The annual opportunity to tour historic Hurley stone houses will be Saturday, July 8th, 2023. The stone houses, which are homes owned and lived in currently by Hurley residents, were originally built between 1685 and 1786. Several of the homes will be opened to the public from 10 am to 4 pm, rain or shine. Main Street of Hurley will be closed to traffic in order to provide a safe, leisurely walking tour to several of the eight houses. There will also be a free shuttle bus service in order for ticket holders to reach the three remaining stone houses on the tour. This is the 70th year the Hurley Reformed Church has sponsored this event, but it is a community event made possible by the involvement from the townspeople.

You can experience “a step back in time” on your visit. As you tour the houses and are greeted by guides in costume, you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers, and yet this event encompasses so much more. Also in a stone house on your tour will be a display of past and present cross stitched pieces, and a chance for you to learn cross stitching by crafter Lori Baker.

The 3rd Ulster County Militia encampment, where Militia and their wives offer a re-enactors view of what camp life was like. Colonial rifle demonstrations will also take place. Re-enactors will be there to answer visitor’s questions.

There will be a performance, by talented Debra Zuill, of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” Sojourner gave this speech in 1851 as she bravely battled against many black women’s social injustices and lack of freedoms.

Homemade food will be served in the Church Hall throughout the day as well as a home-baked goods booth. The Hurley Library will have their book sale; the Hurley Genealogical Society and the Hurley Heritage Museum will be open to the public; within walking distance visit two antique shops and numerous community yard sales.

Houses on Tour: One of the houses on Main Street is the Dr. Richard Ten Eyck house, the only full two-story stone house. The house was built by the doctor as a wedding gift to his wife, Jenett Baker in 1786 and indicates the family’s wealth and social standing.

Across the street is the Anthony Crispell House built in1725 by Jonathan Crispell, a farmer. This house was owned by the Crispell family until 1836, when it was sold to the Hurley Church as a parsonage. Inside will be a house tour and an interactive table for the children and “young at heart” who would like to learn basic cross stitch and take home their efforts.

Also on Main Street is the Jan VanDeusen house, built in 1723 by Captain Jan. This house, built as one unit, is one of the earliest rural Georgian cottages built in the town. The parlor served as the meeting room for the New York State Committee of Safety during October and November of 1777 of the Revolutionary War.

The Van Etten/Dumond (Spy) House, built prior to 1685, is the oldest colonial house in the town. During October and November of 1777 the house was used by the Continental Army as a guard house where prisoners and a “spy” were held in the basement. More will be heard about the spy and his demise during the tour.

Other Houses to Visit: Also on Main Street is an original stone house known as the Colonel Jonathan Elmendorf House built between 1783 and1790. It now houses the Hurley Heritage Society Museum. The museum’s exhibits presently mark both the area’s bluestone industry and the revolution war period. Delve into a quarry driver’s workday, view a film on Minutemen or browse through the materials that enable you to catch a glimpse into Hurley’s Revolutionary history.

To order discount tickets, go to www.StoneHouseDay.org. Regular price tickets are available on the day of the event at ticket booths on Hurley’s Main Street. For further information, e-mail info@StoneHouseDay.org.

Web site: www.StoneHouseDay.org