Jones launches fireplace, stove showroom at landmark location

Goshen — Jones Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electric has opened the doors to its new Firecomfort Showroom located on 17A between Goshen and Florida. “This was truly a labor of love,” said Bill Jones as he and his wife Deb struggled with what to do with the nearly 2,000 square foot street level space after their tenant moved out in 2006. “The barn has a rich history in the community,” said Jones. “We wanted to do something really special with it.” They spent the next two years restoring the post and beam barn back to its original luster. Most locals still refer to the extensive, white Dutch barn as “the ole’ GOR-DUN’S barn,” or “the John Deere tractor building,” but few remember its origins and the history of Finnegan’s Corner. Finnegan’s Corner In 1912, Joseph M. Finnegan purchased the “half way” house directly across the street from where the barn sits now. The three-story house was called this because it was the half way point between Newburgh and Sussex, N.J. Farmers passing through the area on horse and carriage could spend the night here and grab a bite to eat in the lower portion of the house that served meals. Directly in front of the house, where the highway is now, sat the original barn where Finnegan and his son auctioned off horses that were brought in from the west. In 1930, the county approached Finnegan and offered him four acres across the road from his property in exchange for tearing down his barn in order to widen the road. He agreed and hired Fred Heinzelman, a contractor renowned for building structures of incredible strength. The new barn was completed in 1931 and the easement that connects 17A with Pulaski Highway was changed from Mape’s Corner to Finnegan’s Corner. Forty-five years of John Deere Prior to Jones purchasing the building in 2000, Seymour Gordon, of Warwick, and his family ran a farm equipment and John Deere dealership for nearly 45 years after purchasing the barn and half way house from the Finnegans in 1952. The same railroad that transported the horses to be auctioned for Finnegan also transported farm equipment for Gordon which was unloaded just behind the barn at the Jessup Switch Railroad Siding. He made some renovations to the building including adding a shop and warehouse in 1963. This portion of the building is where the Joneses operate their 24-year-old heating, cooling, plumbing and electric business, Jones Services Company. A good alternative “Fireplaces and stoves seemed like a natural use for the showroom space,” said Jones, “especially with everyone looking for alternative heating resources.” Vermont Castings was the first manufacturer to be put on the floor, “They have a sound history like the barn,” continued Jones. “We like that.” Gordon stopped by regularly throughout the two year renovation. “The changes they made are significant and tastefully done,” said Gordon. A lot of thought went into the design, according to Jones. “We have a nice selection of stoves, fireplaces, inserts and accessories,” he said, “Each colorful, working display was designed with the homeowner in mind complete with hardwood floors, antiques and area rugs, to help customers envision the products in their own home,” he continued. A grand opening celebration is slated for this Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Representatives from Vermont Castings, Mendota, Napoleon, Majestic, and Blaze King will be on hand to help answer questions. The Firecomfort showroom is open seven days a week and can be reached at 877-304-4328 or 845-294-1010.