Greenwood Forest Farms celebrates its legacy July 22

Warwick - Greenwood Forest Farms, New York State’s first African-American resort community founded in 1919 by a group of professional African-American families from New York City, will celebrate its 87th anniversary by holding a barbecue and the unveiling of two historic roadside markers honoring the vision of the founders on Saturday, July 22. The barbecue and first unveiling will take place at the home of Dolores Vanison Blakely, located at 191 Nelson Road in the town of Warwick outside of the Village of Greenwood Lake. The second historic roadside marker will be unveiled at the home of Bernardo Osorio, 203 Nelson Road. Proceeds from the barbecue will fund the installation of several more historic roadside markers throughout the community. Admission to the barbecue is $30. The barbecue will begin at noon. The unveilings will take place at 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., followed by a walking tour at 3 p.m. A special award will be given to historian Dr. Richard Hull following the unveilings. Dessert will be served between 4 and 5 p.m. Greenwood Forest Farms became a weekend and summer community for the Black intelligentsia of Harlem, Brooklyn and beyond. It was spearheaded by nine members of the Carlton Avenue Y.M.C.A. who decided to use their savings to establish an incorporated vacation community. Such prominent individuals as J. Rosamond Johnson, the famed composer and conductor; Dr. Gertrude Curtis, New York’s first African-American woman dentist; Cecil McPherson, famous lyricist and publishing magnate; and the Hon. Miles A. Paige all owned property here. Langston Hughes, James Farmer and Harold Cruse all frequently vacationed in the colony. Checks made out to “Greenwood Forest Farms” may be sent to Greenwood Forest Farms, P.O. Box 212, Greenwood Lake, N.Y. 10925 in order to reserve a place at the barbecue. When the check is received guests will be placed on the reservation list to gain entry to the barbecue. For more information or to make a reservation by phone please call 845-986-5980. All are invited, welcome and encouraged to attend.