Old Road Society of Philipstown

The Old Road Society of Philipstown

In July 1982 the Old Albany Post Road in the Town of Philipstown was awarded a listing in the State and National Registers of Historic Places. This 6.6 mile section of dirt road from Continental Village to Route 9 was recognized as one of the oldest unpaved roads in the nation still in use. The listings and recognition may be gratifying, but the honor is no guarantee of permanent road protection. The ORS was formed by a group of concerned residents in 1984 to monitor the impact of changing times and to help to preserve the road’s unique character

In recent years neighbors on intersecting roads have expressed an interest in joining the Society to work for common goals. To accommodate this desire the Society’s by-laws have been modified so that all residents of adjoining roads may participate fully in our organization. The ORS Board meets monthly and is always open to anyone with questions or problems pertaining to the road or our community. Over the years the ORS has played a helpful role and served as a moderating influence on Town decision-making, by attending Town Board meetings and keeping a watchful eye on pending development and legislation. A family membership is $20 per year and helps us defray expenses for the mailing, our annual open meeting and pot luck supper and other programs. We hope you will join us. Welcome!

A summary of the activities and achievements of the Old Road Society in its role as conservator and protector will demonstrate the range of its objectives. Much of the focus is on perennial problems requiring ongoing attention. Other projects have been successfully completed despite a lack of funds, limited manpower, and disinterest on the part of many individuals who benefit from the Society’s efforts.

l Created a beautiful bronze and stone historical marker which isnow installed at the corner of Old Albany Post Road and Travis Corners Road. l Road cleanup drives initiated. “No Dumping” signs requested and installed.

l Neighborhood Watch signs placed at key points encouraging homeowners to remain alert to vandalism and theft. l The ORS helped achieve a unified Garrison postal address for the entire road. l Historic milestones were repaired or replaced, enclosed in local fieldstone and embellished with bronze plaques. Daffodils were planted at the bases. l The ORS was foremost in protesting when the Old Albany Post Road was ranked 6^th as a site for a solid waste dump. l The ORS supported the objectives of the Steep Slopes Committee in Philipstown and joined with the Dirt Road Association of Philipstown in the anti-paving controversy - an ongoing issue for all the dirt roads in the town. l In opposition to a sludge plant slated for Route 301, the ORS joined the ranks of many community organizations. l Town Board approval of uniform two acre zoning for the entire length of the Old Albany Post Road. l A list of historic homes and sites on the Old Albany Post Road was compiled for the Town Planning Board, all of which were incorporated into the Philipstown Master Plan. l The ORS alerted the Town Board to construction of a subdivision on the road without required permits. l The ORS bylaws were amended to include residents of adjacent roads where interest was expressed in ORS membership.

l The ORS achieved official recognition from the Town Board on October 7, 1995 through the adoption of a resolution acknowledging the historic status of the Old Albany Post Road. The resolution was presented by Steve Rosario, a Town Board member.

Click here for a Capsule History of the Old Albany-New York Post Road

Old Road Society Board of Directors, March 2008

Howard Kaplowitz	President	424-4096	hkaplowitz-at-hotmail-dot-com
Noel Kropf	Vice President	739-8146	nsk-at-bestweb-dot-net
Lisa Mechaley	Secretary	424-6003	lmechaly-at-optonline-dot-net
Miriam Wagner	Treasurer	424-3255	wagner-at-highlands-dot-com
Jane Thornquist	Membership	788-0472	janethornquist-at-optonline-dot-net
Glenn Lebwohl-Steiner		424-3316
Mark Abrahams			mjabrahams-at-aol-dot-com
Madeline Rae			madacton-at-msn-dot-com

Upcoming Events
This fall's annual meeting will be held Saturday, Sept. 1 (Labor Day Weekend), rain date Sunday Sept 2 or Monday Sept 3. We will meet outdoors at Sandy Saunders' farm, have a picnic, enjoy the fresh air, beautiful views from the upper fields, and the fabulous outdoor art installation called "Collaborative Concepts".