Take this history quiz

Warwick Historical Society celebrates 100 years of preservation with benefit this Saturday Warwick - Michael Bertolini, historical society curator and chairman of the Architectural Review Board, will be the guide for a “Special Centennial Tour” of Baird Tavern this Saturday morning, Aug. 26, as the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick celebrates 100 years of preservation. Beginning at 11 a.m., Bertolini will offer his in-depth narration on the history and significance of the society’s properties and collections. This event is free; however, reservations are required: Call 845-986-3236 As Dr. Richard Hull has written in one of his books: “The history of the Warwick Valley is varied and full of surprises and treasures, and in many ways a mirror for the history of the eastern United States. Since time immemorial, residents have enjoyed its beauty and rich resources. A great wealth of artifacts and information about the history of Warwick has been preserved thanks to the efforts of interested individuals, newspapers, and the historical societies of the area: The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick; The New Milford Historical Society; the Drowned Lands Historical Society. Without their efforts much of what we know of its people and events of the past would be lost forever.” Here’s just a sampling of some of that history: True or False: A rare, primitive painting of the battle of the Hudson River can be found in Warwick. True. The Shingle House, built in 1764 by Daniel Burt is steeped in history. During the revolutionary war the area was subject to raids and counter-raids by loyalist and revolutionary groups. It is on a paneling above the cast-iron stove that one finds this extraordinary painting of the Battle of the Hudson River, said to have been done by a Revolutionary soldier in gratitude for having been nursed back to health by the Burts. True or false: Celebrated sporting author Frank Forester (pseudonym of Henry William Herbert, 1807-1858) visited Warwick frequently. True. The 1810 House built and first occupied by the Olmstead family of Warwick now contains mementos of Henry William Herbert also known as “Frank Forester”. One of his best known books, Warwick Woodlands was first published in 1839. Many of Forester’s hunting accessories, carefully assembled by Roy Vail and given to the Society by Lawrence Stare are displayed. True or False: Lincoln’s Secretary of State also responsible for the purchase of “Seward’s Folly” now known as Alaska, was a native of the village of Florida. True. The 1810 House features a hepplewhite sideboard, a Revolutionary officer’s fanback Windsor chair, and a stable chair owned by William H. Seward. The two side chairs were also once owned by Sargent Phillips, one of George Washingon’s body guards. True or False: Several distinguished heroes of the American Revolution visited Warwick. True. Baird’s Tavern, one of the most notable buildings restored and maintained by The Warwick Historical Society not only served a vital role in community life, but also served as resting place for many of the who’s who in early American History. It has been documented that George Washington purchased some grog here in 1783 and found among the treasures at Baird Tavern are one of George Washington’s diaries. Also on December 6, 1782 the major General of the French Army, serving under Count Rochambeau, stayed all night here with his aides. This information is recorded in his published “Travels in North America in the years 1780,’81,’82. Also on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lewis Park on Main Street in the Village of Warwick the day will conclude with the annual “Under The Tent Party.” The society also plans to launch their 2007 capital campaign as well as honor an outstanding member and friend of Warwick and Orange County, Pat Gilchrist. The members of this year’s Under The Tent Committee are Marina Alario, Jane Glazman, Sheila Warner, Jan Brunkhorst, Debbie Iurato, Monica Quigley, Sybil Skinner and Bertolini. Tickets are $40.00 per person and can be purchased in the office at the Baird Tavern, by calling 986-3236, by e-mail at whs6@optonline.net or by visiting the Web site at www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org. This article was submitted by Patricia Roy McConnell on behalf of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick.