Friday, November 12, 2010

Millerton - Home Improvement

The little room is almost done....

UPDATE - Back to Fix’n Things

Or village home was built in 1919 and will be having her centennial birthday in less than 9 years. That doesn't leave me much time to get her ready - back to her original splendor but with some modern touches.

Here is the "short list" of what needed/needs to be done:

  • Remove carpet in bedrooms and upstairs hallway DONE
  • Refinish floors in bedrooms and upstairs hallway DONE
  • Remove wall paper in living room (DONE), dining room, entry way (DONE), master bedroom
  • Remove fake wood paneling in dining room, upstairs hallway and guest bedroom (DONE)
  • Thin-coat walls in living room (DONE), dining room, entry way (DONE), master bedroom, upstairs hallway and guest bedroom (DONE)
  • Remove drop ceiling in living room (DONE), dining room and guest bedroom (DONE)
  • Thin-coat ceiling in living room (DONE), dining room and guest bedroom (DONE)
  • Paint living room (DONE), dining room, entry, guest bedroom (DONE) and master bedroom
  • Add ceiling light fixtures in living room and dining room
  • Electrical/Rewire 80% of house
  • Improve attic to include new windows (4), insulate ceiling, floor and walls, drywall ceiling, add built-ins for storage, install new light fixtures and carpet.
  • Remodel kitchen to include a new lay out, new countertops, sink, new flooring and new appliances
  • Remodel sunroom to include new flooring, new sliding door (DONE) and new windows
  • Remodel upstairs bathroom to include new flooring, new sink, bathtub/shower and built-in storage
  • Remodel master bedroom, specifically redesign closet and storage space and potentially re-open window and adding a deck
  • Add 2nd ¾ bath room on main floor
  • Remove siding from home, paint and repair damaged wood
  • New boiler (DONE)
  • New roof
  • Remodel basement

After a year I have redone the floors upstairs, removed most of the wallpaper, paneling and drop ceiling, had some electrical work done, installed a new boiler, and had a new sliding glass door installed. I’ve also thin-coated the living room, entry and small bedroom and painted the living room. It doesn’t seem like I’ve done much considering the sizeable list, but just the few improvements have helped considerably.

(As you can see from the first photo, the fake wood paneling and drop ceiling left a lot to be desired. The floor was also a disaster.)

Thanksgiving 2010 is just around the corner so this past weekend I focused on the guest bedroom which I really want to be special and welcoming. The room is small but has the best light and views (South and West facing windows). I was able to finish the floor which looks amazing and although the walls aren't exactly where I want them to be, they are a vast improvement from the fake paneling. Unfortunately I ran out of time and will need to finish the trim around the windows and wall.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Millerton - Interesting Places


Harlem Valley Wingdale

Some of you may have noticed the large group of buildings, overgrown with vines and trees, located in the town of Wingdale, about 30 minutes south of Millerton. Both Route 22 and the Metro-North train go directly through this outcropping of dilapidated, long abandoned structures many built in a high Victorian Gothic style. Here is a brief history (for more information go to http://www.harlemvalley.org/wingdale/)

The Wingdale Prison - Short lived project

In the Spring of 1911 construction on the Wingdale Prison began. The new prison was going to be a “state of the art” State prison and this specific location was chosen because of its fertile farm land – to be farmed by inmates. Officials were hoping to create a model farm prison and the site was also ideal due its close proximity to the Wingdale railroad station. The entire project was estimate to cost between $4 and $8 million. However, less than one year into the project, Governor John A. Dix called for the abandonment of the Wingdale Prison plan - the official reason, "The objections to the site are on the ground of the proximity of a water-flow dangerously near the foundation levels; inadequate drainage; a questionable water supply, with considerable uncertainty as to its development unless at a very high cost; comparative inaccessibility, with incidental high rates for transportation, and the heavy cost of a completed plant entailed largely by reason of the location". However, some speculate that it had more to do with financial restraints. Only four of the original fourteen buildings were completed including the power plant which is clearly visible today.

The Harlem Valley State Hospital - 1924 to 1994 (a National Historic Landmark)

As the buildings laid abandon the State came up with two alternate plans for the Wingdale Prison; keep it as a prison for "the execution of the death penalty and for the detention of all those who have been sentenced to life in prison" or "turn it into a hospital for the agrarian insane". They went with the latter and, eleven years after the plan for a prison was abandoned, on December 25, 1923, the State announced the prison site would in fact become a hospital "to keep high-grade, harmless lunatics who are physically rugged at Wingdale and work them on farms there."

In August of 1924, the Harlem Valley State Hospital officially opened under the supervision of Dr. John R. Ross (formerly head of Dannemora State Hospital for Criminal Insane). On opening day 10 women and 22 men from Central Islip and Kings Park State Hospitals were the first patients at Harlem Valley. Between 1925 and 1929 the number of patients rose from between 250 and 1294. Along with the power plant (to the west), buildings A, B & C were already completed – these are visible from Route 22 and the Metro North Train to the east. By 1928, buildings F and H were completed as well as the kitchen, tennis courts, and physical exercise and recreational areas. In 1929 new staff quarter were completed and the School of Nursing was constructed in 1926. The Wingdale complex eventually evolved into a town within itself, with a farm, laundry, bakery, refrigeration plants and storerooms.

The Harlem Valley hospital was on the cutting edge of many specialized treatments including insulin shock treatment and electric shock therapy. The year 1956 saw a record census of 5,818 patients and additional construction including a medical/surgical building which was technologically "state of the art" occurred in the mid-sixties. In 1969 modernization of the campus took place including the renovation of open porches into enclosed sun porches.

From 1970 through the mid 1980’s Harlem Valley saw it’s population dwindle mostly due to the “deinstitutionalization” or the discharging of patients into the community. On their 50th anniversary in 1974, Harlem Valley’s patient census was 1897 patients. In the mid-1980’s Harlem Valley’s environment changed dramatically, showcasing its new “Therapeutic Environment” resulting in a demonstrable uplift in morale for both residents and staff alike. The hospital added new lighting, more comfortable furnishings, and accessories, and modified living and common areas, which lowered sound levels, contributed to the more peaceful environment. Even though these improvements were made and the hospital was well known for its excellence and as a leader in mental health services, due to budgetary reasons, the State closed the Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center on January 31, 1994. This link is to some photos taken of the campus in 1994. http://www.knollsofdover.com/aerial.shtml.

Dover Knolls – the Future

In 2003 the Benjamine Companies purchased the entire 900+ acre facility from the State for a reported $5m. However, the Benjamine Companies' revitalization project has been stalled for the past several years mostly due to the extensive demolition of buildings containing hazardous materials. That said, the Benjamine Companies has recently competed the restoration of the Manor House and has begun the demolition of some of the buildings including cleaning out of building #4 (the one behind the barbed wire). Most structures will be demolished except for a few including the power plant, the storage house as well as building I and the Administration Building.

The Benjamine Companies’ revitalization project plan is quite extensive and consists of several distinct neighborhoods, as well as the 9-hole golf course. Each neighborhood would incorporate diverse housing types, with available housing opportunities on the west side including single-family homes, duplexes, town-homes and flats. Each neighborhood also contains a hamlet green or other open space to help define its identity, with the two neighborhoods along Wheeler Road including community buildings, as well. In addition,the neighborhoods include a mix of age-restricted, age-targeted and non-age-restricted units. The former Director’s Residence, which has already been restored, and a new clubhouse for the up-graded 9-hole golf course would be centrally located on the west side of the site, and would offer social and recreational amenities. In addition to the age-restricted housing, the project proposes age-targeted housing. These are units specifically designed and marketed for families without children, including empty-nesters, young professionals and single persons, who would enjoy the ambiance and amenities of the proposed development, including the Main Street shopping district with proximity to Metro-North. For more information go to: http://www.knollsofdover.com/pdf/overview_web.pdf or http://www.knollsofdover.com/index.shtml.

For additional information also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_River_State_Hospital

and here's a youtube video of the inside http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecBx_KbDSJQ


Friday, October 8, 2010

Millerton - Things to Do


Update.
It was an absolutely stunning weekend upstate! Clear, cool (not cold) and quiet.

On Sunday a big bunch of us went to Daisi Hill Farm which is only a short drive from our home in Millerton. We spent the afternoon doing "all things fall" including a really great corn maze (much better than last years), relaxing hay ride, hot dogs and pumpkins. Everyone, young and old(er), had a terrific time.

Hi! Just a quick post about upcoming Columbus Day festivities. We'll be hosting three families (11 people) this weekend. Saturday will be a casual day as everyone is coming up from the city and we'll likely do an easy dinner at Taro's. Sunday we're planning on some pumpkin & apple pick'n, hay ride'n and corn maze run'n. I'll keep you posted.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Millerton - Quiet, Quaint, but Not Boring

Irving Farm Cafe and Harney & Sons Teas Cafe.

In the village of Millerton we are fortunate to have several, very good, restaurants. We have enjoyed dinner at Taro's Pizza, Number 9, Salsa Fresca and The Big Grill - all very good dinner spots (more about them in a separate blog posting). The recently re-opened "Oakhurst" diner is, well, needs a little more time to iron out some of the bugs so to speak.

That said, there are 2 spots that are "must visits" if you're in Millerton for breakfast or lunch.

My first favorite is Irving Farm. http://www.irvingfarm.com/. Almost every weekend we pay a visit to Irving Farm for breakfast of lunch and we generally have a group. Everyone who has tried it has loved it, from it's panini sandwiches, to it's $3 breakfasts, to it's sumptuous desserts or just a nice cup of coffee - everything here is terrific.

Our second favorite is Harney & Sons Teas (Cafe, Tea Bar and Gift Shop). Harney & Sons has a great sandwich menu, all named after common names like "the Peter". The cafe is very small but there never seems to be too long of a wait. The Tea Tasting Bar is terrific, supplied with helpful and knowledgeable staff to help you find the perfect tea (two free tastings) and a large variety of amazing teas. The Hot Cinnamon Green Tea is my personal favorite with just a hint of sweetness (But no sweetener, per se, is added. How'd they do that?). The gift shop is adorable and a great place to pick up something special for a friend (or yourself) or anyone who enjoys tea. http://www.harney.com/

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Sights to See Near Millerton






OLANA


A couple of weeks ago we decided to go for a drive and visit Olana and the town of Hudson.

Olana was the home of Frederic Edwin Church (1826–1900), a famous American landscape painter during the time and one of the major figures in the Hudson River School. Olana (named after a fortressed city in ancient Greater Persia) is an eclectic villa composed of many styles, which overlooks parkland and a working farm designed by the artist. As well, the residence has a wide view of the Hudson River valley, the Catskill Mountains and the Taconic Range. The stone, brick, and polychrome-stenciled villa at Olana is an unusual mixture of Victorian structural elements and Middle-Eastern decorative motifs from different times and places. Moorish elements blend with contrasting Italianate themes. And although Church never actually made it to Persia, the Middle-Eastern architecture is apparent.

We took a tour of both the upstairs and downstairs of the residence, much of which has been painstakingly restored to its original state. Olana is now a state historical site and therefore photographs of the inside were not allowed for “security reasons”. For more information, visit their website at www.olana.org.

Here are some photos of Church’s work. As you can see, his paintings are absolutely magnificent and the detail is extraordinary -- keep in mind most of his work is done on very large canvasses. I highly recommend taking a trip to Olana as these photos absolutely do not do it justice. And the inside of Church's home is remarkable.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Millerton Real Estate

Walking around Millerton I've noticed several properties for sale --- some at a great bargain!

Just up the street from our place is this little home. I bet it would make a great investment property as it is "in the village" and village homes are limited. CMAID=4640523&Date=9/2/2010&Time=07:36&ReportID=cfull

For more information contact my "amazing" real estate agent, Tiffany Pratt: http://www.midhudsonmls.com/R.asp?C=4639206&D=9/2/2010&T=07:36

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Millerton - Our "Adorable" Compost Bin


Compost Bins do not have to be boring!

I found a way to make a simple compost bin out of used pallets and thought it was a brilliant idea because, instead of purchasing some big black plastic thing, I could "re-use" something out of wood. This was not my idea but brilliant nonetheless.

BEFORE

My daughter and I had took it one step further because boring just doesn't work for us. With some paint we transformed our boring bin into a piece of art (at least in our opinion).

Anyway, we had a lot of fun doing it and we love the bright colors. Next spring we have plans to plant ivy and morning glory to really put it over the top!

AFTER

Oh, and I'm not quite done yet. This weekend I'm going to paint the front of the bin. I'll post a photo shortly.

Millerton and Our First Tomatoes


At long last, we have some color on our tomatoes!

We planted these gorgeous plants when they were just seedlings in mid-June and they have taken their dear sweet time to ripen.

This one is named Early Girl - but she wasn't very early!
(But as we all know, beautiful things just can't be rushed.)

I worry we will get a large crop all at once - but plan on making sauces, salsas, relish, out of these beauties. There is truly nothing like a vine ripened, home-grown tomato. Good thing tomatoes are one of my daughter's favorite foods!

This is a Beef Steak variety.


Meanwhile, my friend Tim who is from the south,
made the most delicious fried green tomatoes.
I had tried fried green tomatoes before,
but either it was my terrific tomato,
or Tim's recipe and hand at the stove,
or a combination of both --- Tim's Fried Green Tomatoes were incredible





Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Bash Bish Falls - Swim, Hike or just Relax - near Millerton NY

A Place to Swim, A Place to Hike, A Place full of History

One of the well known and popular locations for hiking and swimming near Millerton is Bash Bish Falls, near Copake Falls. This past weekend we were able to visit the location once again and although it was a bit more crowded, and the park rangers were out so “no swimming was allowed”, it was still a very enjoyable hike, a beautiful setting, and Kirby enjoyed herself immensely (as you can see from her appreciation).

Whenever I’m in this area I cannot help but consider its history. At the entrance of the park a sign provides visitors with a bit of history including a little about the wealthy landowners and some of the establishments they created.

Once upon a time there stood the Ceder Mountain Inn, built by Mrs. Josephine Douglas in 1879. As the sign reads, "Despite its dramatic siting on the side of Cedar Mountain, with views looking across the gorge to the falls, the in failed as a business venture. The inn was torn down about 1987." Seems a shame that it was torn down.

As we walked up to see the falls, with the lovely Bash Bish brook at my side, under a canopy of conifers, I couldn’t help but consider who else walked this path and who else swam in the deep, cool pools under the falls.

While it may not be in the “Niagara” category as far as falls go, these are very pretty in a sweet and gentle way. As I looked up and imagined the Ceder Mountain Inn, I couldn’t help but wonder, among other things, where the name Bash Bish came from. And after a little digging I came up with a little “folklore”.

-Quote from "Haunted New England, A Devilish View of the Yankee Past, by Mary Bolte, 1972

Bash-Bish Falls

Mt. Washington, Massachusetts

Before the white man came to North America, many Algonquin tribes populated the northeast, among them the Mohicans of western Massachusetts. This legend revolves around a beautiful Mohican woman named Bash-Bish who was accusd of this gravest of crimes, found guilty, and condemned to death as prescribed by tribal law, despite her persistent protestations of innocence. For the execution of her sentence, a canoe equipped with leather thongs was secured in the swift water upstream from a waterfall. Bash-Bish was to be bound to the vessel, which was then to be released and drawn by the current over the fateful cataract.

At the appointed hour, the Indians, including the woman's infant daughter, White Swan, solemnly gathered for the ceremony. Suddenly a curious thing happened. A fine mist began to slant in from the sun while, simultaneously, a ring of bright butterflies circled Bash-Bish's head. As the Mohicans fell back in awe of the unexplained phenomenon, the condemned woman broke away, dashed to the edge of the falls and flung herself over the cruel shawl of water, the butterflies spiraling downward behind her. The pool below has never given up her body.

Bash Bish

A Bit of History and a Legend

By Hiram Todd

As early as 1692 the white men settled in what is now called the Town of Mount Washington in Berkshire County. These pioneers took over from the Indians of the tribe of Black Thunder who carried west with them their legends of the Taghconics; "The Spirit of Bash Bish Falls" being one of the best of them. It tells the story of White Swan - the beautiful young wife of Whirling Wind, the son of Chief Black Thunder. They lived happily together for several years but, as they had no children, the mighty chief ordered Whirling Wind to take to his tepee another squaw - one who would bear him a son. Although White Swan respected the tribal law, she began to pine and brood by the falls. One moonlight night she heard her mother calling from behind the mist of the cataract and with a joyous cry she leapt from the high cliff into her mother's waiting arms. So ever after, when the moon is full, the spirit of White Swan appears behind the mist of the troubled waters of the Bash Bish.

Summer In Millerton - Need Something To Do?

During the Dog Days of Summer a great place to spend a hot day is at the Ore Pit Pond, Copake Falls, about 20 minutes north of Millerton's town center (rt 22 to 344).

In the mid 1800’s the Ore Pit Pond was an iron ore quarry. The ore was removed and taken to local furnaces to create the highly marketable iron steel for railroads, firearm and other items in high demand at the time.

When the industry dried up so to speak, in 1888 the mine closed, and subsequently flooded to creating this beautiful swimming hole. Now part of Taconic State Park, the largest open pit is a popular swimming location and measures 500 feet long by 200 feet wide and up to 40 feet deep, filled with very clear (and cool) upwelling groundwater.

As you can see from the photos, there is an expansive area for swimming, and a smaller, shallow wading pool for children. I’ve visited the location several times this summer and have yet to see a crowd. There is plenty of shade, plenty of sun and the restrooms and dressing areas are clean. There are lifeguards on hand in both areas and to be able to swim in the deeper area, if you’re under 15, a simple swimming test is required.

The wading pool and Ore Pit Pond are open for weekend swimming on Memorial Day, then expand to weekday use at the end of June, and finally close on Labor Day. From 11 a. m. to 7 p. m., swimming is allowed, and both locals and campers take advantage. Like most of the state parks, there is a strictly enforced “no dog policy” (even on a leash) in the swimming area. But you can bring your pet up the trail to Bash Bish Falls. (More on Bash Bish Falls to come.)

Off a small dock on the side of the pond (visible in the last photo) I’ve noticed people fishing and am told you can find a variety of fish such as Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Golden Shiner, Banded Killifish, Rainbow Trout and Pumpkinseed.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

One Hot Weekend Day in Millerton


We've had some unseasonably hot and dry weather lately. Is there a better excuse to enjoy some chocolate ice cream, courtesy of our neighbor Danna (the ice cream and the front porch)?

Good and Bad Gardening - update



The blossoms on the squash and string beans are beautiful. So beautiful they could be added to an exotic bouquet.


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Good and Bad Gardening


The good news is, I was able to harvest some beautiful potatoes (red and purple), some more radish and sugar snap peas.

The bad news, the Japanese Beetles have arrived. This one is having a feast on my cherry tree.

Rest assured, I've set up Japanese Beetle traps around the property and have sprayed my cherry and plum trees (their favorites) with non-toxic Japanese Beetle repellent.

Millerton's Pool and Recreation


This Past Weekend We Found The Pool.

Located on Rt. 22, just about a mile north of Millerton's town-center, is this beautiful pool and recreational center.

The first day we went it was a little busy due to the hot hot weather and the day-camps. The next day it was a little cooler and a lot less people. Cost? $2 per child (Adults $4 each).

There is also a very nice play ground, basketball court and baseball/soccer field.

I also found out that Millerton offer's a day-camp for children... $85/week! Coming from Manhattan, those price are crazy cheap!



Sunday, June 27, 2010

Cherries and Baby Goats





This past weekend, we drove to Love Apple Farm, near the town of Hudson, about 45 minutes northwest of Millerton.

With acres and acres of fruit - Love Apple Farm has something for everyone; tree-tipe cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, pears, and apples. Strawberries, red & black raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, currants, and gooseberries. For more information and a harvesting calendar, go to:


Cherry picking was fun and delicious and we can't wait to go back for peaches in a few weeks.

The also have a small petting zoo. We were lucky because a baby goat had just been born only a few hours before our visit - it was still wet and the mama was still cleaning it.

From Our Garden

A recent harvest... Beets, Turnips, Baby Carrots and Tomatoes... I love summer.




Today's Harvest! New potatoes (red and purple), radish, and sugar snap peas. Yum!

The other things that arrived today were the Japanese Beatles. They nearly devoured my cherry and plum tree and they've started on my zucchini. Tomorrow I'm off to Agway to get something to combat them. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Events in Millerton, New York



Our first Memorial Day Parade.

Millerton isn't afraid to show-off it's patriotism. On Memorial Day we walked down to Main Street to witness it first hand.


It was very touching to see our men in uniform and to hear the cheers from the crowd as they passed by.


I'm told that Millerton has a significant number (for a small town) of men and women serving in the arm services. And while I am not, never have been and never will be an advocate for war under any circumstances, I support our troupes and their courageous efforts.


Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Millerton, New York

Quiet. Peaceful. Beautiful.
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is all of those things and more.

What was once a busy rail route (from 1852 until 1980) is now a scenic pedestrian and bicycle path. The first leg stretches from the Wassaic train station to Millerton and is a little over 12 miles.

For more information, go to http://www.hvrt.org/

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Our Birds

Millerton Loves It's Birds.

Every yard has it's own bird santuary and everyone loves to talk about what particular bird they've seen at their feeders.

The Blue Jay maybe hoe-hum to many bird enthusiests, but I absolutely adore them. Its plumage is lavender-blue to mid-blue in the crest, back, wings, and tail, and its face is white. The underside is off-white and the neck is collared with black which extends to the sides of the head. The wing primaries and tail are strongly barred with black, sky-blue and white. The bill, legs, and eyes are all black. Males and females are nearly identical except that males are slightly larger and can grow to 10 inches from bill to tail.

And while they may be a common bird in North America, their beautiful markings and colors that seem to glow in the sunlight are anything but mundane.

Dutchess and Columbia Counties - around Millerton


Upstate New York has a ton, A TON, of pick-your-own orchards and farms.

The fertile soil and climate of the Hudson Valley provides optimum conditions for growing fruit and throughout the year its easy to locate an orchard or farm to pick-your-own (or have someone do it for you) fruit - everything from cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, strawberries, raspberries, apples and pears.

This weekend we are hoping to go to Love Apple Farm to pick cherries. http://www.pickyourown.org/PYO.php?URL=http://www.loveapplefarm.com But I'm told that the sweet cherry season came early this year. No worries though. If we missed it, peach and plum season is next month!