Local History Blog

Edward C. Smith: One of Poughkeepsie’s Finest Architects

Written by Shannon Butler, Local History Staff Poughkeepsie has an excellent collection of buildings from different eras and various forms of Architecture. Several prominent architects have made their marks here but it’s always nice to focus on someone who was born and raised in Poughkeepsie. Edward C. Smith was born on March 14, 1880 the son of George T. Smith and Mrs. Clara Buys Smith. After he studied at local schools he went on to study architecture under the chief architect for the City of Poughkeepsie, Percival Lloyd. By 1910, Smith had opened up his own office at #39 Market Street and began taking on projects. It’s amazing just how many of his buildings dot the city landscape as well as Dutchess County and while most blend in with the crowd, there are a few standouts. Some of the standard two-family homes around town represent his early works, for example #35 Corlies Avenue which he designed in 1911. That year he also added a large addition to the Poughkeepsie Foundry and Machine Co. But what really stands out is his masterpiece at 93 Hooker Avenue, which he built that same year for clothing store owner Ely Elting. This lovely Spanish Colonial [...]

Edward C. Smith: One of Poughkeepsie’s Finest ArchitectsYvonne2024-05-16T15:00:41-04:00

The Early Days of the Dutchess County Fair

by Shannon Butler The Dutchess County Fair is a long standing tradition that goes back well over a century. We all know the drill, grab the kids or your friends, hop in the car and make your way to Rhinebeck. Maybe everyone has a routine that they follow when you get through the gates. Perhaps it’s heading right to the 4-H stand for their amazing shakes followed by checking out the sheep and cattle. Or you could be the kind that prefers heading straight to the rides and fairway to try your luck at some of the carnival games. What about checking out one of the musical acts or seeing the acrobats make incredible dives into a pool from far too high for any of us to attempt. Thinking about all of this makes me want August to come sooner rather than later. But did you know that the first several Dutchess County Fairs were held in October? And did you know that people didn’t go to Rhinebeck but rather to Washington Hallow and sometimes Poughkeepsie? The fair originated from the Dutchess County Agriculture Society which was formed in 1842. The purpose of the society was and still is “to continue [...]

The Early Days of the Dutchess County FairYvonne2024-05-16T14:55:48-04:00

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Local History Nerd

by Shannon Butler Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a true history nerd. Not only did he focus on the history of his family while studying at Harvard, but soon thereafter he was one of the creators of the Dutchess County Historical Society. By the 1920’s he was serving as the appointed historian of the Town of Hyde Park and collecting as many early records of the area as he could find. This passion for history carried into his most important role as the 32nd President of the United States. What’s interesting to note is that during his twelve years in office he still remained the town historian and even though he was President of the country, he was still only Vice President (one of many) of the Dutchess County Historical Society. We can see through a series of letters that one of the most powerful men in the world was still capable of geeking-out over historical facts that concerned his beloved Hyde Park. Located in the Local History room here at Adriance Library is a box of letters from FDR to his friend and fellow history nerd, Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. Both had grown up in the Dutchess county area during the late [...]

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Local History NerdYvonne2024-05-16T14:52:40-04:00

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