I thought Constable Hall deserved its own blog post, since it is open for the season and not just for the car show. For those of you who did not read yesterday’s post, Constable Hall is located at the intersection of John Street and NY Route 26, in Constableville. They host a car show and craft fair on Father’s Day.
The Hall was build in the early 1800s by William Constable Jr., the grandson of Dr. John Constable, who came to North American as a surgeon in the British army during the French and Indian War. That Constable fought on the wrong side of the Revolutionary War. His eldest son, William Constable Sr. tried to remain neutral, but ended up serving as an aide-de-camp to the Marquis de Lafayette. The pamphlet I picked up did not say how awkward family reunions became after the war.
As you enter the Hall you can pick up a self guided tour sheet which tells about the various furnishings, some of which are original. For example, an eagle paperweight on the desk in the drawing room was a gift from Alexander Hamilton, William Sr.’s lawyer. I recently read a biography of Alexander Hamilton, so I felt a little connection there. The rooms include bedrooms, a drawing room, a game room and a library. There are three stories including the basement, which also houses the gift shop. I purchased a few postcards. I might send one to a soldier I know in Afghanistan.
I mentioned the garden in my previous post, but I’ll mention it again since it is part of the ongoing display. The hedge enclosing it is the original buckthorn imported from Ireland, according to the pamphlet. The garden is divided into four quadrants. There is a sundial in the middle and an arch at one end. I struck a dramatic pose in the arch. My sister said, “Steve, your wife wants you to take a picture.”
“Only if I’m beautiful,” I said. “Take a picture if I’m beautiful.”
A lady who happened to be walking by turned around and said, “You’re ravishing, darling.”
Too bad I don’t have a scanner to post the picture. Of course, we have an old 35 mm camera, and the picture is not developed yet, so I have no idea how it turned out, ravishing, beautiful or otherwise.
Constable Hall is open from mid-May to Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 pm.m Sunday. Weddings can be held in the garden. For rates and more information call 315-397-2323 or visit their website http://www.constablehall.org.
Mohawk Valley Girl 