‘Inside the Iron Gates' at the Gatehouse

Central Valley — The Woodbury Historical Society will host an open house “Inside the Iron Gates” from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, at the Gatehouse on Smith Clove Road in Central Valley. Admission is free. Woodbury’s history will come alive through various displays, including “Seamans and Quakers of Woodbury,” “The Lost Hamlet of Woodbury Falls,” “Famous People of Woodbury,” plus old maps and copies of old letters and bills which reflect life as it was years ago in Central Valley and Highland Mills. The Gatehouse is now an historic site and learning center, but it was built nearly a century ago as the entrance to the Proctor estate. About 50 years ago, it became home to the Callahan family. Sheila Callahan McGoldrick of Central Valley was one of the children who lived there, and she has generously shared her memories of growing up in this curious stone house with the society’s Gatehouse committee. During the open house, one of the treasured Callahan customs will be re-created. The original dining room will be set up just as it used to be, ready for the holiday season, complete with refreshments and lace table cloth. Visitors will be able to partake of refreshments and warm mulled cider. The event is being held in appreciation for those who have supported the Gatehouse renovation and restoration for the last several years. It is also a great chance to do some early holiday shopping. Available for sale will be Gatehouse ornaments, key tags, note paper, and wooden houses depicting Woodbury buildings, all with special price reductions for the day. The brick inscription sale will be in full swing as well, a way to honor and remember someone which will last for a long time. The Gatehouse committee is in the process of preparing an exhibit of “life in the 40’s” in Woodbury, complete with taped memories and memorabilia. During the open house, interviews will be taken from those who lived in Woodbury during World War II as a child, teenager or adult, but who did not serve in the military. The committee is looking to record memories of rationing, school activities, music, entertainment, shortages, and more, to share with the community. For more information, call 928-6378.