The Vedder Research Library

Owner Miss Aileen Hesel and partner Allen Totzeck proudly pose in front of the Ellis-Hesel house. Built in 1884 by Will Craw, this house is known for the previous occupants – Scott & Elgirtha Ellis, and, later, son Phil. (Scott Ellis oversaw the Greenville Central School education community from its centralization in the 1930s until his retirement in 1964; Phil was Greenville Local editor from 1963 until 1997.) Aileen bought the house in 1999 and, with the help of her mother Dorothy (advisor, colors & details & fabric person) and father Larry (locksmith, plasterer, cabinet & window person, crown molding maker), re-established this house—two houses down from the Greenville Arms on South Street—as an attractive mainstay. Greenville, indeed, appreciates those efforts that update and revitalize our community.

Powell’s Store (and before as Stevens’ Store) long served Norton Hill until mid-20th century; the building was then used for different businesses (Rich’s Floor Covering, Liberti’s Pizza, among others). The next chapter of usefulness comes when the Methodist Church purchased the building in 2000, renovated it, and today utilizes the Powell Store Thrift Shop as a community asset once again. Residents, long-time and newly arrived, appreciate the preservation efforts that once again restore a venerable piece of our history. The inset shows the older Stevens’ store.

The recently windswept, barren northeast corner of Greenville’s center sports new life with the advent of Corner Station Café, owned by Tom Briggs and Brian Wickes. A classic colonial clapboard house, with a picket fence, had graced the corner until the mid-1940s (see January), followed by a gas station that served Greenville’s auto needs until about 2010 (inset, 1996). This transformation is most welcome in Greenville but even more so here as it serves as one of the focal points for travelers entering Greenville. The inset shows owner Tom Briggs.

The Talmadge-Irving House, located on North Street, has undergone an extensive renovation under the care of Don Irving and Matthew Terry. Originally built in the mid 1700's, the house was moved in 1790 to make room for the Talmadge/Atwater residence across the street. The Irving family bought the house in the late 1800's and it has remained in the family ever since. The property has been painstakingly reinvented while retaining its vintage charm. The GLHG applauds the renovation/restoration of properties that re-invigorate the character of the town.

Owners Mr. and Mrs. Content with their daughters, pose in front of their Red Mill Road residence, Linker Oever. The name is Dutch for "Left Bank," a humorous reference to the Left Bank in Paris. They purchased the house in 2004. Working with talented architect Paul Rousselle, the Contents revitalized the exterior with a new peak roof and a stone terrace. They have striven to uphold the history of past occupants of the house including members of the Howard and Flack families. The inset shows the house in the early 1990s. The GLHG continues to commend community members, long-time or recently acquainted, who restore, renovate, or upgrade historic structures, improving the ambiance of the community, even those set on our back roads.

Originally known as Locust Manor, this former boarding house entertained guests from New York City for many years. Currently resided by Beth (Blenis) Hulbert, the house is located at the Surprise intersection of SR 81 and Willowbrook Rd, greeting travelers as they head westward from Coxsackie on their way to Surprise, Murder Bridge Hill, Horton’s Corners (intersection with Highland Rd), Greenville, and points westward. Built approximately 1840, the home has been in the Boyd/Blenis family for over 100 years. The house was owned previously by Luman and Edna Boyd, followed by their son Howard. With family help in 2007, Barry, Blaine, and Gina restored and updated the interior and exterior, adding the two car garage in keeping with the architecture of the house. Gracing the front lawn are uncle Dennis R. Blenis, father Barry G. Blenis, Beth A. Hulbert, brother Blaine R. Blenis, sister-in-law Gina (Gundersen) Blenis, and cousin Daniel L. Blenis. The GLHG applauds the renovation/restoration of properties that re-invigorate the character of the town. The inset shows a 1990 photo.

Wayne Nelsen poses with his recently acquired house, one driveway from Nelsen’s Freehold Country Pub near Freehold’s four corners. Long a residence of Purl and Dorothy Howard in mid-late 20th century, and most recently for the past twenty years by the James & Darlene Jollie family, this house has been renovated with a coat of white paint and red trim, a pruning of overgrown branches, and the creation of a stone parking lot in the back that serves both the house and the Pub. The Greenville Local History Group supports the restoring and/or renovating of properties that once again bring a fresh air of community character. The inset shows the house in 1991.

Jeff Pellerin poses in front of his house on West Road, one-third mile east of Greenville Center’s four corners. In 2003, Pellerin bought a dilapidated house, with barns, in need of major repair and renovation. Although Jeff claims there is more work needed, the newly painted house has caused passersby to once again appreciate this photogenic abode and setting. Many residents remember the house belonged to local legend Anna Flansburgh Hallock (1883-1972) who resided here most of her life. The GLHG continues to commend community members, long-time or recently acquainted, who restore, renovate, or upgrade historic structures, improving the ambiance of the community, even those set on our back roads.

A jolt of activity erupted on Main Street, Greenville in Autumn 2019 with the opening of The Tasting Lab, “a restaurant dedicated to serving local products and New York craft beverages.” Tom Vance, also owner of the Hop Barn on Maple Avenue, strives “to be part of the revitalization of Greenville and giving people a place to relax and enjoy themselves.” The Tasting Lab occupied the long established Stevens Store site, a mainstay of Greenville life and business. Although COVID-19 suspended operations in Spring 2020, The Tasting Lab, at full capacity, can serve 85 customers with a menu of appetizers, burgers, and wings along with two dozen or more beers. The GLHG continues to commend community members who restore, renovate, or upgrade historic structures, improving not only the ambiance of our community but also restore a vibrancy to our Main Street. One inset displays the interior view out the front plate glass windows. Another inset shows business partners Tom Vance and daughter Madyson Vance with restaurant t-shirt and mascot Alex; absent is partner Robert Snyder Jr.

Brian and Robin Johnson stand before their home in Newry, at the intersection of CR 38 and Newry Road. In 1997 they purchased this former home of Daniel S. Miller (1762-1839) and Betsy (Jones) Miller (1771-1855), who moved here from East Hampton, NY around 1801, and established a tannery, harness and shoe-making enterprise. Daniel S. Miller was elected as a Commissioner of Highways at Greenville’s first Town Meeting held on April 5, 1803. In 1806 he was an Incorporator of the Greenfield Turnpike, which ran from his home to Rensselaerville. He was among the first Trustees of Greenville Academy chartered in 1816. He operated his businesses for many years, and was a central figure here at Newry. Daniel S. Miller was considered to be a prominent New York merchant, as was his son, Daniel Stratton Miller (1806-1878), who moved to NYC. Daniel and Betsy Miller had four sons and five daughters, and their home remained in the family for over one hundred years. Robin and Brian have raised their two daughters, Allison and Casey, here, and love the land and the sense of history that surround them. They have restored the foundation, floors, fireplaces and fixtures; have replaced the boiler, roof and gutters; and remain committed to the ongoing efforts of their stewardship. The GLHG continues to applaud home owners and community members who restore, renovate, or upgrade historic structures, improving the ambiance of the community, even those set on our back roads. One inset shows an early stage of renovation; a second shows the historic marker beside the house.

Matt Crawley poses with his new home on Weed Road, Freehold, overlooking Story’s Nursery and the Catskills Escarpment. The 2000 square foot, single floor residence replaced a wornout mobile home (inset) and thus dramatically improved the ambiance of one of our rural neighborhoods. The GLHG continues to applaud home owners and community members who restore, renovate, or upgrade our country landscapes. (For the curious: Weed Road is named after Hervey Weed who owned a sizable farm in the mid-1800s.)