James House Mansion Holds First Craft Fair

The James House Mansion in Sleepy Hollow played host to its first Craft Fair on Saturday.

Volunteers from Phelps Memorial Hospital Center's Phelps Auxiliary organized the event to raise funds for the hospital and attracted more than 30 vendors to participate.

The Auxiliary is involved in fundraising for the hospital year round—the Cherry Door thrift shop in Tarrytown is one of their ventures.

Organizers at the Craft Fair offered free admission, free parking and even van service up the steep hill to the mansion, located behind the hospital, throughout the day.

A large tented area in front of the mansion contained several vendors, including Barbara Philips, of Ossining.

"I make aprons, pinafores, clutch bags and iPod cases," said the artist who currently works from home.

Other vendors under the tent were selling handmade scarves, soaps and perfumes, jewelry and even dog treats.

In addition, the entire wraparound porch of the mansion held tables of vendors, including photography, pottery and personalized silhouettes.

Sue Bodansky, a Phelps Auxiliary volunteer who helped coordinate the event, was pleased with the turnout by middway.

"It's pretty good," she said. "There's a lot of traffic coming through."

Volunteers also manned booths inside of the mansion's foyer, giving patrons a chance to admire the elegant architecture of the 1600s Victorian-Gothic style home.

Jim Goldsmith, a member of the auxiliary and the event's volunteer coordinator, said about 22 individuals had volunteered their time for the event.

Goldsmith was situated on the front lawn, serving up cheap refreshments and treats to shoppers.

"It's very busy," he said. "Most of the vendors are very happy."

Though it was the first attempt for organizers, everyone seemed satisfied with the day and indicated the event may become an annual tradition.

Visit here to learn more about the Phelps Auxiliary's work.