Don't Miss: Colonial Fair Saturday in Cortlandt

From the Van Cortlandtville Historical Society

CORTLANDT, NY — In conjunction with the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Old Saint Peter’s Church, the Van Cortlandtville Historical Society is hosting an exciting Colonial Fair open free to the public of all ages on Saturday, September 9th, from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 297 Locust Avenue, Cortlandt Manor, New York.

Visitors will be transported between 1 and 5 p.m. from the parking center at Cortlandt Town Hall atop Heady Street (off Oregon Road) in an old-fashioned trolley to experience an array of adventures bringing them back in time.

• In the authentic setting of the one room schoolhouse, two sessions of classes will be taught by retired
• Principal Frank Goncalves.
• Jack Lancaster, in the role of George Washington, will conduct guided tours of Old Saint Peter’s Church
• (where Washington worshipped) nestled in the adjacent cemetery.
• Members of the 2 nd NY Regiment, led by Commander Alan Morrison, will portray Revolutionary-era military traditions, as they seek to enlist a few good men...and women!

• Beth Olson will demonstrate the art of weaving and Joan Prentice knitting
• Using vintage utensils, outdoor cooking will be demonstrated by historian Ted Winser and he will offer tasty tidbits of his culinary skills.
• Tom Hunt and Jim Taylor will demonstrate the skills of a blacksmith and barrel maker respectively
• Lindsay Woods, a Docent from Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton, will demonstrate colonial toys and play games with the children for small prizes.
• Ham radio operators under David Wright, Esq. will also be broadcasting from the site.

Refreshments will be available under the tent and in the Schoolhouse gathering room.

“Come one and all to our treasured one-room Schoolhouse---located alongside one of the oldest restored Houses of Worship in Westchester. Take a pause to step back in time and savor the history,” say Leah Olsen of Old Saint Peter’s and retired teacher Mary Foley, the project coordinators for the event who are both members of the Society’s Board of Directors. “Join us for an enjoyable, enriching and enlightening experience,” they urge.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is located at the north end of Locust Avenue, next to Old Saint Peter’s Church and cemetery, on the hill just south of Oregon Rd. in the Town of Cortlandt. Park at Cortlandt Town Hall atop Heady St. off Oregon Rd.

For more information, visit: www.vancort.net; or, call (914) 736-7868.

PHOTOS/ Bob Foley