Old Houses, New Life: The Ancram Historic House Tour
Ancram is one of those off-the-beaten track towns that feels more remote than it actually is. For the most part, the residents like it that way, but they are also fiercely proud of their community’s history which dates back to pre-Revolutionary days when it was home to the Ancram iron forge. To ensure that the town’s historic character is not lost by development or neglect, a group of locals founded the Ancram Preservation Group eight years ago because they believe “that a significant part of the community’s identity is embodied in its historical structures which serve as a living testament to the shared heritage of this community, and whose sense of ‘place’ is dependent upon maintaining the physical fabric of its past.“
To support their work, the group is sponsoring the Ancram Historic House Tour this Saturday and encouraging outsiders to discover the town’s many charms. The five residences include a hilltop Georgian built by a Revolutionary War Captain that has virtually all of its original details, including 12-over-12 windows and wide-board floors; an 1851 Greek Revival farmhouse owned by two artists who have given it their own distinctive spin; a late 19th century farmhouse that has been updated with a new kitchen featuring an AGA hearth; a 1790 house that has a painting and sculpture studio added by the current owner, an artist; an 1850 Greek Revival that was Victorianized in the late 1800s, which has a matching guest house built by the current owners.
The tour is meant to be a social occasion, too, and there’s a wine-and-cheese reception afterwards at Simon’s General Store from 4 - 5:30.
Ancram Preservation Tour
October 25, 2008; noon - 4 PM
Tour and reception, Non-members: $45
Tour and reception, Members: $40
Tour only, Non-members: $35
Tour only, Members: $30
To reserve tickets: 518.398.6435
Tickets available at the Ancram Town Hall after 11 AM on October 25; the town hall is at 1416 County Route 7, one-quarter mile north of the blinking light at the intersection with Route 82.
