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| Tappantown Historical Society |
Tappantown Historical Society Annual Meeting
President’s Annual Report for 2010
Good evening and welcome to the 45th Annual Meeting of the Tappantown Historical Society. I am Carol LaValle, president of the
historical society. 2010 has been an active year thanks to the support of our members, a growing number of volunteers, collaboration
with other community organizations and historic societies, and a dedicated board of directors who are thoughtful and diligent in
carrying out the society’s mission of education about and preservation of Tappan’s heritage.
The board members are directors Susan Gewirtz, John Morton, Michael Fiorentino, Ginny McCarthy, Joe Napoli, Pam Peters (who
has served the final year of Sally Dewey’s three-year term,) and Keith Walker. Officers are Jackie Shatz, 1st vice president; Nancy
Walker, 2nd vice president; Marilyn Schauder, recording secretary; Chris Gremski, corresponding secretary, and Lucille Starink,
treasurer. Thanks also go to former board members and other members who regularly attend meetings and offer insight and advice.
Now, to review this year’s major activities:
The Awards Dinner
On February 26, with wind gusting and snow still falling after 24 hours, 75 fearless guests gathered in the warmth of the ‘76 House
to honor this year’s recipients of the Achievement Awards. Clare and William Sheridan were honored for the gardens on their Kings
Highway property, whose banks of naturalized daffodils, perennial beds, specimen shrubs and tress, and a line of dogwoods provide
a lovely entrance to the historic district. Janet and Gil Galloway were recognized for the creation of the DVD Walking Through History,
which is, of course, the subject of this evening’s program.
April Events
Together with the Piermont Historical Society, we sponsored a program by historian and author Kevin Wright on “The First People:
The Tappan and their Neighbor.” Over 150 people filled the Manse Barn to hear Wright’s stories of the tribal life of the natives of the
17th century in Bergen and Rockland Counties and their relationship to the newly-arrived Europeans.
****
THS participated in the Orangetown Recycling and Earth Day Fair to promote the efforts of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
in encouraging the restoration of old structures and in stressing the compatibility of energy efficiency with historic preservation.
At the Fair, we noticed the recycling bins for cans and bottle being used by the Orangetown Highway Department. Simple metal
frames with openings for bottles and cans to be dumped into transparent bags encourage people to recycle these items separately
from other garbage. Could we get some for Colonial Day? Yes, indeed. The Orangetown Highway Department loaned us the
receptacles for Colonial Day and picked them up afterwards. Thanks go to Highway Superintendent James Dean and his assistant
Stephen Munno for their help in solving one of the more vexing problems of the event.
The Annual Plant Sale
Our only fund raiser, the Plant Sale on May 8, a rainy and windy Saturday, was like the Awards Dinner, an event that THS weathered,
literally, thanks to eager gardeners who, like their plants, really do like a little rain. One enthusiastic gardener
even arrived with the top down on his snazzy red convertible. Thanks go to organizer Joe Napoli and master gardeners Laurie Rispoli
and Winifred Strakosch, who offered expert advice on planting, and to our members and the Piermont Community Garden for
contributions of perennials -- some of which were unusual varieties. Stokes Farms in Old Tappan, N.J. supplied annuals, herbs,
vegetable plants, and hanging baskets. Raffle prizes from Tappan’s restaurants and businesses, Edna Nitopi’s baked goods, and
enthusiastic volunteers all helped to make this a successful event.
****
Also in May, the restored 1704 Division Patent, which was the subject of last year’s Annual Meeting, was on display at the Historic
Society of Rockland County’s Annual Dinner, which honored the local historic societies and museums in Rockland and Westchester
Counties.
Concert in June
For the second year, the THS concert was held in the sanctuary of the Tappan Reformed Church rather than in the Tappan Memorial
Park to avoid having to worry about weather and noise.
The sanctuary’s intimate setting and superb acoustics were the ideal place to celebrate both the debut performance of the Klang
String Quartet and the completion of the restoration of the western facade and windows of the church. Organized by John Morton,
composer and THS board member, it was an evening of music, light, and grace in which the four accomplished musicians, Gregor
Kitzis, Yi-Ping Yang, Rieko Kawabata, and Michael Goeke, played a intriguing program of Mozart, Mendelssohn, and contemporary
American composers Ruth Crawford Seeger and Elliot Carter. We are making plans for a return of the Klang String Quartet in the
spring.
Colonial Day
Perfect weather on September 25 brought crowds to the DeWint House grounds for our 26th Annual Colonial Day. This is our major
educational and entertainment event of the year and takes months of planning. DeWint House Superintendent Harold Jones, his wife
Kathy, their son and grandson, and Karl and Jennifer Best worked throughout the day helping with setting up and breaking down the
exhibits.
Several inspired changes in logistics and planning made the day run more smoothly than ever. Marilyn Schauder’s gift for public
relations advertised the event far and wide The many volunteers who helped with the craft activities, and the dedicated reenactors and
demonstrators who bring colonial times to life were essential to the day’s success. (Please go to www. tappantown.org. to get a
sense of the spirit of the day.)
Finally, thank you, Lucille Starink, chairwoman of Colonial Day, for once again making the complex elements of this day seem
almost effortless.
Walking Tours
Walking tours of Tappan are another way in which THS fulfills its educational goals. This spring, over 250 elementary school
children and several adult groups toured the historic district
Our knowledgeable guides are Thano Schoppel, Keith Walker, Janet Galloway, and Peter Schuerholz, here at the DeWint House,
Kathy and Harold Jones.
The Annual Andre Walk took place this year on October 1 in abysmal weather. Nevertheless, in his militia garb, Keith Walker regaled
the 4th graders from Cottage Lane elementary School with the story of Major John Andre’s capture, trial, and hanging. Students were
shown where he was imprisoned in the old Mabie House (‘76 House), and instead of the usual march to Andre Hill, students piled
into their school
bus and rode to Andre Hill where Keith recounted Andre’s doomed march. The bus driver, who never gets to hear the story in good
weather, was delighted.
****
Another way in which we further our educational goals is through the THS Scholarship, a $500.00 award to a graduating Tappan Zee
High School senior who has shown excellence in American history. Brett Herskowitz was this year’s recipient. He is now a freshman
at the University of Delaware.
The Thrift Shop
Board member Jackie Shatz and Shirey Parrish volunteer many hours at the Tappan Zee Thrift Shop in Piermont. Their hours of work
help support THS through quarterly disbursements based on their hours of work and on donations made in the name of THS.
Please support the Thrift Shop through volunteering, making donations, and purchasing whatever items may suit your fancy.
Ongoing Projects
THS has several works-in-progress. We are working with representatives from the Tappan Reformed Church, the Orangetown
Highway Department, and the American Legion on a redesign of the large memorial triangle between the Manse and the Church.
Landscape architect Mary Ellen LeWarn has volunteered her time and talents in landscape design to create a plan for the relocation
of the monuments, the creation of pathways, and the replacement of trees that have been damaged by disease, and “pruning” around
utility lines. This project is still in the planning stage, but the group hopes to get started in the spring in time for Memorial Day.
****
The small triangle to the north adopted by THS, the Tappan Library, and the TRC is almost ready for planting. The highway
department has installed a water system and topsoil, and also planted chrysanthemums earlier in the fall. All that is needed is a final
plan for planting, which Joe Napoli is working on for the spring.
****
We continue to support the Tappan library in its expansion plans and hope to have a small space to house our materials for reading
and reference. Cataloguing our archives is a slow process but often fascinating in what is unearthed from moldy folders and boxes.
****
The Bogert Papers, a collection of 18th and 19th century documents, which had been stored in the Historic Society of Rockland
County, was moved to the Orangetown Museum in February. Several years ago, appraiser Wyatt Day determined them to be valuable
as a body of documents recording a family’s transactions and also that some documents had separate individual value as records of
slave practices and women’s status.
Edith Hart, the paper conservator who restored the 1704 Patent, will evaluate their condition and make recommendations for
restoration work and for appropriate ways in which to store and display these materials. We hope some of these documents can be
used by local historians and for future programs on local history.
****
For the holiday season, THS will decorate the lamp posts on Main Street and around the Reformed Church, as we did last year.
Bob Press of Changing Heads Salon on Main Street is organizing a holiday evening for December 15. Main St. will be closed to traffic
between 6-7 pm so that people can stroll the block, listen to the Tappan Zee High School Madrigal singers, and participate in other
events during that hour. At our next regular board meeting in December, we will discuss ways in which THS can support this
event.
****
The annual report was followed by the Treasurer’s Report and the elections for officers and directors.
Please click here to read the 2009 and 2008 Annual Reports
President’s Annual Report for 2010
Good evening and welcome to the 45th Annual Meeting of the Tappantown Historical Society. I am Carol LaValle, president of the
historical society. 2010 has been an active year thanks to the support of our members, a growing number of volunteers, collaboration
with other community organizations and historic societies, and a dedicated board of directors who are thoughtful and diligent in
carrying out the society’s mission of education about and preservation of Tappan’s heritage.
The board members are directors Susan Gewirtz, John Morton, Michael Fiorentino, Ginny McCarthy, Joe Napoli, Pam Peters (who
has served the final year of Sally Dewey’s three-year term,) and Keith Walker. Officers are Jackie Shatz, 1st vice president; Nancy
Walker, 2nd vice president; Marilyn Schauder, recording secretary; Chris Gremski, corresponding secretary, and Lucille Starink,
treasurer. Thanks also go to former board members and other members who regularly attend meetings and offer insight and advice.
Now, to review this year’s major activities:
The Awards Dinner
On February 26, with wind gusting and snow still falling after 24 hours, 75 fearless guests gathered in the warmth of the ‘76 House
to honor this year’s recipients of the Achievement Awards. Clare and William Sheridan were honored for the gardens on their Kings
Highway property, whose banks of naturalized daffodils, perennial beds, specimen shrubs and tress, and a line of dogwoods provide
a lovely entrance to the historic district. Janet and Gil Galloway were recognized for the creation of the DVD Walking Through History,
which is, of course, the subject of this evening’s program.
April Events
Together with the Piermont Historical Society, we sponsored a program by historian and author Kevin Wright on “The First People:
The Tappan and their Neighbor.” Over 150 people filled the Manse Barn to hear Wright’s stories of the tribal life of the natives of the
17th century in Bergen and Rockland Counties and their relationship to the newly-arrived Europeans.
****
THS participated in the Orangetown Recycling and Earth Day Fair to promote the efforts of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
in encouraging the restoration of old structures and in stressing the compatibility of energy efficiency with historic preservation.
At the Fair, we noticed the recycling bins for cans and bottle being used by the Orangetown Highway Department. Simple metal
frames with openings for bottles and cans to be dumped into transparent bags encourage people to recycle these items separately
from other garbage. Could we get some for Colonial Day? Yes, indeed. The Orangetown Highway Department loaned us the
receptacles for Colonial Day and picked them up afterwards. Thanks go to Highway Superintendent James Dean and his assistant
Stephen Munno for their help in solving one of the more vexing problems of the event.
The Annual Plant Sale
Our only fund raiser, the Plant Sale on May 8, a rainy and windy Saturday, was like the Awards Dinner, an event that THS weathered,
literally, thanks to eager gardeners who, like their plants, really do like a little rain. One enthusiastic gardener
even arrived with the top down on his snazzy red convertible. Thanks go to organizer Joe Napoli and master gardeners Laurie Rispoli
and Winifred Strakosch, who offered expert advice on planting, and to our members and the Piermont Community Garden for
contributions of perennials -- some of which were unusual varieties. Stokes Farms in Old Tappan, N.J. supplied annuals, herbs,
vegetable plants, and hanging baskets. Raffle prizes from Tappan’s restaurants and businesses, Edna Nitopi’s baked goods, and
enthusiastic volunteers all helped to make this a successful event.
****
Also in May, the restored 1704 Division Patent, which was the subject of last year’s Annual Meeting, was on display at the Historic
Society of Rockland County’s Annual Dinner, which honored the local historic societies and museums in Rockland and Westchester
Counties.
Concert in June
For the second year, the THS concert was held in the sanctuary of the Tappan Reformed Church rather than in the Tappan Memorial
Park to avoid having to worry about weather and noise.
The sanctuary’s intimate setting and superb acoustics were the ideal place to celebrate both the debut performance of the Klang
String Quartet and the completion of the restoration of the western facade and windows of the church. Organized by John Morton,
composer and THS board member, it was an evening of music, light, and grace in which the four accomplished musicians, Gregor
Kitzis, Yi-Ping Yang, Rieko Kawabata, and Michael Goeke, played a intriguing program of Mozart, Mendelssohn, and contemporary
American composers Ruth Crawford Seeger and Elliot Carter. We are making plans for a return of the Klang String Quartet in the
spring.
Colonial Day
Perfect weather on September 25 brought crowds to the DeWint House grounds for our 26th Annual Colonial Day. This is our major
educational and entertainment event of the year and takes months of planning. DeWint House Superintendent Harold Jones, his wife
Kathy, their son and grandson, and Karl and Jennifer Best worked throughout the day helping with setting up and breaking down the
exhibits.
Several inspired changes in logistics and planning made the day run more smoothly than ever. Marilyn Schauder’s gift for public
relations advertised the event far and wide The many volunteers who helped with the craft activities, and the dedicated reenactors and
demonstrators who bring colonial times to life were essential to the day’s success. (Please go to www. tappantown.org. to get a
sense of the spirit of the day.)
Finally, thank you, Lucille Starink, chairwoman of Colonial Day, for once again making the complex elements of this day seem
almost effortless.
Walking Tours
Walking tours of Tappan are another way in which THS fulfills its educational goals. This spring, over 250 elementary school
children and several adult groups toured the historic district
Our knowledgeable guides are Thano Schoppel, Keith Walker, Janet Galloway, and Peter Schuerholz, here at the DeWint House,
Kathy and Harold Jones.
The Annual Andre Walk took place this year on October 1 in abysmal weather. Nevertheless, in his militia garb, Keith Walker regaled
the 4th graders from Cottage Lane elementary School with the story of Major John Andre’s capture, trial, and hanging. Students were
shown where he was imprisoned in the old Mabie House (‘76 House), and instead of the usual march to Andre Hill, students piled
into their school
bus and rode to Andre Hill where Keith recounted Andre’s doomed march. The bus driver, who never gets to hear the story in good
weather, was delighted.
****
Another way in which we further our educational goals is through the THS Scholarship, a $500.00 award to a graduating Tappan Zee
High School senior who has shown excellence in American history. Brett Herskowitz was this year’s recipient. He is now a freshman
at the University of Delaware.
The Thrift Shop
Board member Jackie Shatz and Shirey Parrish volunteer many hours at the Tappan Zee Thrift Shop in Piermont. Their hours of work
help support THS through quarterly disbursements based on their hours of work and on donations made in the name of THS.
Please support the Thrift Shop through volunteering, making donations, and purchasing whatever items may suit your fancy.
Ongoing Projects
THS has several works-in-progress. We are working with representatives from the Tappan Reformed Church, the Orangetown
Highway Department, and the American Legion on a redesign of the large memorial triangle between the Manse and the Church.
Landscape architect Mary Ellen LeWarn has volunteered her time and talents in landscape design to create a plan for the relocation
of the monuments, the creation of pathways, and the replacement of trees that have been damaged by disease, and “pruning” around
utility lines. This project is still in the planning stage, but the group hopes to get started in the spring in time for Memorial Day.
****
The small triangle to the north adopted by THS, the Tappan Library, and the TRC is almost ready for planting. The highway
department has installed a water system and topsoil, and also planted chrysanthemums earlier in the fall. All that is needed is a final
plan for planting, which Joe Napoli is working on for the spring.
****
We continue to support the Tappan library in its expansion plans and hope to have a small space to house our materials for reading
and reference. Cataloguing our archives is a slow process but often fascinating in what is unearthed from moldy folders and boxes.
****
The Bogert Papers, a collection of 18th and 19th century documents, which had been stored in the Historic Society of Rockland
County, was moved to the Orangetown Museum in February. Several years ago, appraiser Wyatt Day determined them to be valuable
as a body of documents recording a family’s transactions and also that some documents had separate individual value as records of
slave practices and women’s status.
Edith Hart, the paper conservator who restored the 1704 Patent, will evaluate their condition and make recommendations for
restoration work and for appropriate ways in which to store and display these materials. We hope some of these documents can be
used by local historians and for future programs on local history.
****
For the holiday season, THS will decorate the lamp posts on Main Street and around the Reformed Church, as we did last year.
Bob Press of Changing Heads Salon on Main Street is organizing a holiday evening for December 15. Main St. will be closed to traffic
between 6-7 pm so that people can stroll the block, listen to the Tappan Zee High School Madrigal singers, and participate in other
events during that hour. At our next regular board meeting in December, we will discuss ways in which THS can support this
event.
****
The annual report was followed by the Treasurer’s Report and the elections for officers and directors.
Please click here to read the 2009 and 2008 Annual Reports
Tappantown Historical Society Annual Meeting
President’s Annual Report for 2011
Good evening and welcome to the 46th annual meeting of the Tappantown Historical Society. I am
Carol LaValle, president of the society. Tonight we are celebrating the designation of Christ Episcopal
Church in Sparkill as an historic site by the New York State and National Registries of Historic Places.
We will hear about the history of the church after the business part of the meeting. First, the Annual
Report.
Two thousand and eleven has been another year of action and accomplishment thanks to the
support of our members, volunteers, collaboration with other community organizations and historic
societies, and a dedicated board of directors who are thoughtful and diligent in carrying out the society’
s mission of education and preservation of Tappan’s heritage.
The directors are Susan Gewirtz, Michael, Fiorentino, Joe Napoli, Pam Peters, Jackie Shatz, and
Keith Walker. Officers are John Morton, 1st vice president; Nancy Russell, 2nd vice president; Marilyn
Schauder, recording secretary; Chris Gremski, corresponding secretary, and Lucille Starink, treasurer.
Thanks also go to former board members and other members who regularly attend meetings and
offer insight and advice.
In 2011, the National Trust for Historic Preservation emphasized the connection between
preservation of historic buildings and the conservation of the settings and the cultural landscapes in
which those structures stand and in which historic events took place. In Tappan, this natural
connection is tangible every day as we pass by the Tappan Reformed Church and the Manse, the
DeWint House, the 18th and 19th century buildings in town, and as we travel roads that were Native
American trails and colonial highways.
Sometimes the 21st century literally collides with the 18th century, for example, when tractor trailers
fail to make the turn at Main Street and Oak Tree Road and knock over (for the third time) the protective
bollards outside Il Portico. To reconcile the demands for progress with the responsibilities of
preservation is a challenge. Our major events of the year help to meet this challenge and reflect the
link between preservation and conservation.
The Awards Dinner in February recognized Mr. Anthony Viglietta, whose gardens at his home on the
corner of Windsor brook Lane have enhanced historic Kings Highway for 45 years.
Charles “Skip” Vezzitti, Rockland County Superintendent of highways and James Dean,
Orangetown Superintendent of highways were honored for their collaboration in restoration of the
drainage infrastructure, installation of granite curbing and brick sidewalks, and attention to many
aesthetic details in the center of historic Tappan. Their efforts ensure that future restoration,
preservation, and revitalization projects will have a secure foundation.
The Volunteer Fires Association of Tappan was honored for the new 9- foot
black granite and its surrounding landscaping which commemorates VFAT members who have died
and is a record of the history of over a 100 years of the fire department’s service to the Tappan
community.
The 53rd Annual Plant Sale on May 7 was another way in which preservation and conservation
come together. It is our only fundraiser, and the proceeds help to defray the costs of the Concert and
Colonial Day. In addition to the annuals, herbs, flats of vegetables, and hanging baskets from Stokes
Farms, the perennial are donated by members from their gardens, many of them long-established,
old, and heirloom varieties. Organizer Joe Napoli and Master gardener Laurie Rispoli offered expert
advice on planting. Raffle prizes from Tappan’s restaurants and businesses in the historic area, the
extraordinary array of home baked goods, and enthusiastic volunteers and gardeners all helped to
make this a successful event.
History and culture, the past and the present, melded on June 17 in our Annual Concert. The
intimate setting and superb acoustics of the sanctuary of the 1835 Tappan Reformed Church offered
the perfect space for the accomplished musicians of the Klang String Quartet, w who returned for their
second year to perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, and the debut of a piece by Tappan
resident and composer John Morton. One member of the appreciative audience remarked, “It is rare to
hear this caliber of musicianship outside of New York City.” He added that it would be wonderful to
have a music series in the church that offered a variety of genres. Indeed it would, and we would like to
involve other local organizations in supporting such an effort.
Regrettably, Colonial Day, our major educational and entertainment event of the year scheduled for
September 24, was cancelled for the second time in 27 years. Cancelling Colonial Day was a difficult
decision to make, but the only one. The DeWint House grounds, the perfect setting for Colonial Day
but also a most vulnerable one, were saturated from heavy rains and an overflowing Sparkill Creek.
Cancelling is not a decision that can wait until the last minute. Over a hundred demonstrators and
volunteers, some coming from long distances, need to be notified. So, even though it was not actually
raining on the 24th, the grounds could never have sustained the traffic of re-enactors, demonstrators,
and hundreds of participants.
Walking Tours are another way in which THS fulfills its educational goals. This spring over 250
elementary school children and several adult groups toured the historic district. Our knowledgeable
guides are Janet Galloway, Marilyn Schauder, Thano Schoppel, Peter Schuerholz, Keith Walker, and
here at the DeWint House, Kathy and Harold Jones.
The Annual Andre Walk took place this year on Monday, October 3. Thano Schoppel met two
classes of 4th graders from Cottage Lane elementary school at the ’76 House where they heard the
story of Major John Andre’s conspiracy with Benedict Arnold, his capture, trial, imprisonment in the ’76
House (then the Mabie House). The group then walked from the ‘76 House to Andre Hill, the site of
Andre’s hanging on October 2, 1780.
Another way in which we further our educational goals is through the THS Scholarship fund, a
$500.00 award to a graduating senior from Tappan Zee High School who has shown excellence in
American History. Matthew Zebiak was this year’s recipient. In his thank you letter to the society, Matt
mentioned that he had had an exceptional American History teacher, Stephen Sherman, who piqued
his interest in local history. We hope to meet Mr. Sherman and thank him for his efforts.
Ongoing projects are coming to fruition. Site work on the small triangle that THS, the Tappan Library,
and the Tappan Reformed Church adopted has been completed. A back-flow pump and sprinkler
system have been installed (last night the top soil was being watered!). Plantings have been designed
by Joe Napoli with an eye to height limitations and hardiness given the triangle’s vulnerable location.
Bulbs will go in soon, and in the spring, more perennials and seasonal annuals will be planted. And,
not to worry, the unattractive beige unit on the opposite corner that houses the pump will be screened
with shrubs ... soon.
The redesign of the Memorial Triangle is complete and is in the final stages of review by the town
board. While this is not a THS project, we have been involved in the planning, in the selection of trees
to replace those that are old, damaged, or diseased, and in the walkways that will facilitate walking
tours. Also included in the project is the planting of two trees to replace the Norway Maple on Kings
Highway that was removed during the restoration of the church and the installation of brick pavers.
The restoration of the 19th century iron fence around the Andre Monument on Andre Hill is a long-
term project that is the responsibility of the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, but
THS is looking into ways to fund an assessment of what is needed to restore the entire fence, not just
repair the damaged sections. The damaged sections were removed three years ago, and the site
began to look neglected and to be safety hazard, with one remaining gatepost tilting at a precarious
angle and fragments of footings jutting out of the ground. At our proposal, Michael DiMola, Parks
manager for the County Division of Environmental Resources had his crew dig up the enormous
chunks of footings and the gatepost and planted six boxwood shrubs that THS purchased for the site.
Thus, some symmetry and formality has returned to the site, and we will be planting perennials
around the monument in the spring.
The historic markers delineating the boundaries of the Historic Area are looking worn and need
repainting, and we are looking into that, as well..
To help with our preservation efforts, Board member Keith Walker attends the Historic Area Board of
Review meetings.
THS joined with other local history groups this year for various projects. For the Sparkill History Project
on July23, a blindingly hot day, Marilyn Schauder collaborated with Mary Cardenas of the Orangetown
Museum and Marge Guenther from the Piermont Historical Society on a display of maps and charts
illustrating the history of travel through the Sparkill Gap from the first indigenous people through the
Dutch exploration and settlement to the beginnings of modernity with the coming of the New York and
Erie Railroad.
On October 15, the 1704 Division Patent was displayed at the Piermont Reformed Church to
augment a talk by historian Firth Haring Fabend on Piermont as the gateway to the rustic capital of
lower Rockland County. Also, THS supports the Sparkill Watershed Alliance in its efforts to protect the
Sparkill from further degradation, and we would like to concentrate our efforts on where it flows
through Tappan.
THS has had a long relationship with the Tappan Zee Thrift Shop. Board member Jackie Shatz and
Shirey Parrish volunteer many hours, which helps support THS through quarterly dividend
disbursements based on their hours of work and donation made in the name off the society. Please
support the Thrift Shop through volunteering, making donations, and purchasing whatever items catch
your eye.
For the holiday season, THS will once again decorate the lamp posts on Main Street and around
the Reformed Church.
Finally, our gratitude goes to the Grand Lodge of New York Masons for their stewardship of the De
Wint House and for allowing us the use of this historic site. In particular, we thank Kathy and Harold
Jones for their exceptional care of this rare and lovely property.
President’s Annual Report for 2011
Good evening and welcome to the 46th annual meeting of the Tappantown Historical Society. I am
Carol LaValle, president of the society. Tonight we are celebrating the designation of Christ Episcopal
Church in Sparkill as an historic site by the New York State and National Registries of Historic Places.
We will hear about the history of the church after the business part of the meeting. First, the Annual
Report.
Two thousand and eleven has been another year of action and accomplishment thanks to the
support of our members, volunteers, collaboration with other community organizations and historic
societies, and a dedicated board of directors who are thoughtful and diligent in carrying out the society’
s mission of education and preservation of Tappan’s heritage.
The directors are Susan Gewirtz, Michael, Fiorentino, Joe Napoli, Pam Peters, Jackie Shatz, and
Keith Walker. Officers are John Morton, 1st vice president; Nancy Russell, 2nd vice president; Marilyn
Schauder, recording secretary; Chris Gremski, corresponding secretary, and Lucille Starink, treasurer.
Thanks also go to former board members and other members who regularly attend meetings and
offer insight and advice.
In 2011, the National Trust for Historic Preservation emphasized the connection between
preservation of historic buildings and the conservation of the settings and the cultural landscapes in
which those structures stand and in which historic events took place. In Tappan, this natural
connection is tangible every day as we pass by the Tappan Reformed Church and the Manse, the
DeWint House, the 18th and 19th century buildings in town, and as we travel roads that were Native
American trails and colonial highways.
Sometimes the 21st century literally collides with the 18th century, for example, when tractor trailers
fail to make the turn at Main Street and Oak Tree Road and knock over (for the third time) the protective
bollards outside Il Portico. To reconcile the demands for progress with the responsibilities of
preservation is a challenge. Our major events of the year help to meet this challenge and reflect the
link between preservation and conservation.
The Awards Dinner in February recognized Mr. Anthony Viglietta, whose gardens at his home on the
corner of Windsor brook Lane have enhanced historic Kings Highway for 45 years.
Charles “Skip” Vezzitti, Rockland County Superintendent of highways and James Dean,
Orangetown Superintendent of highways were honored for their collaboration in restoration of the
drainage infrastructure, installation of granite curbing and brick sidewalks, and attention to many
aesthetic details in the center of historic Tappan. Their efforts ensure that future restoration,
preservation, and revitalization projects will have a secure foundation.
The Volunteer Fires Association of Tappan was honored for the new 9- foot
black granite and its surrounding landscaping which commemorates VFAT members who have died
and is a record of the history of over a 100 years of the fire department’s service to the Tappan
community.
The 53rd Annual Plant Sale on May 7 was another way in which preservation and conservation
come together. It is our only fundraiser, and the proceeds help to defray the costs of the Concert and
Colonial Day. In addition to the annuals, herbs, flats of vegetables, and hanging baskets from Stokes
Farms, the perennial are donated by members from their gardens, many of them long-established,
old, and heirloom varieties. Organizer Joe Napoli and Master gardener Laurie Rispoli offered expert
advice on planting. Raffle prizes from Tappan’s restaurants and businesses in the historic area, the
extraordinary array of home baked goods, and enthusiastic volunteers and gardeners all helped to
make this a successful event.
History and culture, the past and the present, melded on June 17 in our Annual Concert. The
intimate setting and superb acoustics of the sanctuary of the 1835 Tappan Reformed Church offered
the perfect space for the accomplished musicians of the Klang String Quartet, w who returned for their
second year to perform works by Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, and the debut of a piece by Tappan
resident and composer John Morton. One member of the appreciative audience remarked, “It is rare to
hear this caliber of musicianship outside of New York City.” He added that it would be wonderful to
have a music series in the church that offered a variety of genres. Indeed it would, and we would like to
involve other local organizations in supporting such an effort.
Regrettably, Colonial Day, our major educational and entertainment event of the year scheduled for
September 24, was cancelled for the second time in 27 years. Cancelling Colonial Day was a difficult
decision to make, but the only one. The DeWint House grounds, the perfect setting for Colonial Day
but also a most vulnerable one, were saturated from heavy rains and an overflowing Sparkill Creek.
Cancelling is not a decision that can wait until the last minute. Over a hundred demonstrators and
volunteers, some coming from long distances, need to be notified. So, even though it was not actually
raining on the 24th, the grounds could never have sustained the traffic of re-enactors, demonstrators,
and hundreds of participants.
Walking Tours are another way in which THS fulfills its educational goals. This spring over 250
elementary school children and several adult groups toured the historic district. Our knowledgeable
guides are Janet Galloway, Marilyn Schauder, Thano Schoppel, Peter Schuerholz, Keith Walker, and
here at the DeWint House, Kathy and Harold Jones.
The Annual Andre Walk took place this year on Monday, October 3. Thano Schoppel met two
classes of 4th graders from Cottage Lane elementary school at the ’76 House where they heard the
story of Major John Andre’s conspiracy with Benedict Arnold, his capture, trial, imprisonment in the ’76
House (then the Mabie House). The group then walked from the ‘76 House to Andre Hill, the site of
Andre’s hanging on October 2, 1780.
Another way in which we further our educational goals is through the THS Scholarship fund, a
$500.00 award to a graduating senior from Tappan Zee High School who has shown excellence in
American History. Matthew Zebiak was this year’s recipient. In his thank you letter to the society, Matt
mentioned that he had had an exceptional American History teacher, Stephen Sherman, who piqued
his interest in local history. We hope to meet Mr. Sherman and thank him for his efforts.
Ongoing projects are coming to fruition. Site work on the small triangle that THS, the Tappan Library,
and the Tappan Reformed Church adopted has been completed. A back-flow pump and sprinkler
system have been installed (last night the top soil was being watered!). Plantings have been designed
by Joe Napoli with an eye to height limitations and hardiness given the triangle’s vulnerable location.
Bulbs will go in soon, and in the spring, more perennials and seasonal annuals will be planted. And,
not to worry, the unattractive beige unit on the opposite corner that houses the pump will be screened
with shrubs ... soon.
The redesign of the Memorial Triangle is complete and is in the final stages of review by the town
board. While this is not a THS project, we have been involved in the planning, in the selection of trees
to replace those that are old, damaged, or diseased, and in the walkways that will facilitate walking
tours. Also included in the project is the planting of two trees to replace the Norway Maple on Kings
Highway that was removed during the restoration of the church and the installation of brick pavers.
The restoration of the 19th century iron fence around the Andre Monument on Andre Hill is a long-
term project that is the responsibility of the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, but
THS is looking into ways to fund an assessment of what is needed to restore the entire fence, not just
repair the damaged sections. The damaged sections were removed three years ago, and the site
began to look neglected and to be safety hazard, with one remaining gatepost tilting at a precarious
angle and fragments of footings jutting out of the ground. At our proposal, Michael DiMola, Parks
manager for the County Division of Environmental Resources had his crew dig up the enormous
chunks of footings and the gatepost and planted six boxwood shrubs that THS purchased for the site.
Thus, some symmetry and formality has returned to the site, and we will be planting perennials
around the monument in the spring.
The historic markers delineating the boundaries of the Historic Area are looking worn and need
repainting, and we are looking into that, as well..
To help with our preservation efforts, Board member Keith Walker attends the Historic Area Board of
Review meetings.
THS joined with other local history groups this year for various projects. For the Sparkill History Project
on July23, a blindingly hot day, Marilyn Schauder collaborated with Mary Cardenas of the Orangetown
Museum and Marge Guenther from the Piermont Historical Society on a display of maps and charts
illustrating the history of travel through the Sparkill Gap from the first indigenous people through the
Dutch exploration and settlement to the beginnings of modernity with the coming of the New York and
Erie Railroad.
On October 15, the 1704 Division Patent was displayed at the Piermont Reformed Church to
augment a talk by historian Firth Haring Fabend on Piermont as the gateway to the rustic capital of
lower Rockland County. Also, THS supports the Sparkill Watershed Alliance in its efforts to protect the
Sparkill from further degradation, and we would like to concentrate our efforts on where it flows
through Tappan.
THS has had a long relationship with the Tappan Zee Thrift Shop. Board member Jackie Shatz and
Shirey Parrish volunteer many hours, which helps support THS through quarterly dividend
disbursements based on their hours of work and donation made in the name off the society. Please
support the Thrift Shop through volunteering, making donations, and purchasing whatever items catch
your eye.
For the holiday season, THS will once again decorate the lamp posts on Main Street and around
the Reformed Church.
Finally, our gratitude goes to the Grand Lodge of New York Masons for their stewardship of the De
Wint House and for allowing us the use of this historic site. In particular, we thank Kathy and Harold
Jones for their exceptional care of this rare and lovely property.