Where in the Hudson Valley…?
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There’s certainly no shortage of historic landmarks planted in seemingly odd locations in the Valley. While once-thriving factories and warehouses fade away, only the hardiest structures remain as symbols of our industrial past — and often, they stick out like sore thumbs. Case in point: Pougkheepsie’s Sedgwick Machine Works building, which rises from the riverfront adjacent to the Metro-North rail line. Contest winner Charles Slutzky of Hunter writes: “[Both] our city hall and our company [I & O.A. Slutzky, Inc.], built in the early ’70s, have Sedgwick elevators.” Though the factory itself has been destroyed, Sedgwick’s lifts continue their service throughout the area, keeping a bit of history alive. This month, click here to test your knowledge on a lively mural celebrating waterfront life in the Valley.
I know this landmark quite well, as my grandfather was Robert (Bob) Sedgwick, the former owner. His factory was located off Fox Street along the riverfront in the City of Poughkeepsie, just north of Central Hudson. My grandfather passed away in 1989, but he had retired and sold the company in the early ’80s. I was deeply saddened when the factory caught fire and burned in 2002. When I travel Route 9, I always smile and think of my grandfather when I see that small piece of my family history, the Sedgwick Machine Works tower, still standing and bearing his name.
Amanda Fanuele
Pleasant Valley
Stair Galleries has a Sedgwick freight elevator still in use; it’s actually how we move most of the goods we auction between floors. I believe it dates back to 1900 and was motorized around 1915.
Walter Hill
Stair Galleries
Hudson
Guitar hero
The articles on People to Watch (January) were right on the money, especially the piece on Connor Kennedy. I was lucky enough to see him play twice: once at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, and another at the Falcon in Marlboro. Both times he sat with the Jay Collins Band (another great band). When Connor walked on stage, I said to a friend, “He looks about 16 years old.” (I wasn’t that far off.) Well, he proceeded to really tear it up. With me being a huge guitar fan, he made me an instant admirer.
I’m looking forward to seeing Connor and his own band around the Valley. The future looks good — rock it!
Doug Lucy
Fishkill
