Davis Day 2005

On July 30, 2005, Newburgh Preservation Association and friends of the Dutch Reformed Church celebrated the 202nd birthday of the building's architect, Alexander Jackson Davis. The keynote talk was given by J. Winthrop Aldrich, former Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Historic Preservation for the state of New York. We also celebrated the recent designation of the DRC by the World Monuments Fund, and the beginning of the restoration of the first column through the in-kind contribution Gerry Sanchez and Polonia.

Carla Decker was recognized as the founder of the DRC Restoration Committee.

Jim Hoekema was recognized for his contributions to the DRC restoration effort.

NPA also honored Gerry Sanchez and his company Polonia for the contribution of labor and materials in the restoration of the shaft of the first column. Left: Gerry Sanchez showing John Paladino the restoration.

Wint Aldrich, now on the board on the Hudson Valley Heritage Area, made a special trip from New York City to attend the occasion. Also traveling from the city were architects Laura Heim and Jeffrey Kroessler, as well as architectural writer Barry Lewis, known for his television walking tours of New York neighborhoods (with David Hartmann) on WNET/Channel 13.

From the north, four members of the Capital Region Preservation Network came down from the Albany area to show their support for the restoration of the DRC.

On hand from the City were Mayor Nicholas Valentine, City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane, Special Projects Assistant Courtney Kain, and Building Inspector Bill Cummings.

Above: NPA board members, City Building Inspector Bill Cummings and Mayor Nick Valentine discuss how to hold an event inside the DRC.