Where in the Valley: Picturing History

Paintings by local artists enliven a bygone port town

Displayed on the side of a 9,000-square-foot former warehouse — which now hosts performing arts events, farmers’ markets, and exhibitions — these paintings (there are 10 of them) depict historic scenes associated with this revitalized upper Valley town. Painted on outdoor sign board — and finished with a special coating which protects the paint from fading in the sun — these artworks portray well-known nearby sites, such as the home of a founder of the Hudson River School, and one of the state’s tallest waterfalls. Created by Valley artists, these works were chosen to adorn the building as part of the town’s 2009 Quadricentennial celebrations.

The warehouse is situated on the banks of a creek which flows into the Hudson; the spot was a bustling port in the 1800s. The warehouse has been home to a number of business ventures over the years, including several taverns, hotels, a slaughterhouse, and a ferry wharf. During the late 19th century, as many as 400,000 travelers passed through the port each year on their way to a very popular Valley hostelry (which no longer exists, but which is shown in one of the paintings pictured above).

Do you know the whereabouts of this artfully decorated warehouse? If so, send us your answer as a comment in the box below. (And an extra gold star if you can identify the famous hotel.) The first reader with the correct response wins a prize. And here’s to another 400 years of Valley history.

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