Ulster County Pilgrimage

ULSTER COUNTY PILGRIMAGE OCTOBER 16, 1971

by Walter Averill

Just under 100 members of the Dutchess County Historical Society and their guests set forth on a pilgrimage in Ulster County on Saturday, October 16, 1971. This was the first pilgrimage held by our Society in Ulster County, and from comments of members, it was well enjoyed by all.

The first stop was at Huguenot Street in New Paltz. Here the group was divided into smaller numbers and at each house on the "oldest street in America with its original houses", guides led us through, telling of its history, architecture and furniture. Kenneth E. Hasbrouck, president of the Huguenot Historical Society, was everywhere to be sure all members of our Society enjoyed their visit. The excellent condition of each structure certainly warrants its distinction as a National Historic Landmark.

From New Paltz, the motor coaches took this group to the Old Dutch Church in Kingston. Highlights of the history of this church, which dates back to 1659, were reviewed. The "new" church was built in 1852, but the burial ground around the church testifies that the congregation has been there continuously for a much longer period. Here is the grave of George Clinton, first Governor of New York State. There is a unique monument at one corner of the property. Erected by General Sharpe in memory of his men, the deed for the land on which the monument stands was made out to the monument. Thus, it is not possible to transfer title and then move the monument.

Members then took their picnic luncheons to the Church's Sunday school where the Ladies Auxiliary served dessert and coffee.

The next stop was at the nearby Senate House and Museum, where we were cordially greeted by the Curator, Mr. Herbert Cutler. The stone building where our New York State Senate held its first meeting in 1777 was 101 years at that time. Built by Colonel Wessel Ten Broeck in 1676, it remained in that family until acquired by the State in 1888. The adjacent museum, built in 1930, contains many paintings by John Vanderlyn, an artist of the famed "Hudson River School."

From Kingston, the tour followed the "Old Mine Road," said to be the first inland road in New York. The first village was Hurley, another beautiful locality with pre-Revolutionary houses on both sides of the street. The State government fled here when the British burned Kingston in 1777, but did not stay long and chose Poughkeepsie as its next Capital.

John Remensnyder, president of the Ulster County Historical Society, welcomed our group at the Bevier House in Marbletown, headquarters and museum of that Society. Here is a Victorian room and an early Federal room, as well as many Indian artifacts and other material. Of particular interest is the excellent collection of early farm tools.

The tour then led through Stone Ridge where there are also many early stone houses. At High Falls, the route crossed the once busy D & H canal. Remnants of the canal and cement mines and kilns were noticed along the road as the tour headed homeward. Adding to the pleasure of a very successful day was the excellent foliage seen everywhere.

29