Newburgh Again: The City Club 1976

Even at the time these photos were taken (1976), the Newburgh City Club, aka the Culbert House, has been a topic of discussion, as to wheher it should be restored or demolished.



Side view of the City Club




Front facade of the City Club





Front facade of the City Club





Side view of the City Club along side the new library





Side/rear view of the City Club along side the new library complex





The City Club on the left, the new library on the right, and the Dutch Reformed Church in the center



Newburgh Again: Newburgh- 75 Years a City

Newburgh in 1940

 

 

 

NEWBURGH, one of the most beautifully-located cities in America, starts on the last quarter of its first century of existence as a city with new confidence and, promise of accumulating development.

The community has passed through, 10 years of the most devastating depression in history without suffering any reverse which it has not been able to overcome. It has more than held its own; and among business men and citizens there is unwavering belief in the city’s future and firm resolve to continue, consolidate and intensify the progress which has been recorded since 1865.

Located on mile-wide Newburgh Bay at the gateway to Hudson Highlands, with a background of mountains to the east, south and southwest, Newburgh has an artistic charm which sets it apart from other communities and justifies the vision of Hendrick Hudson, discoverer of the Hudson River, in 1609 regarding the pleasantness of the location on which “to build a city”.

The 75th anniversary of the chartering of Newburgh as a city by Act of the Legislature is also the 140th anniversary of its incorporation as a village, Newburgh was the third village established in the State. Through all the years, from colonization by German Lutheran refugees in 1709, through township and village days to the present city government, Newburgh has made a distinctive name for itself in history, industry and commerce, in cultural accomplishments, education, religion and recreation, and in other lines which have given the community character and enriched life, and have contributed generally to the public welfare.

Beginning as a village with about 2,500 population, and as a city with about 16,000, Newburgh has now approximately 32,000 residents, not including large suburban populations to the north, west and south. Unlike most cities, Newburgh has made little change in boundaries in 75 years. Few cities of comparable population have such restricted area. The city ranks 18th in the State and 301st in the United States.

To a far greater extent than the average city, Newburgh’s welfare has been affected by transportation, in which tremendous changes have taken place in 150 years. At the outset, Newburgh was the outlet from a vast “western country” extending as far as Buffalo to the New York City market. Those were the days when the only transport was by wagon and water.

Newburgh’s location on the Hudson was the most favorable of any town, because of ease of access through mountains to the west and northwest. Construction of railroads diverted much of the trade, and Newburgh suffered until its business men united in the building of turnpikes. Subsequently Newburgh also obtained railroad facilities and retrieved much of its oldtime position.

But further changes in transport were due to take place. For many years there was high level of activity on railroads and the Hudson River, and Newburgh enjoyed prosperity greater than that experienced in earlier days. Gradually, however, a new factor in transportation developed - the modern highway and the self- propelled vehicle.

This is the factor which predominates today and gives every promise of continuing for all time. Newburgh, following inevitable readjustments in its industry and commerce, is reaching a stabilization with regard to transport which definitely fixes the business trend of the community and appears to make certain development and growth in excess of anything experienced before.

Within late years Newburgh has become the chief distributing center of the mid-Hudson region. This is a fact because of its combined facilities of railway, waterway and most of all highway. The city is a base for operations extending for many miles in all directions west of the Hudson. Several national concerns have established distributing stations in the city and vicinity, and others are certain to do so.

Meanwhile there have been manufacturing changes, with a trend from “heavy” to “light” industries. While some of the changes have been seemingly advantageous, the net effect, over a period of time, has been consolidation of gains from new concerns which have taken up the slack in employment. Current surveys indicate steady improvement, with the number of gainfully employed exceeding the national average.

Newburgh Again: The New Dell House

THE NEW DELL HOUSE

Newburgh, N. Y. 

One block to the left from boat landing. Nearest place to get dinner. 

Electric Cars to Washington's Headquarters pass the Door.

ANDREW DELL, Proprietor.

Newburgh Again: The Palatine, While Passing Up or Down the Hudson

While passing up or down the Hudson you should stop a few days at

NEWBURGH'S MAGNIFICENT NEW HOTEL

"The Palatine"

"The Model Hotel of the Hudson Valley." 

The handsome lawns of the Orange County Court House on the front, and of the American Reformed Church on the North, afford a pleasant outlook, while its rear rooms and piazza command an unobstructed view of river and mountains for twenty miles. 

Only five blocks from Steamboat Landing, Ferry and Union Passenger Station. Free bus from all boats and trains. 

Elevator, Private Baths, Telegraph Office.

Rates, $3.00 to $4.00 per Day.

Newburgh passengers will have time to dine at The Palatine, visit Washington's Headquarters and return on south-bound boat.

H. N. BAIN & Co., Proprietors.

Newburgh Again: The Bon Ton Theatre

THE BON TON

COLDEN STREET

NEWBURGH'S IDEAL PHOTOPLAY THEATRE

The only Clean, Sanitary, Photoplay House in Newburgh. Ideal Photoplays Daylight Projection under Perfeet Moral Conditions Conceded the Prettiest and Most Sanitary Theatre between New York and Albany.

CONVINCING ON ONE VISIT

Admission exclusive of Saturdays and Holidays

5 cents

J. H. Center Co. Management

Manufatures of

MIRROROIDE DAYLIGHT PROJECTION SURFACE

Conceded the World's Best the World over.

Gifts for your favority Santa 1965

December 1965

Schoonmaker's

Gifts for your

favorite Santa 

Open Every Night Till 9 Thru Dec. 23rd

Luigi's Christmas Cheer

December 1978

Here's to an old-fashioned holiday, sharing good times and good cheer, with lots of friends and loved ones.

Luigi's Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge
Since 1939

Happy Holiday Season
from
Frank Barossi & Staff

362 Broadway
Newburgh
581-3103

A Dividend of Good Will

December 1978

Merry Christmas

Savings and Loan Association of Newburgh

 

 
We're issuing a dividend of good will and good cheer along with our special thanks for all your continued confidence and loyalty 

800 Broadway

565-4000

47 Grand Street

561-5400

Newburgh Is A Christmas Wonderland!!

December 1965

Newburgh is a Christmas Wonderland...

Glittering with the Bright Lights of the Mid-Hudson Valley's Leading Stores.

SANTA SOLUTIONS invariably are found in the BROADWAY SHOPPING AREA

For the shopping trip of a life-time shop the Mid-Hudson Valley's most famous, traditional, Christmas Shopping Area... Broadway! See for yourself why every day thousands of shoppers from every point in the Valley come to this exciting shopping area.

New York Furniture Company

The New York Furniture Company (circa 1912)

The HOME of
Artistic Furniture, Beautiful Rugs
Good Crockery, Dependable Stoves

The New York Furniture Co.
Cor. Broadway and Grand Street
Newburgh     -     -     -     -      New York
P. S.—Cash or Credit. Many Side Lines
 

Alex Goldberg: 30 Years In Newburgh

30 YEARS IN NEWBURGH

1912 brings the 30th anniversary of the foundation of our business in Newburgh.

30 years—It doesn’t seem so long.

30 years of earnest endeavor to build up and grow through honest merchandising. And we, like Topsy, “have growed”. As the- years rolled by, three generations of Orange and Ulster County citizens—fathers, sons and grandsons have been added to our list of well pleased and satisfied customers.

It's a long list—If your name isn't there we’d be pleased to have it.

An honest dollar’s worth of merchandise for your dollar; new styles as fast as the designers turn them out; every garment backed by our absolute guarantee of your satisfaction.

That is our everyday slogan and it’s good any day.

Everything that men and boys wear anywhere excepting shoes.

Boys’ suits $3.50 and up.
Men’s suits $12.00 and up.
Fur coats $16.00 and up.

 

ALEX. GOLDBERG
OF NEWBURGH

Youngs & Co. Garage

Young's & Co.

Repairing Our Specialty

circa 1912

 

Grand Street

Newbrugh, N.Y.

Newburgh Again: First City Church To Use Electricity

First City Church To Use Electricity

The Evening News
March 31, 1984

The First Presbyterian Church here was the first church in New York State to be illuminated by electricity.

“The inspection of the electric light in Newburgh by Thomas A. Edison and others, including prominent gentlemen from New York, Poughkeepsie, and Norfolk, Va.,” is detailed in account in the Daily Journal, dated April 25, 1884.

One of the sites inspected was the church at South and Grand Street, now Calvary Presbyterian Church.

The century-old report came to light as the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands and Central Hudson cosponsored the centennial of the first electricity in Newburgh.

The newspaper listed the visitors, a veritable who’s who of the business and financial leaders of the era. They arrived at 6 p. m., according to the report.

Understanding the electric station in Newburgh was a model one, they wanted a close look. The Poughkeepsie contingent was considering organization of a company there to adopt electric light.

After supper at the “United States Hotel” (later the Palatine), visitors walked to the Montgomery Street electric plant and then to the church.

The lights were turned on and they were praised by the visitors as very fine and brilliant. 

The century old account continues: “Mr. Edison remained at the electric building, to converse with Mr. T.C. Conant, the electrician in charge, and other gentlemen.

“Mr. Edison, the great inventor, is a gentleman of ordinary appearance. He dresses in plain black, and wears a square-crown black hat. He is an incessant smoker, and during the animated conversations that he had while here a fragrant Havana contributed toward making him at ease.

“He is a ready conversationalist and when in conversation his countenance is illuminated, and a glance at in convinces the ordinary observer that he is a man of great brain power.”

“That he understands the working of electricity thoroughly goes without saying. He was very highly pleased with his visit, and complimented the gentlemen attached to the station here for the thoroughness of their work. He did not suggest improvements in its conduct, as the requirements had been well met. Other gentlemen spoke very favorably of the workings of the electric light, of its great merit, and the complete manner in which it was controlled and managed.”

The unidentified reporter carefully listed details which remain interesting 100 years later. He concluded:

“The visitors returned to the United States Hotel after their tour of inspection, held a brief conversation among themselves and a few Newburgh gentlemen, with whom they were acquainted, and then took the $.10 boat for Fishkill, the two parties separating at that place, and returning to their respective destinations, New York and Poughkeepsie.”

The Rev. Carlos Lantis, current pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church, researched the material and church secretary Betty Schoonmaker typed the information from a microfilmed copy to submit the material to the Evening News – helping to recall references of Newburgh and the historic edifice.

Newburgh Again: The North Plank Road Tavern- 1981

Bypassed by bulldozers, tavern restored

The Evening News - Dec 1, 1981

NEW LEASE ON LIFE - The North Plank Road Tavern bas been around more than 100 years and may see another century. The owners, Thomas and Lucie Costa, have applied for the building to be listed on the National Historic Register. Photo by Jean Yanarella

TOWN OF NEWBURGH – The North Plank Tavern is alive and well after more than 100 years. With a couple of enthusiastic owners and a recent decision by the Department of Transportation to spare it, the building’s future seems secure.

The structure was the most ambitious acquisition of Thomas and Lucie Costa. Although they bought a restored five area buildings before this one, the North Plank Road purchase has become their home and business.

The owners are attempting to have the tavern listed on The National Historic Register.

Its alleged historic value is partly responsible, for the Department of Transportation’s decision to take six private homes across the street for a road-widening project and spare the bar.

The process of getting on the National Registry may end in 1982 with the North Plank Road building receiving the official designation.

The ponderous process started in 1980, involved a large amount of research by the owners, Thomas Costa and his wife, Lucie Provencher Costa. The youngest member of the Costa beverage family, Costa is the son of county Legislator Joseph Costa, who runs the soda plant of the same name.

Thomas Costa studied mathematics and education in college and his wife, a native of Montreal, studied civil engineering. They’ve combined forces to make use of what they call an opportunity unique to Newburgh.

Newburgh is one of the best places, they say, to find a beautiful, historic building at a very low price that can be turned into an exquisite, livable structure.

The first building the couple restored was on Grand Street. After facing the horrible state the structure was in, the Costa said the rest of the houses they acquired and refurbished were easy.

The Costas say restoring old buildings is a help to the community. They pointed out that the Farmworkers Legal Services was going to move to Poughkeepsie until t he group approached the couple and asked about renting a Liberty Street house. Getting a good deal from the couple convinced the agency to stay in Newburgh, the Costas say.

The couple hopes to turn the latest acquisition into a restaurant. The tavern now offers a selection of beer and folk-oriented music on weekends. With a new stove, they hope by next summer to offer food with a French flavor.

The move to a restaurant has taken them since 1979 when they bought the building. Financing for a restaurant was difficult to find, they explain. The Newburgh Savings Bank was willing to help them.

Financial help was not all the couple needed. An incredible amount of physical labor was done to get the structure into shape in1979.

Its claim to a place on the National Historic Register apparently begins in the 1850swhen the tavern was said to be a hotel and meeting place. During Prohibition the establishment became a speakeasy. Gambling was most likely part of the building’s appeal. It was also rumored to have a bordello operating out of some rooms.

Politicians and gangsters frequented the spot. Within its walls, alcohol was diluted and bottled with counterfeit labels.

The Costas have benefited from the fact that the previous owner, Anthony Nixon, never threw anything out. The results are displayed in the walls of the tavern, including hand-embroidered hankies on black felt and decades old business cards.

Newspapers, one proclaiming "Beer is back" (March 23, 1933) also decorate the walls. These were not saved as precious souvenirs, said Costa, but were used as padding under linoleum. The couple can tell by the dates on the newspapers when the work was done.

The ornate wooden bar back originally stood at the United States Hotel on Front Street. It is believed to be 150 years old. It was brought into the tavern around 1910.

All in all, the Costas say they have found a link with history, a home, and a livelihood, "Newburgh is working,” said Costa. "It’s been good to us."

Newburgh Again: Joseph Sculley's Hotel

Illustrated and Descriptive Newburgh (1906):

 

SCULLEY'S.

 

 -136 Broadway, Newburgh. Local and Long Distance Telephone. Joseph F. Sculley, proprietor. Mr. Sculley has made his name one that is well and favorably known during the fifteen years that he has been established here in his business. He keeps a lunch-counter that can't be beat and that it is appreciated need only to be seen to prove that, for it is always comfortably full. The fine pool-parlor that forms another department of the business contains a and some pool table and is well patronized. The stock of wine, liquor, etc., is a large one and to be properly appreciated must be tested. An especial attraction in this cafe is Ballanatine's Celebrated Beers, which are always on draught. A choice line of fine cigars is kept in stock for the patrons who appreciate "the weed." One genial clerk is employed.

Newburgh Again: Andy Glynn's Saloon

Illustrated and Descriptive Newburgh (1906):

ANDY GLYNN.

142 Broadway, Newburgh.

Wines and Liquors, Fine Cigars. When you find a man who has a nickname and who puts it on his cards, shorn of dignity, you may always be sure that behind it stands one of the jolliest and best-natured fellows in the Universe. Mr. Andy Glynn is no exception to the rule and his genial personality has brought many patrons to his saloon. Mr. Glynn employs four men to attend to his patrons' wants.

Newburgh Again: Granite City Soap Co.

Illustrated and Descriptive Newburgh (1906):

GRANITE CITY SOAP CO.

Proprietors of the old Oakley Soap Plant. This Company was organized in Fall River, Mass., in 1888, under Maine laws, as a Co-operative Soap Manufacturing Company, and acquired the present property in 1891 for manufacturing a general line of laundry soaps, under advertised and private brands, as well as soap Powder, Chip Soap, etc. The officers of the company are: A. J. Lovell, Boston, Mass., President ; H. W. Durgin, Newburgh, N. Y., Treasurer and General Manager; R. A. Atwood, Boston, Mass., Secretary.

Newburgh Again: The Clinton Hotel

Illustrated and Descriptive Newburgh (1906):

THE CLINTON HOTEL

Hugh McGuigan, proprietor, No. 102 and 104 Washington street. The Clinton Hotel, effeciently managed, thoroughly equipped for entertaining guests, and conveniently located is one of the most popular hotels in the city of Newburgh. The house has been established here for about 20 years and since the present manager took charge, h is geniality and solicitous care of the guests of the house have built up for him a fine custom. The house is conducted on the American plan, has a nicely equipped and popular bar, and the rates are from $1.00 to $2.00. It has 32 well lighted and heated and nicely furnished rooms; the dining room has a seating capacity of one hundred and the cuisine is all that could be desired.

Newburgh Again: Howard & Company

Illustrated and Descriptive Newburgh (1906):

HOWARD & COMPANY

Wholesale Grocers and Coffee Roasters. Strictly up-to-date in every particular is the large grocery emporium of Howard & Company, of which the proprietors are, Messrs. G. E. Howard, H. M. Kennedy and J. C. Cubit. It was established here in 1894, by its present owners, who are representative business men of long experience in the grocery business. Their building is an immense one, covering one entire square block, opposite the Ferry House and fronting on Carpenter, Front and Ferry streets. It has four large stories and a basement, presenting in all about 38,000 square feet of floor space. The shipping facilities are perfect, as an Erie Railroad switch connects the building with the main lines. The large and increasing trade of the concern is derived mainly from the city and the country included within a radius of fifty miles from the city, this territory, being covered by five traveling men. They make specialties of canned goods, Easter Lily, and Snow Ball brands being the leaders.

Newburgh Again: Schoonmaker & Son

Illustrated and Descriptive Newburgh (1906):

 

JOHN SCHOONMAKER & SONS

JOHN SCHOONMAKER & SONS IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST PLACE TO BUY DRY GOODS

According to the best obtainable information there is no other stock of Dry Goods so large in any retail store between New York and Albany. As a buying and selling organization this store ranks with the best. Probably no store in a city of the size of Newburgh in the United States sends its buyers to the New York market so often. John Schoonmaker and Son average about two buyers a day in the New York market for every business day in the year.