WOODBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS
WHS WINTER SOCIAL: 50 THINGS ABOUT WOODBURY
March 2nd, 2013
The Woodbury Historical Society celebrated its annual Winter Social at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 2nd, at the Senior Center in Highland Mills.
This year’s theme was the inspiration of Alex Prizgintas, a student at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School, and one of the Society’s new Trustees for 2013.
The focus was on 50 intriguing, historical, curious and whimsical items and memorabilia related to the Town of Woodbury. Various things were already gathered, and members and friends of the Society did a great job of scouring their houses, basements, attics and garages for even more. The Winter Social had a great turnout with many new historical items donated to the Historical Society. Our sincere thanks to all who worked so hard to make this event such a success, to all who attended and particularly to those who brought such an amazing array of wonderful historical items. Woodbury is special to all who live here, and this event was another perfect opportunity to share what makes it unique.
"RUSHMORE" - THE MOUNTAIN AND THE MAN
November 3rd, 2012
Members and friends of the Woodbury Historical Society were in for a special treat on Saturday, November 3rd at 2:00 P.M., when the Society’s Annual Meeting and Election of Officers for 2013 was held 
at the Rushmore Estate in Highland Mills. The meeting was held in the ballroom of the estate which is now the home of Dr. and Mrs. Seth Pulver, the former home of Mr. Charles Rushmore and his family. The guest speaker at the meeting was Lou Del Bianco shared his unique presentation, “In the Shadow of the Mountain,” based on the life of his grandfather, Luigi Del Bianco, the chief stone carver on the Mount Rushmore project. In his presentation, storyteller Lou Del Bianco portrayed his grandfather and, using authentic photos, maps and timelines, he told the story of his grandfather’sunique contribution to the 
carving of America’s great monument, Mount Rushmore. The program tied perfectly with the Society’s mission to preserve and protect local history, and highlighted Woodbury’s connection to the Rushmore legacy and the landmark mountain itself.
Learn more about the Woodbury/Rushmore connection by CLICKING HERE.
WINTER SOCIAL
February 25, 2012
Our last Winter Social was held on Saturday, February 25th, at 2:00 P.M. With the weather still cold, and Spring still several weeks away, this was the perfect opportunity to get together to renew some warm friendships and see some of the newest additions to the Society's collection of Woodbury history which will be on display for the afternoon. In particular, there were displays for the Gatehouse Historic Site's 100th Anniversary - 1912 - 2012. As usual, this event was held at the Senior Center, on Route 105, in Highland Mills. And, as always, it was free and open to the public and refreshments were served. See you next year!
CURRIER & IVES PRESENTATION
November 6, 2011
John Zak, president of the American Historical Print Collectors Society gave an illustrated presentation of Currier & Ives.
The world-reknowned lithography company, headed by Nathaniel Currier and James Merrit Ives, published fine-quality, black-and-white and hand-colored lithogrphs depicting disasters, plitical satire, views of city life, outdoor country scenes and sentimental domentstic scenes. Currier & Ives published more than 7,000 titles between 1840 and 1890. The firm established outlets across the US and in London and continued, guided by the sons of Currier and Ives, until 1907.
ANTIQUES APPRAISAL
September 25, 2011
The popular "Antiques Appraisal" was held at the Senior Center/Publich Library on Route 105 in Highland Mills. Professional appraisers from William J. Jenack Estate Auctioneers and Appraisers of Chester were on hand to assess the value of family heirlooms, antiques, dolls, and other curious items. The day began at 11:30 a.m. with a talk by Bill Jenack on what is "hot" in collectibles. Proceeds go towards the Kirk Memorial Scholarship Fund which recognizes a graduating high school senior from Woodbury each June.
Photos courtesy of Fred Lindlaw
THE ANNUAL OPENING AT THE GATEHOUSE
Sunday, April 21st, 2013
It’s been said that “April showers bring May flowers.” It’s true, but even better for Woodbury, April brought the re-opening of the Gatehouse in Central Valley after its long-winter’s nap. And this year was no exception. On Sunday, April 21st, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., the Gatehouse Committee hosted its first Open House of the season with the theme, “One Hundred + One,” marking the start of the next century for the unusual structure which dates back to 1912. The stone building on Smith Clove Road was once the grand entrance to the early 20th-century Proctor Estate. After a major restoration in recent years, it is now the Woodbury Historical Society’s Historic Site and Learning Center and home to numerous programs and displays which strive to keep alive the history of the town.
For the season-opener, the Gatehouse Committee had some particularly interesting displays and exhibits. Recalling that Woodbury has a long history as a place where people came to visit “for the fresh country air,” one exhibit focused on the hotels, inns and taverns which once dotted Central Valley, Highland Mills and the almost-forgotten Woodbury Falls area at the most northern end of town. Also featured was “Businesses Then and Now,” focusing on some of the buildings and stores in present day Woodbury – and what else they had been years ago.
The Gatehouse Committee is also continuing its Family Genealogy series which began a few years ago, “honoring families who came to Woodbury as immigrants – and stayed to build our community.” This time, the Adams and Weygants were the subjects. And finally, a permanent exhibit was unveiled on “Proctoria,” the name theater impresario F.F. Proctor gave to his home in Central Valley. The Gatehouse is the last remaining vestige of what had once been his estate of over 1,000 acres. It is this building which the Committee strives to preserve in order to remember some of what has come before in Woodbury.
OPEN HOUSE - "THE CALLAHAN CHRISTMAS"
Sunday, November 18th, 2012
The Gatehouse Historic Site and Learning Center closed out its season with its annual open house tradition known as “The Callahan Christmas”. This special event is when the Gatehouse Committee decorates the site for the holidays and recreates the traditions established by the Callahan family, which once resided in the gatehouse building. It has also served as the Gatehouse Committee’s way to say “thanks” to all volunteers and those that have supported the Gatehouse in so many ways throughout the year.
The Gatehouse Committee would like to wish all of our supporters- Happy Holidays and a blessed New Year. The Gatehouse site will reopen in the spring. Stay tuned for opening date information in 2013.
GATEHOUSE LANTERN DEDICATION
Sunday, October 21st, 2012
Our “Light the Lantern” project has come to a close with the October dedication of the lantern, the last of the exterior restoration projects to be completed at the Gatehouse site. It was dedicated to a special Woodbury friend who lost her battle to ovarian cancer recently. Her courage and positive attitude always brought happiness and “sunshine” when she visited the Gatehouse. The lantern will serve as a beacon and inspiration to all. The public was invited to attend this very special, meaningful event. We extended a special welcome to all those who donated the funds toward the purchase of this antique replica of the original lantern. Thanks again to everyone!
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