The Gatehouse

The Time Has Come... a message from the Gatehouse Learning Center For many years, the Pine tree in front of the Carriage House has shaded the Scouts as they participated in their Flag Ceremonies and enjoyed the coolness on a hot summer day. Time has passed and the tree has slowly aged and has become a danger to those who use this property. Recently, the flagpole was relocated away from the tree as some branches began to fall. Requests were made to remove the tree bu...t had not been addressed. Several months ago, the Scouts gathered for an overnight social distancing adventure on the Gatehouse property. Tents dotted the premises, including around the tree. The Troop 4 Scout leader, Menno, did an evening check, including the weather forecast. High winds overnight was forecast. To ensure the safety of his Scouts, he relocated them far from the tree. During the night, a very large tree branch, with many small branches, broke off and came down like a spike, digging deep into the ground where the Scouts had been. One can only imagine what could have happened if the Scouts had not been moved! The Gatehouse Committee (Woodbury Historical Society), The Boy Scouts, and the Woodbury Community Association, (all of whom are located at 224 Smith Clove Road) have been good stewards in maintaining, preserving, and are dedicated to this wonderful treasure. Safety for all who use the property, particularly the youth of our town, is our commitment and we have done so with the support of our community with donations and volunteers for over 25 years. The tree will be removed by Tommy Tree Company ASAP. The Gatehouse is establishing a donation Fund Raiser for the $2000. (Price reduced by Tommy)) If we meet the goal, the fund raiser closes. Your donation would be most appreciated as always. Donations are tax deductible under 501.c3. Checks should be made out to: Woodbury Historical Society, PO Box 30, Highland Mills, NY 10930 memo: The Gatehouse tree Many thanks from all of the Gatehouse Committee Dorothy Morris, Chair

From our Gatehouse Committee chair...

2020 Season update-- The Gatehouse Committee eagerly awaits the day we can open our gates and welcome you back to our historic treasure. Several displays highlight the life of early Woodbury settlers and their contributions to our community life style. One display brings "light" to the 60's, 70's, and 80's when recreational opportunities were great summer activities.We invite those who enjoyed these activities to share their memories with us. Post your memoir (hopefully with a photo) to THE GATEHOUSE Facebook page and we will add it to the display board in the Gatehouse

The Gatehouse remains closed due to the coronavirus. All plans have been put on hold until further-notice. Committee members hope you will be strong, smart, and patient as we look forward to better days. We will adjust our programming when we are safe and healthy. We thank you for your support for all these years and we look forward to seeing you ASAP.

"Arm Chair History" is back again. A long time resident of Central Valley, reminisced about the adjustment necessary between 1900 and 1910 when cars began to appear in the "Valley." Speeding through town was a big concern. The butcher whose store was located on the main street , installed a bell button in the roadway, and attached his stopwatch to it. A car passing down Church Hill triggered the watch. If the car got down to the garage by the railroad tracks in less than 8 seconds, it was considered speeding. The garage owner at the circle timed the passing car. How the two "monitors" judged the consequence remained a mystery.