The
Old Road Society of Philipstown
Historic
Map of Old Albany Post Road
Milestone Mystery
Board of Directors
Links
Upcoming
Events
Click
here for information and links about Stormwater Management and Philipstown
Historic Preservation
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 is
now 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 6th 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
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".
