Architectural Firm Chosen - Columbia County Historical Society

Summer • Fall 2003
Architectural Firm Chosen
John G. Waite Associates Begins Van Alen Restoration
The architectural firm
of John G.Waite
Associates has been
chosen to guide the Society’s
$350,000 restoration project
at the 1737 Luykas Van Alen
House. In keeping with
guidelines set by the major
grantors for the project – the
U.S. Department of the
Interior’s “Save America’s
Treasures” program and the
NYS Environmental
Protection Fund – detailed
proposals were solicited from
three highly qualified firms
specializing in restoration
architecture.The choice was
not an “easy call” for the
Buildings and Grounds
Committee, as all are distinguished
firms with proven
track records, award-winning
projects to their names and excellent references
(to whom of course we spoke). After
carefully studying the proposals, which
included scope of work, timelines, qualifications,
etc., we chose the Waite firm. One
advantage of this choice is that they are the
architects who researched and prepared the
Historic Structure Report on the Van Alen
House, so they are thoroughly familiar with
the house and the problems we will be
correcting.
John G.Waite Associates, Architects,
with offices in Albany and New York, NY, is
a nationally recognized leader in the preservation
and restoration of historic buildings.
They have received more than forty national,
state and regional historic preservation awards,
most recently for their work directing the
restoration of the Tweed Courthouse in
New York City. Much press was engendered
recently by the opening at the Peabody
Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts of
Yin Yu Tang, an eighteenth
century Chinese residence
from Anhui province that was
dismantled, shipped and reerected
at the Museum under
the firm’s direction.They are
currently directing the
restoration of the Baltimore
Cathedral, completed in
1821 and designed by
Benjamin Henry Latrobe,
America’s first professional
architect and designer of the
U.S. Capitol. Other projects
have been Mount Vernon,
Monticello, Jefferson’s
University of Virginia buildings,
the Lincoln Memorial
and The Mount in Lenox,
Mass.We feel we are in good
hands!
The Waite team has been
carefully examining the Van
Alen structure, preparing drawings and writing
specifications. Some steps in the project
have already been completed. A topographic
map has been prepared by surveyors to show
the existing grade contours adjacent to the
foundation.This has been used by the architects
to prepare the site plan for work needed
to provide water drainage away from the
building.Water is currently causing moisture
damage in the basement.The plan indicates
where re-grading will be necessary.
Continued on page 2
The scope of work to be done at the Van Alen House includes:
Repair of the historic roof structural system: rafters, tie beams, sheathing boards and top plate.
Replacement of the wood roof shingles.
Repair of the masonry parapet gable walls.
Re-pointing of the stone foundation.
Repairing deteriorated doorsills.
Replacement of the basement entrance door.
Re-grading to prevent water infiltration.
This work will be put out to bid and the bids reviewed this winter, so that construction may begin in Spring 2004.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As our summer winds down, we are “gearing up” for a very busy
fall season with school tours at our historic sites beginning in
September, inventorying our collections at the Van Alen House,
planning our holiday events and overseeing our restoration efforts
at both the Van Alen and Vanderpoel Houses.
The houses are now closed for the season but restoration
will be ongoing throughout the fall. Our “winter hours”
(Monday,Wednesday, Friday 10-4 and some Saturdays 1-4) have
now gone into effect at the Museum, but we are working full
time behind the scenes!
It is with the greatest pleasure that I report to our membership
that federal and state funding, as well as private donations,
have, to date, supported the initial stages of the restoration projects
at the Van Alen and Vanderpoel Houses. You may have
noticed a boarded up window or two at the Vanderpoel House.
Each window sash is being removed and restored, then replaced
once the wood framing is repaired.This project will save the
original windows and will protect the collection from water
damage.
The Van Alen House project is underway, as you will see in
the lead article in this issue of The Bulletin.The drawings and
specifications for the roof and brickwork are nearing completion.
This fall we will see archeologists at the site to determine
whether the soil has been previously disturbed.The furnishings
will be removed this winter before the roof restoration begins in
the spring.
Work at the Museum has been completed! This summer we
repaired the roof, installed new gutters and snow guards, replaced
the damaged entry to the basement, and repaired the rear
entrance door; all with state funds from a Legislative Initiative.
Nearing the end of my twelfth year as Executive Director, it
gives me a great sense of satisfaction to administer these restoration
projects and to witness the recognition that our historic sites
are now afforded by both federal and state agencies as well as
foundations, businesses and individuals in our community.This is
the culmination of years of grant writing and fundraising and we
are very proud to be a part of it!
Sharon S. Palmer
Drawing of parapet gable wall,Van Alen House
Van Alen article continued from page 1
In the next step, about to begin as we go to press, Hartgen
Archeological Associates will prepare test pits in various locations
around the building where re-grading is planned.These test pits
will determine whether the site has been previously disturbed or
not. It is a sampling technique to determine if buried artifacts will
likely be disturbed during the re-grading process.Archeologists
will also be on hand during that re-grading process to monitor
for any disturbance of historic conditions.
The drawings and specifications now being prepared describe
in detail the complete project requirements for the contractors to
bid on.The Historic Preservation Field Services Bureau of the NYS
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will review all
drawings and specifications for compliance with the Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation It will also monitor the
work during construction.This is a requirement in both the federal
and state grants.We will keep you posted on this large, exciting —
and vital — project.And please remember, we still need to complete
raising the matching funds required by the grants.
Development Committee Approaching
County Businesses This Fall
Chairman Nick Biggs has announced that his Development
Committee decided to concentrate their outreach efforts this fall
on broadening our already gratifying support from the Columbia
County business community. We will be talking to businesses large
and small throughout our area, pointing out how our properties
are tourism destinations and how our programs, including
exhibits, publications and education, improve the quality of life,
and therefore the business climate, in Columbia County. If you are
a member of the business community and would like to help, or
have contacts that may be useful to the Committee, please call
(518) 758-9265, so that Nick can confer with you.
2
Interior view of
existing condition of
parapet gable wall

Fall Education Programs
School tours of the Van Alen House and the Ichabod Crane
Schoolhouse begin in mid -September and continue through
October. Students learn about Dutch architecture and life on the
Van Alen Farm by participating in hands-on activities that include
making cookies from a 18th century recipe and cleaning and
weaving flax. At the Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse, students take part
in spelling and arithmetic lessons, memorize poetry and learn the
Palmer Method of penmanship.
Student visitors to the Museum will use the photographs from
the Wooden Churches exhibit and other documents from our collection
to discover more about learning from primary sources.
CCHS museum educator Ruth Ellen Berninger will lead a
panel discussion by the Columbia County Educators Forum on
their CD-ROM/History Box Project at the Mid-Atlantic Association
of Museums conference in October. The conference, entitled
“Museums Meet the Collaboration Challenge,” focuses on partnerships
created by museums to further their missions and expand
their audiences.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
OF THE BOARD
Your Society is moving fast these days, accomplishing a great deal
we think, and we need your help to keep the progress rolling!
As you can read in these pages, every one of our buildings
is being or has been worked on (the improvements to the
Museum structure discussed in the last issue have been completed).
Columbia County History & Heritage has grown to new
heights of fascinating content and community response—and
new girth as well, a full 32 pages already! Our education initiatives
have garnered still more recognition, both within and outside
the area we serve.This June’s First Columbians benefit was
by far the most successful ever. Internally, we have completely
revamped and modernized our accounting system. Membership
stands at an all-time high.The beauty of this year’s book and
major exhibit, Arthur Baker’s Wooden Churches: Columbia County
Legacy, has brought us praise from far beyond our region. And
hundreds of us have just enjoyed Kelley Love’s orchestra concert
on the Van Alen grounds.
A litany of self praise for Board and staff No.A description
of hard work paying off, lots of hard work by Board and staff and
many volunteers. But I shouldn’t call it work; that suggests something
onerous and we all truly enjoy our efforts for the Society.
We are preserving and passing on something very precious.We
are involved in all kinds of interesting projects involving all kinds
of skills.We are meeting and cementing friendships with people
of common interest, who bring to our efforts all kinds of different
perspectives and backgrounds.We are having fun!
Won’t you join us Being involved in planning and
executing the programs of the Society will make your CCHS
experience so much richer.
Please phone Sharon Palmer at (518) 758-9265 to discuss
how to get involved and she will have one of the committee
chairs get in touch with you.Thank you!
Stephan M. Mandel
Arthur Baker and Ruth Piwonka signing books at the
opening of the Wooden Churches exhibit, May 24, 2003
Vanderpoel Window Restoration Begins
After reviewing the proposals of three highly qualified contractors with extensive experience in preservation and restoration,
the Buildings and Grounds Committee chose Phil Holbrook of Architectural Conservation in Malden Bridge to handle the restoration
of the windows in the Vanderpoel House.This work is partially funded by a matching grant from the Regional Community Historic
Preservation Benefit Fund and the contractor’s detailed proposal was submitted for approval to the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
On August 7th a sash was removed from an upstairs window on the west (back) façade and the opening boarded up.The sash was
taken into the contractor’s shop, where necessary repairs and restoration will be done to the rails, mullions and muntins and fresh glazing
compound applied as well as new glass, where required.Whatever work proves necessary will then be done on the window frame and the
sash rehung and painted the color that analysis shows to be original.When the Buildings and Grounds Committee approves the work on
the first window, the contractor will follow a similar procedure on the remaining windows, one façade at a time.
We anticipate that all the windows will be completed before winter sets in.We are assessing the state of the hardware that held the
shutters and as each façade is completed, the restored and repainted shutters will be rehung.
3

Additions to the Society’s Collection
The Society receives a wide range of objects, photographs, and records for its collection, and we are most appreciative of the many donors who
have offered items for the collection or given us funds with which to purchase items not otherwise available.
The Society’s Collections Policy authorizes it to acquire objects and manuscripts which document the history of Columbia County, particularly
items made or used by county residents. We also maintain an extensive and growing research library of books and vertical files on
Columbia County family and local history, including books and articles which relate the county’s history to its regional and national context.
Materials which tell the story of community organizations throughout the county, such as churches, philanthropic groups, social clubs, sports
groups, business and professional organizations, and entertainment societies would be most helpful in expanding this part of our collection. As
you will see from the following list, we have received a number of school yearbooks from our request for school related memorabilia.We continue
to actively solicit these for all county schools, but particularly for New Lebanon, Germantown, Taconic Hills, and the private schools.
Other items, including band or sports uniforms, club records, or photographs are also desired.
If you have any items which may be appropriate to add to our collections, please call the curator, Helen M. McLallen, at 758-9265. We
are always interested in new acquisitions that help us preserve Columbia County’s history.
The following is a continuation of a list of our recent acquisitions since the Fall 2001 - Winter 2002 Newsletter:
Accession
Number
Donor or Source of Material and Description of Object(s)
2000.24 Georgia Leonard: Scrapbooks for the Niverville Neighbors Club, c1959-1976.
2000.25 G. Gerard Rielly:Two stereocards of the Peter Van Schaack house, Kinderhook.
2000.26 Sharon and William Palmer: Commemorative plate for the Columbia County Bicentenary, 1986.
2000.2 Heinz Grossjohann: Gas price signs, record book, and photographs of the Wilkins coalyard, hardware store, and gas station in Kinderhook,
and dairy herd records for Otto T. Hofmeister’s “Twin Acres” farm, Kinderhook.
2000.28 Harry van Dyke: Cast iron fireback, dated 1743, believed to have been cast at the Livingston furnace in Ancram.
2000.29 Bertha Petith: Atlas of Columbia County, New York, by D. G. Beers & Co., 1873, rebound.
2000.30 Sara Schubert: Commemorative keychain for the 150th anniversary of Hudson River Bank & Trust Company, 2000, and copy of Existing
Conditions Study of the Kinderhook Reformed Church, by Marilyn Kaplan, August 2000.
2000.31 Richard Harder: Harder’s Express memorabilia, including banner, company jacket, paperweight, seals, and photographs.
2000.32 Mary Field Briggs: Postcard of the Kingman House, North Chatham, owned by the donor’s grandfather, Edward H. Harvey,
from 1906 to 1922.
2000.33 Edwin R. Simonsen: Photograph of Eleanor Roosevelt at the dedication of the Ichabod Crane schoolhouse as a community center, taken by
Harriet Simonsen.to Emma Coons Kirchhofer, the Hudson Garden Club, and the activities of various Columbia County garden clubs,
c1920s-1960s
2000.34 Sandra J. Florio, donated in memory of Arthur Hegarty: Receipts, postcards, photographs, and programs, most relating to Philmont,
Chatham, and Hudson schools, churches, and businesses.
2000.35 Steven Beatty: Gas ration card for Samuel Winslow, Hudson, c1942.
2000.36 Alyce Cresap: Bills, receipts, and correspondence from Clermont, Greenport, and Hudson area businesses.
2000.37 Isabel French: Chatham Courier, August 4, 1880, reprint.
2000.38 Jill Leinung: Bar Mitzvah invitations for Daniel Leinung, 1997, and Andrew Leinung, 2000.
2000.39 Steven Berninger and Catherine Berninger Kukan: Items from the estate of Nelson Berninger, Chatham, including Columbia County
Agricultural Society Board of Director’s Chatham Fair shirt, 1995, Chatham Fair commemorative thermometer, 1984, Columbia Court
#100, Order of the Amaranth, Chatham, cookbook, 1973, and Chatham Central School yearbooks for 1965, 1966, and 1971.
2000.40 Michael O’Sullivan: September 1939 issue of the Lone Star Safety News, letters photographs, and invitations relating to Dorothy E.
Christiana, Hudson, and Hudson High School yearbook, 1927.
2000.41 Kinderhook Memorial Library: 3 volumes of the records of the Kinderhook Dutch Reformed Church, transcribed by the New York
Genealogical & Biographical Society, edited by Royden W.Vosburgh, 1920-1921.
2000.42 Juanita Knott: Program for the Crellin Park Annual Car Show, 2000.
2000.43 Juanita Knott: Minute book and account book from the Odd Fellows Grand Committee of Columbia District, Hudson, 1904-1932, and
Odd Fellows Lodge treasurer’s book, 1957-1978, apparently from the Valatie and Kinderhook area.
2000.44 Steven and Ruth Ellen Berninger: Columbia County Agricultural Society Board of Directors’ shirt with the 150th fair logo.
2000.45 Friends of Olana: Part of a letter from Philip Parker, Hudson, to Timothy Green, New York, 1805.
2000.46 CCHS purchase: Sheet music Songs of Copake, 1925, and Hudson Aqueduct Company document, early 19th century.
2000.47 CCHS purchase: Booklet on the Burden Iron mines, 1883.
2001.1 Muriel Asbornsen: Hanging-style farm scale, from the McIlhenney farm, Stuyvesant.
2001.2 Harry D. Hamm: Diplomas, certificates, programs, and photograph related to the Dennis and Hamm families.
2001.3 Larry Gobrecht: Photographs of Kinderhook area buildings, 1989.
2001.4 Ruth Ellen Berninger: Hudson High School yearbook, 1929.
2001.5 Ruth Ellen Berninger: Muslin apron made and worn by members of the KinderKrafters for their annual craft fair.
2001.6 William Palmer: Engraving of Evening, Harlem River, by Arthur Parton, as published in American Modern Art, 1898.
2001.7 Grace and John Pickett: Clapper for the bell from the Kinderhook Methodist Church.
2001.8 Robert C. Gay: Hudson High School yearbooks, 1932-1935, 1961, and certificates, invitation, programs, and photograph relating to Hudson
High School and St. John’s Lutheran Church Sunday School.
2001.9 Aila Davis: Drugstore bottles for Washburn & Seymour Pharmacists, Chatham, and James J. Fox, Hudson.
2001.10 Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery: Columbia County postcards, mostly for Hillsdale, Claverack, Craryville, and Copake.
2001.11 Jeffrey Rigby: Risedorph Bottling Company bottle, Kinderhook.
2001.12 Bernardine Handler: Sheet music Lake Queechy [’neath the famous Berkshire Hills], 1922.
2001.13 Mary Rutherford: Photographs of the Vanderpoel house and Lindenwald.
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Additions to the Society’s Collection
2001.10 Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery: Columbia County postcards, mostly for Hillsdale, Claverack, Craryville, and Copake.
2001.11 Jeffrey Rigby: Risedorph Bottling Company bottle, Kinderhook.
2001.12 Bernardine Handler: Sheet music Lake Queechy [’neath the famous Berkshire Hills], 1922.
2001.13 Mary Rutherford: Photographs of the Vanderpoel house and Lindenwald.
2001.14 James E.Washburn: Appointment of Caleb Washburn as Ensign, 15th Regiment of Infantry in New York State, by Daniel D.Tompkins, early
19th century.
2001.15 Patrick Farrell: 2 paper napkins for Jannsen’s restaurant, Kinderhook.
2001.16 Marguerite Heald: Risedorph Beverages soda bottle.
2001.17 Marguerite Heald:Wooden crate for Risedorph Beverages soda bottles, cardboard apple box for Heald Orchard,Valatie, c1925 quilt made by
donor’s mother in Harlemville, and photographs of the Dexheimer,Winn, Hogeboom, Curtis, and Steitz families in the Harlemville area.
2001.18 William Palmer: Real estate advertisement for the property of Peter Van Buren Hoes, Kinderhook, c1960
2001.19 Charles J. McCullough:Wooden highchair, from the McKinstry family, and, according to McKinstry family history, used by John McKinstry
(“Captain McKinstry”) when he was a child.
2001.20 Sharon and William Palmer: Gifford Wood ice saw and wooden blade cover.
2001.21 Betty Miller: Maps of Columbia County, 1920s - 1950s.
2001.22 Mary Hester: Photographs of people, buildings, and activities in the Stuyvesant area.
2001.23 Julia Philip: Half-bushel plastic bag from Philip Orchard.
2001.24 Gerry Bowman: Letters and papers by and about George Coffin, a Columbia County soldier who died in the Civil War, and his father, Dr.
Silas N. Coffin, of East Chatham.
2001.25 Nellie J. and Joseph H. Ptaszek: Flour bags, photographs, account books, school attendance registers, receipts, billheads, invitations, advertisements,
catalog, letter, and newspapers relating to various Columbia County businesses and families, including the Red Mills and Hudson
Columbia Milling Company, Boston and Albany Railroad, Engel Feed Store, General Worth Hotel, Hoes Pump Works, Hillsdale Plow
Company, Rivenburgh Lumber Company, Rossman and McKinstry drugstore, and several local schools.
2001.26 Wendy Bopp: Photograph of the Vanderpoel house, and book of local history essays by county 7th-grade students, c1940s.
2001.27 Robert S. Jordan: Philmont and Mellenville Directory, 1895.
2001.28 First Presbyterian Church of Valatie: Account book for the Valatie Methodist Church, 1905-1907.
2001.29 First Presbyterian Church of Valatie: Certificates, diplomas, autograph book, and program relating to Phyllis Palmer of North Chatham.
2001.30 Karen Lasher: Diaries, memoranda books, recipe books, account and record books, photographs, correspondence, and other papers relating to
the Kittell family, Stuyvesant, Kinderhook, and Columbiaville areas.
2001.31 Alice Hine: Account book of Abraham Holdridge, 1773-c1798, Hillsdale.
2002.1 Vieve Gay: Garden Club of Kinderhook yearbook, 1952.
2002.2 Ruth Ellen Berninger: Photograph of Warren Street, Hudson, 1937.
2002.3 Ruth Ellen Berninger: Ichabod Crane Central School yearbook, 1973.
2002.4 Barbara Bartley: Bank of Columbia bank note, Hudson.
2002.5 Sandie Reizen: Appliqued and embroidered pillowcase, with Masonic symbol and “Kinderhook Chapter No. 264 Royal Arch Masons” and
“Valatie Lodge No. 362 F. and A. M.” (The Columbia County Historical Society’s museum building is the former Masonic Temple built
by the Kinderhook Chapter No. 264.)
2002.6 Wendy Bopp: Photographs of Lindenwald, South Bay, and the Appell house in Kinderhook.
2002.7 Wendy Bopp: Brochure for house tour sponsored by CCHS, 1971.
2002.8 Richard Hamm: Genealogy notes and research compiled by Harry D. Hamm.
2002.9 Bonnie and James Dunham:Warp print silk dress, c1850s, which belonged to either Catherine Van Alstyne or Catherine Pruyn Van Alystyne.
2002.10 Nancy Swinyard: Aerial photograph of the Ichabod Crane school, and program for the Sleepy Hollow Chorus and local barbershop quartets,
1973.
2002.11 Augusta A. Prince: Book, Claverack “Clover-Reach”, published by F. H.Webb, 1892.
2002.12 Valentine A. Farinacci: Specimens of type and printers’ tools.
2002.13 Ralph Duck: Bicentennial issue of the Register Star, July 4, 1976.
2002.14 Virginia Wagoner Booth: Four silk bodices, late 19th century, which belonged to members of the Wagoner family, Kinderhook.
2002.15 Kinderhook Reformed Church: Programs and brochures for church anniversaries and installations, 1912, 1927, 1982, and 1992.
2002.16 Estate of Harry van Dyke: Bayonet found on the Van Alen house property, c1960.
2002.17 Juanita Knott:Three dresses, c1930s-1940s, which belonged to Laura M. Clapper Snyder, and a pair of white silk pajamas and kimono sent to
the donor by her Navy pen pal while his ship was based off the Japanese coast after V-J day.
2002.18 Charles Semowich: Correspondence, programs, minutes, greeting cards, and other ephemera relating to Emma Coons Kirchhofer, the Hudson
Garden Club, and the activities of various Columbia County garden clubs, c1920s-1960s.
2002.19 Anonymous: Photographs from Werner Kirchhofer of local scenes and garden club activities, c1960s-1970s.
2002.20 Linda Bemiss: Hudson Hospital School of Nursing nurse’s uniform, belonged to Elgerita Hall Engel, class of 1932, and Girl Scout uniforms
from the 1950s and 1980s.
2002.21 William Palmer: Photographs of Crow Hill, Kinderhook.
2002.22 Florence Hunter: Hatbox from Jolen Millinery, Hudson.
2002.23 Peggy Frisbee Sommer: Advertising and political campaign materials, including matchbooks for Hudson City Savings Institution, Crandall
Theatre ad, campaign and commemorative buttons, 1959 program for the dedication of Mary E. Dardess Elementary School, c1994 Old
Chatham Hunt club program, and 1976 Northern Columbia Lions Club calendar.
2002.24 Albert S. Callan: Campaign and commemorative buttons, Chatham centennial ribbons and wooden nickels, parking permit for Bicentennial
Ball at Brightfields, 1975 invitation and program for the Wesley United Methodist Church of Malden Bridge, 1979 program to banquet
at the Spencertown Fire Company, and photograph of Old Chatham intersection with sign pointing to Chatham Center, Brainard, and
Chatham.
2002.25 Evelyn Monthie: Receipt from the Valatie Rough Notes, 1897, subscription postcard for the Chatham Courier, 1905, and coupon for soda,
ice cream, and potato chips from an unidentified Kinderhook/Valatie area business.
2002.26 Joan Hutton: Chatham Courier, May 20, 1903.
2002.27 Alice Hine: Spencertown area account book, c1858-1870
5

World War II Survey Project Stirs Memories From A Dedicated Museum Volunteer
1946,The Columbia County Board of Supervisors appointed a committee to compile biographies of the men and women who served in the military during World War II. Four
page surveys were distributed and completed (or not) by ex-servicemen or their families for the purpose of describing their participation in the war.
Thousands of files made their way to the Columbia County Historical Society through then committee chairman, Columbia County Historian and President of the Columbia
County Historical Society, James E. Leath, by way of the county libraries.The following is a wonderful account by Juanita Snyder Knott describing her involvement with this
mammoth project as a volunteer at the Society’s Museum in Kinderhook.
“I may have a project that would interest you” — Helen McLallen
remarked one day after I had expressed my satisfaction in organizing
research material into a readily accessible state….
The project then consisted of two four-drawer filing cabinets full
of folders, containing surveys of military personnel from World War
II, complete with family names, hometowns, induction dates and
locations, duration of service, campaigns and citations and ranks
received. Helen, with the help of several other dedicated volunteers
had begun to put the names and some of the pertinent information
into a database. My project was to check the entries against the original
forms, making corrections and then re-housing the surveys in
acid free folders.
Thousands of folders, taken a drawer-full at a time, were brought
upstairs from the storage area of the museum.The survey forms were
not always in alphabetical order, and not always complete. Some contained
scant information in a handwriting that I became very familiar
with – that of Fred L.Willis, who had acted as a secretary for the original
survey committee. Others had been filled out more thoroughly.
As each week passed I realized what a treasure I was working
with. Spending three or four hours a week on the surveys stirred
many memories for me. I recalled names of young men who, as high
school students, had been employed as summer help during haying
season at the Borden Farm where I grew up.Two favorite uncles had
completed and returned surveys. As a preteen I had chosen them as
pen-pals writing news of young cousins who were learning to walk,
talk and recognize “Daddy” from the photograph on the table. I
remembered a Roe-Jan classmate crying during a patriotic assembly
program — her older brother’s folder carried a gold star. This notation
indicated that the individual had been killed while on active
service.Yes, I certainly was interested in the project!
In January of 1996, fifty years after Chairman Leath, Secretary
Willis and Committeemen Albert Callan, Joseph Fagan, Edward
Frisbee, Gerard Hart, Raymond Harkins, Joseph Murell and Henry J.
Noerling began compiling data; I began making “re-housing” notes.
My appreciation for the enormous job of data collecting that
compiled the surveys grew month by month. As with all volunteer
projects, seasonal and personal agendas created delays but by the fall
of 1998 the last box of file folders was ready for re-housing. Coworkers
at the Museum became aware of my enthusiasm for the project
as I often interrupted them to have them listen to a discovered
story from the surveys, such as the comment noting “name changed
per order of the War Department” — (Cukerstein became Cooper),
or one where a woman had completed and returned a survey for her
brother, enclosing with it a copy of a letter he had written to her
describing D-Day.
My very favorite part of each survey were the few lines on that last
page where space was left and comments invited — how I wished everyone
had taken the time to express themselves. The range of responses
from the ones who did write something in that comment space were
mini stories that as a reader I enjoyed and for future generations is a real
eye-opener into “how Uncle Jim felt about his service time!”
A final review of the computer data was conducted to ensure that
the list, now 180 pages long, with over 5,000 names was complete.
This final guide to the collection of World War II surveys, with an
introduction, will be bound and placed in the genealogical section of
the Historical Society’s Library.
Nearly 400 Attend Labor Day Concert
On Sunday,August 31, one of the most beautiful
days of the summer of 2003, the
Historical Society hosted a concert on the
grounds of the Luykas Van Alen House, featuring
Pandemonia, a 34 piece orchestra
under the direction of Conductor/Arranger
Kelley Love. The Van Alen grounds and historic
house were opened at 1PM and nearly
400 concertgoers brought picnics to enjoy on
the lawn. To the delight of the audience,
Pandemonia performed popular American
favorites, like Cole Porter’s “Get Out of
Town” and Michel Legrand’s “What Are You
Doing The Rest of Your Life”, given a contemporary
twist by Mr. Love’s skillful arrangements.
The program also included many
original pieces by Mr. Love.
Kelley moved to Columbia County six
months ago from the West Coast, where he
had a busy career as a conductor, composer,
pianist and orchestrator-producer. He has
musical scores pending for two films. He
characterizes the Pandemonia orchestra,
which he formed, as “smaller, more manageable
and more swinging than a symphony, but
larger than the traditional ‘big band’ and more
versatile, with a full string section.” In
California, Love was the Music Director and
Conductor of the Lomar Chamber Orchestra
and Guest Composer, Arranger and
Conductor with the Brentwood-Westwood
Symphony.
Corporate sponsorship is enabling the
Historical Society to devote all ticket income
to the Van Alen restoration, architectural work
for which is already underway.We are so grateful
to the Berkshire Telephone Company,
Century 21 Realty/Lynn Strunk and John
Hannam, Connor, Curran & Schram, P.C.,
Crawford & Associates, Hudson River Bank &
Trust Co.,The Kleeber Agency,The National
Union Bank of Kinderhook, New York
Designer Fabric Outlet and Stair Galleries and
Restoration for their generosity.
6
Photo ©Patrick Harbron 2003

Last Call For Preservation
Award Nominations
At the Annual Meeting on October 18th, the
Society will once again announce the
Columbia County Historical Society
Preservation Awards.The 2003 awards will go
to individuals and organizations who have
been leaders in advancing the cause of historic
preservation in the county and enlightening
our neighbors on local history. The
Awards Committee, under the chairmanship
of Albert Callan, is now accepting nominations
for this recognition. Please phone the
Society office at (518) 758-9265 if you have
any thoughts on persons or groups whom
you feel are deserving.
Also at the Annual Meeting we will
award the 2003 Harry van Dyke $1,000
Scholarship to an outstanding high school
history student.We are now receiving recommendations
of candidates from teachers and
guidance counselors.
A Back to School Gift
To encourage the student in your family who
has demonstrated an interest in history, why
not consider a gift membership in the
Society Our new Junior Membership for
students attending high school, college or
graduate school costs only $20 and includes
all regular privileges, including subscriptions
to Columbia County History & Heritage and
The Bulletin. Phone the Society now and
we’ll start your budding historian off with
the current publications, sent to them at
home or to their campus address
Schoolhouse Repairs
Underway
Last year we shored up the foundation of the
Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse and inserted
steel girders to better support the structure. It
has been our intention to cover the building’s
underpinnings with a latticework “skirt”
once all repairs are completed. These repairs
will include work on the entrance steps.This
spring we had preliminary carpentry work
done on corner posts, facia boards, soffit and
clapboards.
Then began a volunteer effort led by
Board member Brian Kelly, aided by Nick
and Kathy Biggs, Jim and Bonnie Eyre and
Steve Mandel, to scrape down the building
preparatory to repainting. We had a paint
sample analyzed by Doug Bucher of John G.
Waite Associates,Architects, and it was determined
that the original c.1850 colors on the
building were yellowish white on the clapboards,
with greenish brown trim.The Board
resolved to use these colors when we repaint.
However, the Building and Grounds
Committee is deferring the painting while
they determine whether the scraping effort
has revealed a need for further structural
repairs, what they may be, and what costs may
be entailed.
Historians Anne Poleschner (left) of Clermont,
Marguerite Riter center) of Germantown and
Mary Howell (right) of Livingston celebrate their
town’s histories in “Around Columbia County”,
the first in a series of exhibits at the Columbia County
Museum.Working with the Society’s staff, these
enthusiastic historians shared their knowledge and
artifacts from their townships for the display that will
continue until November 22nd. Photo, taken by
B.J. Pendergast at the exhibit opening on July 11th,
is courtesy of The Independent.
Columbia County History & Heritage
Preparations for the next issue of the Columbia County History & Heritage magazine scheduled to
appear in mid-November are already underway. Articles have been assigned, and our enthusiastic
writers are hopefully busy doing their research.We will be telling our readers some
interesting stories about some hitherto relatively unknown but important and/or unusual
houses scattered about the county.These may be houses that you have seen and wondered
about. Among other articles will be a salute to Chancellor Robert R. Livingston’s role in the
Louisiana Purchase 200 years ago showing the impact of that event upon our county’s history
and that of the nation.The issue promises to be a highly exciting and informative one for
our readers, and also an excellent showcase for our advertisers.
Jim Eyre
The “Columbia County Historical
Society Bulletin” is a newsletter
published periodically by the
Columbia County Historical Society,
5 Albany Avenue.
Kinderhook, NY 12106.
The Society is a private, not-forprofit
organization dedicated to the
preservation and interpretation of
Columbia County history.
President Stephan M. Mandel
Director Sharon S. Palmer
Design and production:
Mimi Forer & Ron Toelke Associates
7

October 18th
Save The Date
The Society’s Annual Meeting will be held
on Saturday, October 18th, at 10 AM at our
Columbia County Museum in Kinderhook.
In addition to transacting business including
the election of Directors and Officers, we
will be presenting the CCHS Preservation
Awards and the Harry van Dyke Scholarship.
And we will “show and tell” in some detail
the exciting restoration efforts underway at
our houses. For those of you who haven’t yet
seen it, this will also be an opportunity to
view the beautiful exhibit Wooden Churches:
Columbia County Legacy. After the meeting we
will repair to an extremely attractive nearby
home for light refreshments. Do try to be
with us.
Members of the Second Century Circle
will be receiving invitations to a gala dinner
the evening of the 18th in a splendid historic
home set on one of the County’s most
spectacular sites.
Through November 22nd
October 18 th
October 18 th
November 8 th
December 14 th
December 12th
December 14 th
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Exhibitions at the Columbia County Museum:
Wooden Churches:Columbia County Legacy
Around Columbia County:
Clermont, Germantown & Livingston
Simple Machines: Student Exhibition
Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation at Museum
Second Century Circle Dinner
Kevin Jacobs Benefit Recital – Nathan Wild House
Gallery of Wreaths & Craft Boutique at the Museum
Holiday House Tour in the Village of Kinderhook
as part of the village-wide Candlelight Night
Greens Show at the Vanderpoel House
5 Albany Ave., Kinderhook, NY 12106
(518)758-9265
www.cchsny.org
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 12
Kinderhook, NY
In this issue:
• Waite Firm Chosen for
Van Alen Restoration
• Additions to Society’s
Collection
• Vanderpoel Restoration
Progress
• World War II Records Project
• Labor Day Concert Success