Friday, October 26, 2007

BOOK SIGNING - HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Catskill, NY – On Sunday, October 28, at 2 p.m., noted author Harrison F. Meeske will lecture at Beattie-Powers Place, an historic site bequeathed to the Village of Catskill and maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a non-profit community preservation group.

Meeske’s presentation coincides with the publication of "From Vernacular to Spectacular", published by Purple Mountain Press, Fleischmanns, NY. Author Meeske will also sign copies of his new book.

The upper Hudson Valley of New York is nationally recognized for its scores of 18th and 19th century estates that date back to the arrival of Dutch settlers from 1730 through 1830. Meeske will focus on how function follows form in the construction of these historic properties and estates.

In addition to other historic sites, "From Vernacular to Spectacular" also features Beattie-Powers Place in both text and photography, a surviving example of an historic merchant’s home with a spectacular view of the Hudson River. A doctoral graduate of New York University, Meeske is also author of "The Hudson Valley Dutch and Their Houses."

A suggested donation of $10 is requested.

Directions
From exit #21 of the New York State Thruway, turn left onto Route 23B, Main Street, to Bridge Street in Catskill, turn left onto Bridge Street, continue to Prospect Avenue; or from the east, cross the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, Route 23, to the first traffic light, turn left onto Spring Street, Route 385, to Bridge Street, turn left again to Prospect Avenue.

For information, call (518) 943-4764, or visit online – www.friendsofbeattiepowers.org

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

A Day in the Life ..

Last weekend I had the pleasure of saying 'hello' to Leigh Keno of Antiques Roadshow fame. Our encounter took place on the last day of "ArtsWalk" in Hudson, NY. Always a good guy, Leigh spoke about his strong interest in very fine 20th Century Design.

By the way, a week earlier, I had an opportunity to share my 68th birthday with more than 50 friends on September 30 with Patrick and Alyson Milbourn as hosts at their M Gallery in Catskill, NY. The mood was relaxed and enjoyable, with the added benefit of a duo by entertainers Lex Grey and Jason Brown. Special thanks also to Sterling Swann and the many others who contributed their time, refreshments and excellent food.

What's coming up .. ? On Saturday, October 13, merchants along Catskill's Main Street will host their monthly 'Saturday Stroll', with shops and galleries staying open until 9 in the evening. Most will serve refreshments. This is always a popular event that attracts hundreds if not a thousand visitors to this picturesque historic community, exit #21 of the New York State Thruway. Special events during the afternoon are geared to children. All in all, a lot of fun for everyone! On Sunday, October 14, Beattie-Powers Place, a circa-1850 historic merchant's house, offers its annual 'Potluck Lunch' at 1 p.m. This important historic site is maintained by the Friends of Beattie-Powers, a volunteer group. Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish or a suggested donation of $10, you won't be disappointed. Also on tap is a performance by our favorite songstress, Lex Grey. It is as of a helicopter from Las Vegas has landed!