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Where in the Hudson Valley…?
Last month’s quiz featured a one-room schoolhouse that was visible from one of the Valley’s major thoroughfares. Many of you know exactly where it is — on Route 9, just north of the intersection of Route 301 in Cold Spring, Putnam County. The former District 8 school now sits within the boundaries of Clarence Fahnestock State Park, but when it was built in 1874 it was on property belonging to the LaDues, a prominent local family.
August’s “Where in the Hudson Valley” winner is Jean Roberts of Cold Spring. She receives a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Check out this month’s contest on the back page.
Funny you should feature this building. I have passed it for years and always thought it would be a great place in which to live. Without ever seeing its interior, I fantasized about how I would remodel it. Several years ago, it appeared to have acquired a new roof, and I thought someone was renovating it for occupancy.
Gil Longin
Crompond, NY
I have driven past this building for many, many years and always wondered why no one used it as a visitors center or place to meet before hikes in the area.
Rand Bridget Otten
PARC/Partners with PARC
Brewster, NY
Please tell your readers that the nearby grounds are loaded with poison ivy. A few years back, I visited the area to do some photography and literally waded through it. I held my camera above my head at an open rear window to take some shots inside and they came back remarkably good, showing the building interior to be in quite good condition. No, luckily, I didn’t get covered with poison ivy.
Derry Dubetsky
Wappingers Falls, NY
I have passed this lovely building since at least 1962 when I used to commute between New York City and our cabin in Fishkill. I have been a full-time Hyde Park resident for the past 35 years. But I still love to see this small and beautiful structure. Just today I drove past it and wished that we had purchased it long ago, as it has always been empty.
Marilyn Hoffner Greenberg
Hyde Park
More legacies
I wanted to thank you for your kind recognition in “35 People Who Have Created A Lasting Legacy” in the July issue of Hudson Valley. It was an honor to be included among such illustrious individuals. Let me also congratulate you on celebrating the 35th anniversary of Hudson Valley. It is a fine magazine that has truly become an institution in our area. You and your colleagues should be very proud of this milestone.
Dennis J. Murray
President, Marist College
You mention A.J. Downing, but the real 19th-century architect was A.J. Davis. Downing was a tastemaker only; he and Davis were partners at one time — at the request of Downing. Davis left important historical houses now under protection all along the Hudson River, such as Lyndhurst, Locust Grove, and Montgomery Place to mention a few. You ought to have a separate article on A.J. Davis.
Lea Etta Canter
Poughkeepsie
Victorious Vet
I am writing to thank you for including me in the story “Heroes on the Hill” (March 2007). I went into the hospital when your issue came out, and have just returned home from several operations. Plus, I was competing in the 27th annual Veteran Wheelchair Games in June. The article was very encouraging, and it has inspired others here at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, TN. Thanks for your support of the troops, and for making me proud.
Anthony L. Smith
Retired, Major
U.S. Army
