Historical Society fetes Vanderpoel House at 200

The circa 1820 James Vanderpoel “House of History” is the site of this year’s annual Columbia County Historical Society gathering. Photo contributed

KINDERHOOK—On Saturday, August 21st the Columbia County Historical Society of New York will “throw open the shutters” and host a party to (belatedly) celebrate the 200th anniversary of one of its historic properties, the James Vanderpoel “House of History” located on Broad Street in Kinderhook. The stately Federal redbrick home turned 200 last year, but live celebrations were postponed due to the pandemic.

“We were forced to reschedule the original bicentennial birthday celebration several times and are very excited to finally be able to choose a safe date to host a party this summer on the Vanderpoel lawn so people can get out, see old friends, make new friends, and learn a bit about our programs and exhibitions,” Historical Society’s Executive Director Lori Yarotsky said. Tickets to the cocktail and wine the celebration are $300 and can be purchased online at www.cchsny.org/first-columbians-2021.html

The James Vanderpoel House is one of four historic properties the society owns and operates for tours, school programs, exhibitions, lectures, and to house its research library and permanent collection of more than 15,000 objects related to Columbia County’s history and culture. The collection includes many prehistoric and early tools and artifacts from the area’s original native inhabitants, the Algonquin-speaking Mohicans, now known as the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.

The Columbia County Historical Society (CCHS) also owns and maintains the c.1850 Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse and 1737 Luykas Van Alen House, both located on Route 9H, as well as the former Royal Arch Masons Temple (built 1915) in Kinderhook, home to the Historical Society’s research library, archives and museum.

This is the interior of the 1737 Luykas Van Alen House in the Town of Kinderhook, another restored historic building of the county Historical Society. Photo contributed

“In some ways, the Historical Society has been a silent hero in Columbia County, quietly carrying out its mission, even during the pandemic,” said Bob Peduzzi, co-president of the Trustees Board. Peduzzi referenced the mid-pandemic launch of their Drive Through History road trips last summer. Diverse, historically-themed trips were created by the programming staff with help from the curatorial department consisting of unique road maps and itineraries, released monthly in series form, and available online for free download. “People love the road trip program. It got them out of the house and was good for the kids,” Mr. Peduzzi said. DriveThrough History road trips guides are available to download on the Society’s website.

Now that life may be returning to normal, the CCHS will resume a roster of live events for the remainder of 2021 and 2022 and a call for all members, new and old, to join one of the Historical Society’s committees for the coming year. “There is so much opportunity right now to broaden our reach throughout Columbia County. We’ve had so many new people moving here bringing a wealth of experience and energy. We want to tap into that experience and energy. Joining a committee is a great way to learn about the County and the Historical Society, dive right into the community, and carry on a good cause. Becoming a member is easy and getting involved is fun,” Trustee Greg Pettyjohn said. Membership details and a list of committees seeking volunteers are available at https://www.cchsny.org/join.html

John Delikanakis is a member of the board of Trustees of the Columbia County Historical Society.

THROUGH THE WOODS: A man looks out at his world

November 17, 2023

By NANCY JANE KERN

***Columbia County naturalist Alan Devoe. Original photo courtesy of Nancy Kern***

SCANNING THE SHELVES for something to read produced the 1942 “The Lives Around Us” by naturalist Alan Devoe. In the prologue to the book, he finds himself depressed and discouraged by the horrors and fears of World War II. “I think that in this evil and fantastic day, bewildered as we look at the havoc man has made of man’s particular world, we may come to know a certain peace, and to take firm hold upon a certain changeless rock, by quitting now and then the contemplation of the merely human scene….”

He lived at Phudd Hill near Harlemville and wrote about the life around him of frogs and deer and birds and gave the purpose of his book: “There is something in them that has given the writer a lasting pleasure, deep and not without serenity. He hopes they bring a little of this to others.”

I was seven years old when he died in 1952 and regret not having met this famous neighbor. We shared a love of nature and the peace and distraction it provides. Devoe read newspapers and listened to the radio. At this time of life, I watch the TV and use the internet. Unfortunately, not much has changed about man in this world of ours. Watching the current atrocities in the news sends me out to nature for some comfort.

Today I concluded my Cornell FeederWatch weekend out on my porch. There was a little sunshine this afternoon and the wildlife descendants of Alan Devoe were at my place. The pet chipmunk was on the porch before I fully opened the front door in expectation of food. The door was quickly closed to protect it from my cat who cries to get at it. The chipmunk hoovered up the cracked corn and with bulging cheeks, ran for the winter food storage chambers in its hole.

A wild hen turkey came through looking for corn and had a feast. Most of the usual songbirds of summer have gone south, but there was a Carolina wren, a pair of bluebirds, some robins, and the noisy blue jays protested my presence with the assistance of a raven and several crows.

Winter birds are arriving and include the juncos, a red-breasted nuthatch, and the surprise of a pine siskin in the company of a few goldfinches. I am still wary of the bears grabbing my bird feeders so expect to get more birds as we get into the winter months. My mind is cleared and calm tonight, and the elements of nature still remain as a rock of support and comfort.

Historical Society fetes Vanderpoel House at 200

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