This year’s stone house tour will be Saturday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Step back into the past, revel in the present, project into the future – all in one day. Visit the stone houses and churches associated with the 300th anniversary of the Palatines arrival in Saugerties. These structures, constructed from stone that was locally quarried, will be the focus of this year’s historic tour. The Palatines were settlers from the Rhineland in Germany who fled the religious wars of the 18th century. Of the 68 stone houses and churches in the village and town of Saugerties, there are many associated with this group. Precisely which seven will be on the tour will be kept under wraps.

Stone Houses Reflect History

The tour begins at the Visitor Information Booth at McDonald’s on Route 212. All tour participants receive a brochure and then follow the clearly laid out route, spending as much or as little time at each site as they choose. Some of the houses on this year’s tour are unoccupied, providing a unique perspective. Viewing the interior space, unobstructed by furniture placement, can give a sense of the proportions of the interior as well as the architectural distinctions and highlights. Each of the seven sites has a history, described in the brochure, and if you close your eyes you might be transported back to 1710 and the first Palatines.

Cooperation IS KEY

The tour is another fine example of cooperation between a town and its residents. The aim of the tour’s sponsor, the Town of Saugerties Historic Preservation Commission, is the protection, enhancement and promotion of landmark structures. For the stone house owners who have graciously consented to allow visitors on their properties, the benefit is that more people will see and appreciate the beauty and historical value of these local treasures.

How to buy

Advance tickets are available now for $20 at Smith Hardware and Inquiring Mind or by mail: Stone House Tour, Saugerties Town Hall, 4 High Street, Saugerties, NY 12477 (checks payable to Town of Saugerties HPC). On the day of tour tickets will be $25, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Visitor Information Booth, Rte 212 McDonalds. For more information call (845) 246-2800 ext. 470.

Susan Puretz