TOLHPS topic: Geology and History of Rosendale cement

Posted 2/26/20

From the late 19th century through most of the 20th century, it wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to claim that all roads led to Rosendale. Why? In a word, geology.

At the Monday, …

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TOLHPS topic: Geology and History of Rosendale cement

Posted

From the late 19th century through most of the 20th century, it wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to claim that all roads led to Rosendale. Why? In a word, geology.

At the Monday, March 2, 2020 program of the Town of Lloyd Historical Preservation Society (TOLHPS), Professor Steven Schimmrich will speak on the Geology and History of Rosendale Cement, how it ties into the history of our local area, and – sadly – its inevitable decline. A geology professor at Ulster Community College, Schimmrich will show how Rosendale’s geology paved its way to becoming the most prominent supplier of natural cement in the country. His presentation will take place in Highland in the Vineyard Commons Theater/Meeting Room (building 6) at 7 pm.

At its peak, the Rosendale Cement District supplied over half the natural cement in the United State. That built a lot of roads, including the New York State Thruway, as well as the bases for statues, dams, and bridges. The rock layers in Rosendale’s hills contained the raw materials for some of the best concrete in the world.

Schimmrich has had a long-standing interest in the geology and history of the Rosendale Cement District and is on the Board of the Century House Historical Society, which preserves the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale – the only publicly-accessible mine in the area.

TOLHPS sponsors free monthly public programs from September to June, usually on the first Monday of the month, at the Vineyard Commons theater/meeting room in Highland. Vineyard Commons is at 300 Vineyard Avenue, about a mile and a quarter from the Hamlet of Highland on Route 44/55, just south of the Hudson Valley Rehabilitation Center. To reach the theater, turn into Vineyard Commons and follow the signs to Building 6. At the request of Vineyard Commons management, audience members are asked to park their cars in the lot at the far right (west) end of the row of buildings that includes Building 6.

For more information about TOLHPS programs and plans, consult the organization’s website, TOLHPS.org, look for Town of Lloyd Historical Preservation Society on Facebook, or call (845) 255-7742.