Album photo

TO DISCOVER : CRAGSMOOR BY A GLIMPSE

“ From this spot,

as if like birds,

women and men rise

in the lifting wind”

( semi-anonymous, inscribed into windsock pole, hang gliding launch site, Cragsmoor,NY )

ragsmoor is nestled on a high plateau at the southernmost tip of the Shawangunk Mountains, overlooking the lower Hudson Valley and ultimately Manhattan (at 75 miles distant) to the East and South, with Ellenville, its Roundout Valley and the Catskills providing the view to the West and North. Its one of those special places that came into being not through commerce or convenience, but rather through its’ tendency, be it geographic, cultural, or just the way the light bounces off of things, to instill in its visitors a mild sense of wonder and ease.

idge soaring may not be part of most peoples’ normal vocabulary, but the ridge on which Cragsmoor is perched lies perpendicular to the prevailing Northwest breeze – this peculiar arrangement provides hundreds of hours of sustained motorless flight per year… just ask the birds – or the sailplane pilots from nearby Wurtsburo airport, or the dozens of hang glider pilots who have made Cragsmoor and the surrounding area their home. This free-flight phenomena frequently fascinates families and friends. See www.ushga.org

rtist colony: In 1879, a Manhattan-based painter, Edward Lamson Henry, (elected to the National Academy of Design in 1867) first visited Cragsmoor, staying at what was then called the Mountain Hotel (now a private residence). Evidently he enjoyed his stay; he and his wife Frances subsequently returned, bought property, designed and built his studio/home and two guest cottages. His arrival marks the start of a very productive artist colony that bustled every summer for his next 40 years. See www.kbart.com

reat hiking: Impressive vistas flank this little hamlet - two nature preserves are open to residents and tourists alike. Bear cliff to the southwest is an easy walk with sunset views that make you wish you brought your picnic basket. Open Space Institute has secured 4,600 pristine acres on the other side of Cragsmoor, known as Sams Point, which abuts Minnewaska State Park, which in turn abuts the historic and impressive Mohonk Mountain House. See www.mohonkpreserve.org

tatue of Liberty ? Yes that’s right, the Statue of God-Blessed Liberty, in where else but Cragsmoor… In 1963 , pilot and resident Tony Covelli experienced the Statue in a way that millions of other immigrants can strongly relate to – “…I could never forget the view of the Statue of Liberty I still have in my mind and my heart, from when I was 18 …seeing her from the boat, her beauty and all it represents, it just stays with you…” In 1990 he acquired the 30 acre hang gliding landing field in the valley below. During the summer of 2000, resident, pilot, and artist Roger Baker wanted to use this field as a GIGANTIC canvas – and decided to use Tonys’ suggestion. Along with Tom Mackey, the three pilots then mowed an image TEN times the size of the actual statue. The execution of the idea was perfect, the result is magical... PHOTOS

usic at the Stone Church: Summer concert series – striking architecture, inspired performaces, and great acoustics… a pleasant way to enjoy the enchantments of the place – very pleasant indeed, and don’t forget to take in the sweeping view from the church’s memorial archway. See photos

ur Historical Society: Responsible for Cragsmoor being designated a National Historic District, the group has recently taken on the herculean task of renovating some key structures, notably the Federated Church building on Cragsmoor Road. A noble objective in progress…See photos

ur lovely Free Library: Subtly rustic in its use of peeled chestnut columns, fieldstone fireplace, and painting collection, the library has a cozy ambiance. It plays an important role in the local history and cultural events, and is also a living place were the kids of the community enjoy workshops as well as adults enjoy the resources. See photos and Library site http://www.zelacom.com/~cragsmoor/

ustic Furniture: Don’t forget, there is high-tech rustic furniture being built right here in Cragsmoor, since 1995 in fact… to see some, check out the rest of the site – enjoy, and thank you

BIBLIOGRAPHY

HAKAM, Margaret and HOUGHTALING, Susan. Cragsmoor An Historical Sketch. Cragsmoor Free Library, 1983.

HILL, May Brawley. Grandmother’s Garden. The Old-Fashioned American Garden 1865-1915. Harry.N.Adam, New York 1995.

TERWILLIGER, Katharine. Wawarshing. Where The Streams Wind. The Rondout Valley Publishing Company. Ellenville, N.Y.1977.

All these documents are available at Cragsmoor Free Library.

	ragsmoor is nestled on a high plateau at the southernmost tip of the Shawangunk Mountains, overlooking the lower Hudson Valley and ultimately Manhattan (at 75 miles distant) to the East and South, with Ellenville, its Roundout Valley and the Catskills providing the view to the West and North. Its one of those special places that came into being not through commerce or convenience, but rather through its’ tendency, be it geographic, cultural, or just the way the light bounces off of things, to instill in its visitors a mild sense of wonder and ease.
	idge soaring may not be part of most peoples’ normal vocabulary, but the ridge on which Cragsmoor is perched lies perpendicular to the prevailing Northwest breeze – this peculiar arrangement provides hundreds of hours of sustained motorless flight per year… just ask the birds – or the sailplane pilots from nearby Wurtsburo airport, or the dozens of hang glider pilots who have made Cragsmoor and the surrounding area their home. This free-flight phenomena frequently fascinates families and friends. See www.ushga.org
	rtist colony: In 1879, a Manhattan-based painter, Edward Lamson Henry, (elected to the National Academy of Design in 1867) first visited Cragsmoor, staying at what was then called the Mountain Hotel (now a private residence). Evidently he enjoyed his stay; he and his wife Frances subsequently returned, bought property, designed and built his studio/home and two guest cottages. His arrival marks the start of a very productive artist colony that bustled every summer for his next 40 years. See www.kbart.com
	reat hiking: Impressive vistas flank this little hamlet - two nature preserves are open to residents and tourists alike. Bear cliff to the southwest is an easy walk with sunset views that make you wish you brought your picnic basket. Open Space Institute has secured 4,600 pristine acres on the other side of Cragsmoor, known as Sams Point, which abuts Minnewaska State Park, which in turn abuts the historic and impressive Mohonk Mountain House. See www.mohonkpreserve.org
	tatue of Liberty ? Yes that’s right, the Statue of God-Blessed Liberty, in where else but Cragsmoor… In 1963 , pilot and resident Tony Covelli experienced the Statue in a way that millions of other immigrants can strongly relate to – “…I could never forget the view of the Statue of Liberty I still have in my mind and my heart, from when I was 18 …seeing her from the boat, her beauty and all it represents, it just stays with you…” In 1990 he acquired the 30 acre hang gliding landing field in the valley below. During the summer of 2000, resident, pilot, and artist Roger Baker wanted to use this field as a GIGANTIC canvas – and decided to use Tonys’ suggestion. Along with Tom Mackey, the three pilots then mowed an image TEN times the size of the actual statue. The execution of the idea was perfect, the result is magical... PHOTOS
	usic at the Stone Church: Summer concert series – striking architecture, inspired performaces, and great acoustics… a pleasant way to enjoy the enchantments of the place – very pleasant indeed, and don’t forget to take in the sweeping view from the church’s memorial archway. See photos
	ur Historical Society: Responsible for Cragsmoor being designated a National Historic District, the group has recently taken on the herculean task of renovating some key structures, notably the Federated Church building on Cragsmoor Road. A noble objective in progress…See photos
	ur lovely Free Library: Subtly rustic in its use of peeled chestnut columns, fieldstone fireplace, and painting collection, the library has a cozy ambiance. It plays an important role in the local history and cultural events, and is also a living place were the kids of the community enjoy workshops as well as adults enjoy the resources. See photos and Library site http://www.zelacom.com/~cragsmoor/
	ustic Furniture: Don’t forget, there is high-tech rustic furniture being built right here in Cragsmoor, since 1995 in fact… to see some, check out the rest of the site – enjoy, and thank you

	HAKAM, Margaret and HOUGHTALING, Susan. Cragsmoor An Historical Sketch. Cragsmoor Free Library, 1983.
	HILL, May Brawley. Grandmother’s Garden. The Old-Fashioned American Garden 1865-1915. Harry.N.Adam, New York 1995.
	TERWILLIGER, Katharine. Wawarshing. Where The Streams Wind. The Rondout Valley Publishing Company. Ellenville, N.Y.1977.