The Stone Barn at Pleasant Valley

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1931

The fourteenth annual pilgrimage of this society was held on September 17. It was participated in by one hundred and fifty members who motored to Kinderhook, Columbia County, where they were met by a large delegation from the Columbia County Historical Society and entertained at its headquarters, the House of History, a fine, old Colonial house in the village of Kinderhook. Here was spent a pleasant hour viewing the home of their sister society and enjoying basket lunches. Then they proceeded down the old post road, past the old Van Alen house, said to have been the home of Catrina Van Tassell, the heroine of Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and the little white schoolhouse where her whilom admirer, Ichabod Crane, presided, to Lindenwald, the Van Ness homestead and, later, the home of Martin Van Buren. Here Mrs. de Prosse, the present owner, assisted by Mrs. Come, the efficient president of the Columbia County Historical Society, made our pilgrims welcome and exhibited the fine, old mansion and its contents, most of which have been preserved just as they were when the house was occupied by President Van Buren.

Martin Van Buren was not the only famous personage to live here. Its builder and owner, Peter Van Ness, was a famous lawyer and judge. It was here that Washington Irving lived, secretary to Judge Van Ness, and it was here, in this rural Dutch community, in full view of the "Old Man of the Mountains" across the river in the Catskills, that he found the originals of Brom, Catrina and Rip Van Winkle.

After the pilgrims had fully explored the old place, they gathered in the spacious hallway and parlors and listened to an interesting historical talk by Major Albert Callan, about the old house and the famous men who had occupied it.

OFFICAL PROGRAM PLAN OF PILGRIMAGE

The Dutchess County Historical Society is to meet the Columbia County Historical Society at Kinderhook and the members of the two organizations are to visit in company the estate called Lindenwald , which was formerly the home of Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, and which is

now owned by Mrs. William De Prosse.

The pilgrimage committee is greatly indebted to Mrs. Charles J. Come, President of the Columbia County Historical Society, for her cordial cooperation in making the arrangements for this pilgrimage.

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ROUTE OF PILGRIMAGE

At 10.00 a. m. (D. S. T.) pilgrims will assemble on the Albany Post Road. The leader's car will park on the Flatts, south of the village of Hyde Park, immediately opposite the entrance to the estate of Governor Roosevelt.

Please be prompt.

From the starting point the cars will proceed north on the Post Road.

The route passes through Hyde Park, Staatsburg, Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Upper Red Hook, Nevis, Clermont, Blue Stores and Livingston to the city of Hudson.

When Hudson is reached watch for blue and yellow paper streamers. They will begin at the first right hand turn as the city is entered and will mark a short cut across town to the Albany Post Road.

From Hudson the route continues over the Post Road directly to Kinderhook.

From Hyde Park to Kinderhook the distance is approximately 50 miles.

ARRANGEMENT FOR LUNCH The leader's car will stop at the headquarters of the Columbia County Historical Society, a large brick house in the village of Kinderhook on the west side of the main street just south of the four corners at the center of the village.

Tables and chairs will be provided, on the lawn if the day is fair, in the house if it is wet.

The house is in the style of 1812 and is well worth visiting.

TRIP To LINDENWALD

After lunch a whistle will be blown to signal assembly.

Fifteen minutes will be allowed for entering cars.

A second whistle will signal the start.

Arriving at Lindenwold pilgrims will assemble on the lawn if the day is fair or in the house if it is wet to listen to the story of the place, which will be told by a representative of the Columbia County Historical Society.

After the address the house will be visited. A nominal admission fee of twenty-five cents is charged.

From Lindenwold pilgrims will disperse for home at individual convenience.

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