(New Woodstock, NY – Oct. 2013) The New Woodstock Regional Historical Society has received two grants for historic markers for properties in the Hamlet of New Woodstock.
These grants are funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation of Syracuse. The markers are the traditional roadside signs of yellow lettering on blue background, and are awarded to qualifying organizations to commemorate historic people, places or things within the time frame of 1740 – 1900.
One property is the former Smith Tavern, later known as the Bell House, at 2032 Main Street (NY State Routes 80 and 13), just east of the intersection of the two routes, at the west end of the Hamlet. Now a private residence, it is perhaps the oldest continuously-inhabited building in New Woodstock. It was originally built circa 1804, and at one point was not only a tavern and meeting house, but a voting location for the Town.
The other property is the current New Woodstock Free Library, at 2106 Main Street, formerly the Methodist-Episcopal Church of New Woodstock, toward the east end of the Hamlet. It was originally built circa 1840, and served its congregation for well over 100 years. When two New Woodstock church congregations merged, the building was purchased by the Library, which had outgrown its previous location.
The historic markers have recently been installed, and a dedication ceremony is being planned for Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. This will consist of two short unveilings — at the Smith Tavern first, followed by the Church/Library — and a small reception in the Library. The two sites are approximately a quarter-mile from each other. The public is cordially invited to attend, and we hope all will join us in celebration.