The Ninth Annual “Beacons of History” Awards

BEACON – The Beacon Historical Society presented its annual “Beacons of History” awards on November 6 to an individual and a business who have made substantial contributions to Beacon and helped to preserve its history and sense of community. It was the most successful installment to date of the nine-year tradition, raising more money to support the non-profit’s operations than ever before. More than 200 people attended the friend- and fund-raiser at the historic Roundhouse event space. The 2025 recognition was presented to:

Individual Honoree:
George Atkinson
George still resides in the Locust Place home where he was born in 1927, drives his own car and participates in a local airplane club – all reasons to honor this spry and humorous 98-year-old gentleman. But his true importance shines through when discussing his hometown – for George has loved Beacon through its ups and downs and remains a passionate advocate for a city that he has watched weather the Great Depression, fight (and win!) World War II, ride the Mount Beacon Incline Railway and close the Newburgh Beacon Ferry. (Just try to stump George on any Beacon history – you likely won’t get the best of his amazing memory and historical recall.) George graduated from the Spring Street School and Beacon High School, where he credits classes in its brand-new workshop for sparking his career as a machinist in local businesses such as Dutchess Tool during WWII. He is one of the Society’s most valuable and faithful volunteers and a living treasure trove of Beacon history, as displayed during a live “interview” during the night’s program.

Organizational Honoree:
The Roundhouse
In a superb example of adaptive reuse, The Roundhouse has converted one of Beacon’s most historic factory complexes into one of its most successful businesses. First developed in the early 1800s, the site has manufactured locomotives, knives, the first lawn mowers in America and a vast amount of other machinery and goods in more than 200 years of active use. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property housed one of the city’s first factories, the Matteawan Manufacturing Company, forerunner (starting in 1864) of all hat-making factories in Beacon. Later the Mase Hat Shop, and later still, Braendly Dye Works, the complex saw several of its buildings razed in the 1980s due to safety concerns. Beginning in 2010, the McAlpine Family rescued the site and converted the remainder of the old factory and the Roundhouse property into a restaurant, luxury hotel, event space and artist lofts – preserving original elements where possible, repurposing materials found on site and collaborating with local architects and designers. Bob and Patti McAlpine accepted the award with their family members.

“We congratulate these worthy honorees, and we are deeply grateful to the local businesses and residents who supported this event to celebrate Beacon’s past and future,” said Historical Society President Denise VanBuren, noting that it is the Society’s single largest fundraiser this year. “The proceeds will be used to assist our Society in preserving and promoting the history of Beacon at a time when our city is experiencing a great deal of interest and rebirth. We need to chronicle the stories of our community so that people better understand what makes this such a great place to live. Our mission has never been more important.”

The Beacons of History Awards event was sold out, but a video of it can be found on the Society’s website at www.BeaconHistorical.org under Past Events. The site’s Support tab also offers the opportunity to become a member. For just $25 a year, members receive a monthly newsletter, invitations to special events and the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to save and celebrate the rich history of Beacon. All are welcome.