Mount Gulian Historic Site Hosts White Gloves Event

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – Andrea Montanez’ birthday was Sunday, and she could not have been more excited about one of the places her husband chose to take her: Mount Gulian Historic Site’s White Gloves event.

“It felt really exciting to hold a piece of history like this fan,” said Montanez about the silk, ivory Tiffany & Company Fan, bearing hand-painted daisies, estimated to be dated at the 1870-1879 era. “It’s so well kept up as are the other items here today.”

Those authentic Verplanck family memorabilia, available for up-close viewing and treasured handling, using special, white gloves, were proudly displayed on a large table inside the Historic Site. Following an approximately hour tour of the full Site’s two level interior, gorgeous outdoor gardens and back yard historic-revamped barn space, around 10 guests were treated to the highlighted segment of the afternoon.

“For today’s purposes, I’m using gloves on all of these items due to their oils,” explained Gabe Byrne, Coordinator of Administration and Events at the Mount Gulian Historic Site, who provided thorough explanations about each of the backgrounds of the historic, well-preserved items.

First up, was the two famous family letters: One from 15-16 year old son, Gulian Verplanck, from his preparatory school in Washington, DC, to his father, outlining the challenging issues he was having at school; while the other script was crafted by Mary Anna Verplanck, around age 13, to her mom, detailing her school happenings. Byrne read excerpts from both to intrigued guests as they eyed the handwritten letters, the only two items not allowed to be touched-even with gloves- by attendees.

Next, Byrne shifted hi s focus to the 1820’s, steel and brass with ivory “Sabre” sword, owned by Philip Verplanck.

“This was used specifically for ceremonies and not for battle,” said Byrne, about the eye-catching piece with an eagle image carving atop it.

Another ivory item soon surfaced: a daisy-adorned, Tiffany & Company Fan, dated around 1797.

“It’s fascinating that these served as something used for invitations as well,” explained Byrne about the fans that were often personally made for bridesmaids at weddings.

Another written repository, a large, multi-paged, Dutch Family Bible, containing specific family genealogy could also be spotted on the table. Nearby to it, was Virginia Verplanck’s, chock-filled scrapbook, containing an eclectic mix: postcards, photos, train tickets and even an elusive piece of a dress worn by Martha Washington.

Rounding out the prized, historic pearls, a garment could be found amongst the ensemble of family heirlooms. It was a navy blue, wool Gentleman’s Coat, from the Warburton Collection, circa 1800-1850’s, bearing some silk features- buttons and tail inside ribbing “to add contour for a slimming effect,” as explained by Byrne.

Following Byrne’s explanations and handling of each of the pieces, guests had their opportunity to get up-close-and-personal, examining and-or holding artifacts from a transformative, history-laden time period on a local level.

“I really enjoyed seeing the scrapbook and Bible pieces,” said Roy Hotan, who grew up in Beacon and currently resides in Plattekill. “These are amazing pieces of personal history.”

The White Gloves event continues on the remaining three Sundays in September with two tours available: 12:00 and 2:00pm. Contact them at: info@mountgulian.org or (845) 831-8172 for more information.