Press Release #3 — Stone House Day, Saturday, July 11, 2009 — Hurley, New York
Stone House Day
Hurley, New York — First settled in 1661
Saturday, July 11th, 2009
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, rain or shine
(Houses close promptly at 4 PM)
Showing several of “America’s Oldest Private Homes”
60th Annual Stone House Day to Show 300-year-old Private Homes
The annual opportunity to tour historic Hurley stone houses will be Saturday, July 11, 2009. The stone houses, which
are homes owned and lived in currently by Hurley residents, were originally built between 1685 and 1786. Several of
the homes will be opened to the public from 10 AM through 4 PM; rain or shine. Main Street of Hurley will be
closed to traffic in order to provide a safe, leisurely walking tour of the stone houses. There will also be a free shuttle
bus service in order for ticket holders to reach the two remaining stone houses on the tour. This is the 60th year the
Hurley Reformed Church has sponsored this event, but it is a community event made possible by the involvement
from the townspeople.
You can experience “a step back in time” on your visit. As you tour the houses and are greeted by guides in
costume, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers, and yet this event encompasses so
much more. Music lovers will enjoy an 1800’s instrumental ensemble called “Salmagundi” in one of the stone
houses and organ recitals by Lonnie Kulick in the Hurley Reformed Church. Also in a stone house on your tour will
be a display of past and present cross-stitched pieces, and a chance for you to learn cross-stitching by crafter Lori
Baker.
The 3rd Ulster County Militia encampment, where Militia and their wives offer a re-enactors view of what camp
life was like. Colonial rifle demonstrations will also take place. Re-enactors will be there to answer visitor’s
questions.
A dramatic performance by talented Debra Zuill, of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” Sojourner gave this
speech in 1851 as she bravely battled against many black women’s social injustices and lack of freedoms.
Homemade food will be served in the Church Hall throughout the day as well as a home-baked goods booth,
handmade craft items and Grandma’s Garret. The Hurley Library will have their gigantic book sale; the Hurley
Genealogical Society and the Hurley Heritage Museum will be open, to the public; within walking distance visit two
antique shops and numerous community yard sales.
Houses on Tour: One of the houses on Main Street is the Dr. Richard Ten Eyck house, the only full two-story
stone house. The house was built by the doctor as a wedding gift to his wife, Jenett Baker in 1786 and indicates the
family’s wealth and social standing.
Across the street is the Anthony Crispell House built in 1725 by Jonathan Crispell, a farmer. This house was
owned by the Crispell family until 1836, when it was sold to the Hurley Church as a parsonage. Inside will be a
house tour and an interactive table for the children and “young at heart” who would like to learn basic cross-stitch
and take home their efforts.
Also on Main Street is the Jan VanDeusen house, built in 1744 by Captain Jan. This house, built as one unit, is
one of the earliest rural Georgian cottages built in the town. The parlor served as the meeting room for the New York
State Committee of Safety during October and November of 1777 of the Revolutionary War.
The Van Etten/Dumond (Spy) House, built prior to 1685, is the oldest colonial house in the town. During
October and November of 1777 the house was used by the Continental Army as a guard house where prisoners and a
“spy” were held in the basement. More will be heard about the spy and his demise during the tour.
A house reached by a four minute, free shuttle bus, is the Ten Eyck Bowery. This was originally the homestead
of Mattys Ten Eyck. In the early 1700’s Mr. Ten Eyck was a large landowner who farmed, raised grains and created
extensive orchards. He was also part owner of the Ten Eyck-Newkirk Grist Mill where, his and other farmer’s grain,
were ground. This provided an important staple for the local residents and sold to other communities.
Also on the free shuttle tour is the Patentee Manor which is an excellent Georgian, two-story house built by the
Cole family. It represents the ultimate in upper-middle class wealth and social status. Although the owners were of
Dutch descent, the style of the house is strongly influenced by the nearby English community, Marbletown. In the
music room 18th Century music will be played by the instrumental group called “Salmagundi.” Dressed in period
attire, they will entertain you with cello, dulcimer, and guitar just as earlier musicians entertained the original Cool
family.
Other Houses to Visit: Also on Main Street is an original stone house known as the Colonel Jonathan
Elmendorf House built between 1783 and1790. It now houses the Hurley Heritage Society Museum. The museum’s
exhibits presently mark both the area’s bluestone industry and the revolution war period. Delve into a quarry driver’s
workday, view a film on Minutemen or browse through the materials that enable you to catch a glimpse into Hurley’s
Revolutionary history.
Tour Tickets: The regular prices are as follows:
Children under 5: free
Children 5–12: $2.00
Seniors and students: $12.00
Adults: $15.00
Discounted ticket prices are available until June 27th, as follows:
Children under 5 free
Children 5–12: $1.00
Seniors and students $: 10.00
Adults: $12.00
To order, go to “www.StoneHouseDay.org”, or to Ben Franklin stores in Kingston and Saugerties.
For further information, contact:
Jennifer Macarille, Publicity Chair
E-mail: info@StoneHouseday.org