Historic Neighborhoods Revealed in Presentation

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “We lose what we don’t value, and we don’t value what we don’t know.”

These words were emphasized by Marissa Marvelli Thursday night, inside Kaplan Hall’s Great Room, at Newburgh’s SUNY Orange. The Historic preservation specialist, who has spent the last year delving into the long, overlooked historic value of Newburgh’s neighborhoods south of Broadway, was just getting started, as she unraveled the intriguing findings of her detailed research to an attentive audience. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands in cooperation with SUNY Orange Cultural Affairs, the over hour presentation, carrying the theme, “A Place to Call Home,” complete with detailed slides and authentic visuals, was steered by a critical purpose.

“The whole goal of the project was to understand and appreciate the lesser known neighborhoods in Newburgh,” said Mary McTamaney, Newburgh City Historian. “We are here tonight to learn about our City and the architecture as well as community; it’s a way of confirming its value and need for more care and attention.”

That value immediately surfaced as Marvelli initiated her discussion on the Newburgh’s South section, a place that carries the distinction of the third largest historic district in New York State. Delineating the scope of her work-entailing the time period of the mid-late 19th Century- Marvelli further specified how it focused upon the influx of German, Italian and Irish immigrants’ impact and their commercial ventures on the City of Newburgh.

“This is 175 years of stories layered on these blocks,” explained Marvelli, who hails from the City of Kingston. “It is mostly houses of wood construction that represent economic advancement and overcoming challenges.” She added, “Newburgh would not be what it is today without this history.”

After explaining how the City of Newburgh population doubled from 1845-1865 with a primarily tenant population, Marvelli proceeded to elaborate upon personal narratives laden behind those too often overlooked homeowners in this special spot of Newburgh. The dialogue exodus began on Washington Street, pointing out the AME Zion Church, 245 Henry and Mary Boles House, 211 and 213 barber-owner places and prominent minister and wife’s residence, located on 229 and rented out to Black tenants.

“From the 1820’s-1880’s, there was only three percent of Black-owned homes in the nation,” explained Marvelli. “Home ownership was more than self-determination, but was a right to vote; this was an integrated block.”

After pointing out details laden in the David and Caroline Carter House, built around 1863, on 253 Ann Street, “The first and only home they lived in until their deaths,” Marvelli proceeded to discuss the immigrant influx that helped shape this area’s housing landscape.

Noting that the Irish population entered after 1865, she displayed images of their homes on 38 and 46 Hasbrouck Street, 50 Carpenter Avenue and Mill Street. Next up was the Italian presence- on the South end- after 1885. Places such as 251-253, a bakery-owner Washington Street places, were revealed.

“There were many masons and carpenters in this community,” said Marvelli, who pointed to the several bakeries and churches that inhabited this area. “The Italians were responsible for the commercialization of Mill Street.”

More signs of that thriving business activity were unveiled, as Marvelli displayed authentic images of bread and bottling companies as well as the iconic, 293 South William Street, Pete’s Hot Dogs, a simple stand in its early days.

“This family embodied the entrepreneurial spirit so many who came to Newburgh symbolized,” affirmed Marvelli about the trademark, still very active eatery.

The talk wrapped up with details about the threats accompanying not preserving these historic housing treasures. Abandonment, demolition and insensitive renovations were among the dangers listed and discussed.

“These stories matter; Black stories matter,” Marvelli told those in attendance about the critical nature of this research as well as further follow-up. “These historically Black-owned houses are living history that we have right here.”

Finally, specific preservation strategies and success stories implementing them in other areas were touched upon. The dividends can be priceless, including; community, supporting small businesses, fostering a sense of place, affordability, and tax credit grants.

For now, Marvelli’s research has all been organized in an accessible Google Maps format. She is hopeful her work will spark more interest and action.

“We would love to see scholars build on this research,” said McTamaney. “It would really help to tell the full story of Newburgh, engaging the existing community.”

One of Marvelli’s final slides emphasized the contagious nature of neglect, adding, “such a message does not breed success, so action is needed.”