Built originally around 1755 by Stephen Sloat, Harmony Hall functioned simultaneously as a family home and a roadside inn along the New York-to-Albany stage route. Because of its strategic location in the narrow Ramapo Pass, the tavern transformed into a vital military station during the American Revolution. [Read more…] about The Seven Taverns Which Saved the Ramapo Pass
Ramapo
240 Acres Preserved in Rockland County
The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Rockland County are celebrating the conservation of the “Eagle Valley Assemblage,” nearly 240 acres that is hoped will safeguard an important clean water source, strengthen a corridor of undeveloped land between Sterling Forest and Harriman State Parks, and enhance regional recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about 240 Acres Preserved in Rockland County
A Revolutionary War Terrorist in New York
During the American Revolution the Ramapo Valley in southern New York was a hotbed of controversy as tensions rose between the Enlightenment inspired Patriots fighting for freedom from English rule and those conservatives who remained loyal to the Crown.
Although acts of violence were committed by both sides, one person clearly stands out – Claudius Smith (1736-1779), the notorious Loyalist guerilla leader. [Read more…] about A Revolutionary War Terrorist in New York
Six Historic Preservation Projects Get Much-Needed Private Funding
Six capital projects will receive funding from The Preservation League of NYS’s Preservation Opportunity Fund, which provides funding for urgent historic preservation projects. The creation of the Preservation Opportunity Fund in 2024 allows the League to have an immediate impact on historic sites in need of maintenance and repair. [Read more…] about Six Historic Preservation Projects Get Much-Needed Private Funding
State Parks’ Post-War Pools and Bathhouses
As New York’s state park system continued to develop in the post-war era, buildings and features accommodating an expanding range of functions were needed to meet the surge of visitation that followed the end of the war.
Among these were pool complexes, such as at James Baird State Park in the Taconic region in Dutchess County, NY. While the swimming pool no longer exists, the complex’s keynote feature — the bathhouse (1950) — remains. [Read more…] about State Parks’ Post-War Pools and Bathhouses
Harmony Hall: The Historic Jacob Sloat House
The latest episode of the Crossroads of Rockland History podcast turns attention to the historic Jacob Sloat house, also known as Harmony Hall, in Sloatsburg.
Originally called Harmony Hall, the Sloat house is located on Liberty Rock Road in Sloatsburg, Rockland County, NY. Built in the late 1840s, the home shows the transition from the waning Greek Revival style to the newer Picturesque and Italianate architectural modes. [Read more…] about Harmony Hall: The Historic Jacob Sloat House
More Than A Dozen Wildfires Reported Across New York State
Recent dry and windy conditions have resulted in numerous wildfires across New York State. Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers responded to eight wildland fires in seven counties on Wednesday, October 23rd alone.
The causes of these fires include unattended campfires and debris burning. Multiple tickets were issued for leaving campfires unattended and not clearing three feet around a fire. [Read more…] about More Than A Dozen Wildfires Reported Across New York State
Rockland County Place Names: Some History
On the June 2024 episode of the Crossroads of Rockland History podcast Joe Barbieri of the New City Library explores Rockland County place names such as Bulsontown, Stagg’s Corners, Hyenga Lake, Mosestown, Woodburn, Warren and more. Valuable tools and tips for place name research were also discussed. [Read more…] about Rockland County Place Names: Some History
Rockland County Historic Preservation Awards Announced
Since 1991, the Historical Society of Rockland County has presented nearly 100 awards to public agencies, private individuals, community-based and religious organizations in recognition of their preservation efforts in Rockland County, NY. [Read more…] about Rockland County Historic Preservation Awards Announced
The Avon Company’s Historic Roots in Rockland County, NY
Beginning as the California Perfume Company, the Avon company called Suffern, NY home for more than a century, making it one of the longest continuously running businesses in Rockland County. Host Clare Sheridan welcomed Rockland County Historian Craig Long back to the program for a lively discussion about the history of Avon, its impact on Rockland County, and the role women, including the first “Avon lady” P.F.E. Albee, played in its success. [Read more…] about The Avon Company’s Historic Roots in Rockland County, NY
Burgess Meredith & Rockland County History
On the September 2022 episode of Crossroads of Rockland History, we turned our attention to the life and legacy of the actor Burgess Meredith, who lived in the village of Pomona, in Ramapo, NY for thirty years.
Meredith’s son, Jonathan Meredith, joined Clare Sheridan to share memories of his father, growing up in Rockland County, and his father’s eclectic group of creative friends and neighbors, including Charles Addams, Maxwell Anderson, Alan Jay Lerner, and more. [Read more…] about Burgess Meredith & Rockland County History