2008 AARCH Annual Meeting Friday, June 27 Ausable Valley Grange, No.973 in Keeseville, NY

In addition to conducting AARCH business, 10-year members will be honored, and AARCH Executive Director Steven Engelhart will give a brief talk on the history and architecture of the Grange hall. There will be an optional walking tour prior to the meeting, led by AARCH staff, of Keeseville's historic district. Following the meeting there will be an opportunity to walk the grounds of the future home of AARCH. The walking tour begins at 10 a.m. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. and ends around 4 p.m. and is free to members and guests.

The Ausable Valley Grange was organized on April 19, 1903, and the first meetings were held in the Town of Ausable town hall in Clinton County. In 1914 the Horse Nail Factory counting office was purchased as a permanent home for the growing organization. Today, the Grange is comprised of people who share a common interest in community, gardening, small farms, self-sufficiency, education, and culture, rural skills and crafts.

The Grange was a national movement that began in 1867 in an effort to bring the family farm out of rural isolation. Organizers wished to unite farm families in a fraternal organization, the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, in order to collectively negotiate better prices for their products and services needed to run their operations. As a result, Grange halls across the country were established. They served as gathering places for rural men and women to meet, discuss, and debate; to celebrate births; and mourn the passing of friends. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call AARCH at (518) 834-9328.

2008 Benefit Event: An Afternoon Benefit at Camp Uncas Friday, August 22

Our 2008 benefit event will take place at Camp Uncas, located six miles south of Raquette Lake on Friday, August 22. Spend the afternoon with us socializing and relaxing over food and refreshments at this late 19th-century Great Camp built by William West Durant and designed, in part, by Grosvenor Atterbury. Participate in our silent auction of items, including dinners, overnight stays, art, books, and other Adirondack items. The event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The cost is $75 per person. For more information or to reserve tickets, please call AARCH at (518) 834-9328.

Exploring the Adirondacks: An Architectural Tour of a Great Rustic Tradition September 5-11

For one week in September, tour private and public camps of the Adirondacks, led by experts in the field of architectural history and preservation, and local historians. Our tour includes meals and accommodations and dining at the Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, and the Crowne Plaza in Lake Placid.

Click here for more information on our Rustic Study Tour, a day by day itinerary, and registration form.

2008 AARCH Awards Luncheon Friday, October 3 The Hedges, Blue Mountain Lake

This year we are pleased to present our annual Adirondack Architectural Heritage Awards at a celebratory luncheon at The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake.

Built as a seasonal home circa 1885 by Hiram B. Duryea, The Hedges consists of a remarkable group of stone and wood buildings, with several extraordinary interiors. In 1920 the property was sold to Richard J. Collins, who converted it into a resort, adding more than a dozen buildings to the site. Since 1921, The Hedges has been family-run. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

While enjoying lunch we will recognize several exemplary preservation and stewardship projects from across our region. Please join us as we honor the accomplishments and commitment of our awardees. The luncheon begins at 12 noon and ends around 3 p.m. The luncheon is $35 per person. Please call AARCH at: (518) 834-9328 to make your reservations early.

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