Washingtonville Community News

Newburgh Branch of the Erie in Washingtonville NY!

Ode to the Alma mater...🧙‍♂️

One of the many homes in the area I've often wished I could sneak a peek inside...

So, when I saw it was listed (link below), I took myself on a virtual tour, and WOW! I just had to share Horton House, circa 1777, with you all.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/93-Horton-Rd-Washingtonville-NY-10992/31800752_zpid/?

History and ConstructionBuilt:
Constructed in 1777.

Craftsman: Built by Jeremiah Horton, a prominent 18th-century stonemason, and held within his family for generations.

Significance: Considered an early American masterwork of Hudson Valley stone architecture

The Jeremiah Horton House dates back to a construction period between 1741 and 1777, anchoring its history deep within the pre-Revolutionary War era of the Hudson Valley. While it operates as a private residence today, local real estate history and regional archives highlight several notable historical elements of the property.

Stonemasonry and Architecture

The Master Craftsman: Jeremiah Horton was a highly regarded 18th-century local stonemason. Rather than hiring outside builders, he sourced local Hudson Valley fieldstone and timber to construct the home himself. The remarkable structural integrity of the stone walls after nearly 250 years stands as a testament to early American craftsmanship.

The Generational Homestead: Unlike many colonial properties that frequently changed hands to settle debts or through land speculation, the Horton family retained ownership of the estate for multiple generations. This continuity is a major reason the home's original character survived largely intact, without being heavily altered or divided during the 19th century.

Clues to Colonial Life

The 9x5 Tavern Hearth: The home's most significant historical feature is a massive 9-foot-by-5-foot tavern hearth located on the lower level. In the 18th century, prominent homes situated along travel routes often functioned as informal community gathering places or stops for travelers. The scale of the hearth suggests it was built to provide heat and cooking capacity for large groups of people.

The Rumford Fireplace: The home also features an original Rumford fireplace. Invented in the late 18th century by Sir Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford), this design was a revolutionary technological advancement of its day. It featured a shallow, angled firebox designed to reflect maximum heat into the room while drawing smoke straight up the chimney, representing the cutting-edge home heating technology of the Revolutionary era.

Original Defensive Elements: The structure is crowned by a classic cedar shake roof and supported by massive, hand-hewn exposed beams. True to 1700s construction in rural New York, the thick stone walls served a dual purpose: keeping the home insulated while also providing a sturdy defensive barrier during times of conflict in the Revolutionary War period.






Perhaps we can talk our historian, Jeanne Versweyveld, into a presentation on our local historic homes of Blooming Grove.😁🤞😍

We have some very exciting news Washingtonville! 🎄✨

As many of you know, in 2025, the New York Performing Arts Center! had the opportunity to partner with GR Tours for a special Radio City Christmas Spectacular show and Rockettes workshop experience. It was truly magical.

That experience was so memorable that Radio City Music Hall has invited the New York Performing Arts Center to open the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on November 8, 2026!

This is an extraordinary honor. Only a select few groups have been given this opportunity (less than 10) to perform on the iconic Radio City stage—and they invited NYPAC!!!

We couldn't be more excited to watch 50 of our talented dancers represent Washingtonville in New York City. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we are incredibly proud of every dancer who will be part of this unforgettable moment.

Congratulations to our dancers, families, and everyone who has helped make this dream a reality. We can't wait to cheer them on as they take the stage at Radio City Music Hall!

The 2026 Radio City Dance Team:
Emily Allen, Abbie Baisley, Hannah Bernstein, Meghan Bishop, Ashleigh Bruno, Kenzie Cergol, Ruby Clavell, Nevaeh Dennett, Adrianna DeSimone, Ella Di Pasquale, Adalyn Dimase, Karlyn Fateman, Madison Flores, Natalie Fontana, Olivia Garrison, Becca Gelardi, Vanessa Goll, Cassidy Gomes, Jocelyn Haber, Ella Iacovino, Madison Jewett, Kara Johnson, Olivia Lake, Sophia Lake, Natalie Liriano, Brianna Longinott, Gigi Rose Lott, Addison Militello, Caitlyn Nieman, Emma Nieman, Mylah Nunez, Larissa O’Brien, Breanna Patton, Brea Richards, Kaelyn Richards, Maya Robinson, Cheyenne Sampson, Felicity Sanchez, Elvia Santana, Milania Sciarra, Alyssa Smith, Samantha Smith, Leah Spillman, Lana Starkey, Charlee Sweed, Angelina Vanleeuwen, Carina Vanleeuwen, Madeline Volpe, Bella Wetzel, Julia Wittenberg

Be on the lookout for ticket information through GR Tours.

Hello old friend.... 🍎
Open for the season.

Such a successful event! The local history lecture on David Moffat was well attended and absolutely wonderful. Jeanne Versweyveld delivered a fantastic presentation, and the team at Guilty Pleasures
Cheesecakes made everyone feel so welcome at this first community gathering.

As we were leaving and congratulating them on their inaugural event, the conversation turned to all the possibilities for future gatherings. Pat shared that they would love to hear ideas and suggestions from the community.

So, friends, here's your chance! What discussions, lectures, gatherings, events, or experiences would you like to see hosted on the second floor at Guilty Pleasures Cheesecakes We'd love to hear your ideas!

— RR

At last!!!

We finally made it over to see our friends at Guilty Pleasures Cheesecakes 😍

It honestly is a must-stop in the Ville. Food, sweets, coffee, flowers, with beautiful- imaginative, eclectic décor, and so much more.

The upstairs space lends itself to so many possibilities, and tonight will kick off the gatherings with Jeanne's event celebrating the life and times of David Moffat at 6:00.

So grateful to have this fun filled addition to our community.

See everyone this evenming, get there early!

RR

It only seems fitting to visit one of Washingtonville's longest-running small businesses Washingtonville Soccer Shop, during this exciting time...

You know him. You love him. Our very own Mr. Martelli has dedicated his life to this community, creating a soccer culture in Washingtonville and touching the lives of so many. Now, he's being recognized for his incredible impact in the wonderful story, Beacon of Hope.

Book link: https://a.co/d/0fXqFZns