santa Clause was used to advertise a store; and America’s first Christmas card was published in Albany in 1850/51.

Recently two rare printings of the first commercially printed Christmas card, published in England, have been announced for sale at auction. The cards depicts a family toasting with glasses of red wine. Commissioned by Henry Cole and designed by John Callcott Horsley, it carries the message “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You.” [Read more…] about Puritans, Prussians, and the History of Christmas Cards

Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse Nominated to NYS Register of Historic Places

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1850 Ichabod Crane SchoolhouseThe Columbia County Historical Society has announced the ca. 1850 Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse, located on Route 9H in Kinderhook, has been nominated to the New York State Register of Historic Places after a unanimous vote by the State Board for Historic Preservation.

The nomination will now be reviewed by the National Park Service for inclusion on the National Register. A second Columbia County structure, the Harder Mill in Hudson, was also nominated. [Read more…] about Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse Nominated to NYS Register of Historic Places

Joseph Pollet Self-Portrait Acquired by Woodstock Historical

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Joseph C. Pollet (1897–1979) “Self Portrait” after conservationBorn in Switzerland, Joseph C. Pollet (1897–1979) emigrated to New York City in 1911 from Albbruck, Germany. By age 21 he had a promising career as an advertising copywriter, while studying painting at the Art Students League with John Sloan, Robert Henri, and Homer Boss.

An important member of the Woodstock Art Colony, Pollet was best known for his portraits and realistic rural landscapes. He settled near Woodstock where he retained ties, even during the several years from 1954 until 1961 when he lived in Paris and Italy. In 1971, a fire destroyed nearly 150 of his paintings in his Greenwich Village studio. [Read more…] about Joseph Pollet Self-Portrait Acquired by Woodstock Historical

Forest Rangers Called On To Recover Two Bodies From Upstate Backcountry

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Recovery Mission in Niles (DEC photo)New York State Forest Rangers were called on twice this past weekend to recover deceased bodies from Upstate New York’s backcountry. [Read more…] about Forest Rangers Called On To Recover Two Bodies From Upstate Backcountry

Jay Heritage Center Recognized for Excellence in Historic Preservation

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The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) was honored with a New York State Historic Preservation Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Achievement last week in recognition of its rehabilitation and stewardship of the Jay Estate Gardens.

The award was one of only ten conferred this year for excellence in the preservation and revitalization of New York State’s historic and cultural resources. It was the only award made to a Westchester County non-profit. [Read more…] about Jay Heritage Center Recognized for Excellence in Historic Preservation

$25M in Improvements Planned for Olana State Historic Site

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Frederic Church Center, View from Lakeside Terrace to WestOlana State Historic Site will undergo a $25 million site improvement project over the next two years, including construction of the Frederic Church Center for Art and Landscape, a new entry and orientation facility at the historic site in Hudson, Columbia County.

The sustainably designed, all-electric Frederic Church Center will be a gateway to all visitors to Olana State Historic Site [Read more…] about $25M in Improvements Planned for Olana State Historic Site

1,300 Acres Protected in Taconic Mountains

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Taconic Ridge State Forest Acquisition Map1,300 acres of forest and grasslands in the Taconic Mountains in the town of Berlin, Rensselaer County, has been protected by the State of New York.

The recent acquisition will connect the Taconic Ridge and Berlin State Forests, preserve open space, and expand recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about 1,300 Acres Protected in Taconic Mountains

11 Nominations for State and National Registers of Historic Places

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Avalon Knitting Company MillThe New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended adding 11 properties to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

The nominations include a twentieth-century piano player factory in Syracuse, a rare nineteenth-century stone general store in Millville, a historic cemetery in the Town of East Hampton and a historic district in Lansingburgh. [Read more…] about 11 Nominations for State and National Registers of Historic Places

William Henry Arlt’s Painting ‘Flowers’ Being Conserved

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Flowers, William H. Arlt, 1949The Historical Society of Woodstock‘s goal of conserving works in need of care in its fine art collection received a boost this month when the Historical Society was awarded a grant of $2,750 to conserve an important floral still life on paper by William Henry Arlt (1868-1952).

The grant, from New York State Council on the Arts and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network’s Conservation Grant Program, will be used to conserve the gouache which dates from 1949. [Read more…] about William Henry Arlt’s Painting ‘Flowers’ Being Conserved