Beacon Historical Society Hosts “Beacons of History”

BEACON – With nearly 200 enthusiastic supporters in attendance, the Beacon Historical Society presented its inaugural “Beacons of History” awards on Nov. 9 to an individual and a business owner who have helped to preserve Beacon’s history:

– Individual Honoree: Clara Lou Gould, Mayor from 1990 – 2007, the longest-serving female mayor in the history of New York State and a long-time supporter of the Beacon Historical Society and its mission to commemorate her community’s history; and

– Business Honoree:  Hudson Beach Glass, one of the first businesses to help reclaim Beacon’s historic Main Street building stock when it turned the former Lewis Tompkins Hose Company firehouse into a gallery and glass-blowing demonstration studio in 2003.

The friend- and fund-raiser was held at the Roundhouse in Beacon to support the Society in its recent move to new headquarters space at 17 South Avenue.  More than $18,000 was raised to assist in establishing new display space for the Society’s vast collection within its new museum of Beacon history. Major event sponsors included Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.; Denny and Karen Meyer; and Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law. Dozens of other supporters provided advertising, in-kind assistance, program listings and other sponsorships in order to ensure the evening’s success. Mayor Randy Casale was among the speakers who recognized the two honorees.

“We are grateful that so many generous supporters turned out to recognize these two outstanding community leaders and to assist our efforts to launch our new headquarters and museum space,” said Historical Society President Robert Murphy.  “At a time when our city is welcoming increasing numbers of tourists and new residents, it was very much appreciated to have nearly 200 local friends join our volunteer efforts to preserve the many important chapters of Beacon’s history.”

Annual membership in the Beacon Historical Society costs just $20 and includes a monthly newsletter and lecture. Visit www.BeaconHistorical.org for more information about the many benefits of joining.