Beacon Then and Now is a collaboration between photographers Linda Hubbard and Robert Rodriguez Jr. with Robert Murphy of the Beacon Historical Society. The images in this album were first published in a commemorative calendar by the Greater Beacon 2009 Committee funded by the Explore NY Quadricentennial Commission. We are privileged to share them with you here.
At left:
Then :: Carroll's Straw Hat Factory, One East Main
34th Annual Convention, Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman Association 1923
Now :: One East Main
Electric Windows art event curated by Open Space Gallery to be on display until summer 2009.
Photo by Linda T. Hubbard
Then :: East End of Main Street and Tioronda in what was then called Matteawan Village, 1909
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: Main Street in what is now called Beacon
Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Then :: Beacon waterfront 1916
Trolley, train and ferry terminals
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: View of Beacon from high above the Hudson River
Photo by Linda T Hubbard
Then :: Beaconcrest Hotel and Casino at the summit of Mount Beacon c.1909
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: Ruins of the gears of the engine house for the Beacon Incline Railway at the summit of Mount Beacon
The Incline Society is comprised of volunteers working to restore the railway. We are registered with the New York State Department of Education as a not-for-profit Historical Society and hold a Provisional Charter issued by the New York State Board of Regents.
Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Then :: Women working at the Nabisco Box Factory c.1950
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: The art museum Dia: Beacon now inhabits the Nabisco factory.
Artwork: Imi Knoebel, "24 Colors for Blinky" 1977
Photo: Bill Jacobson
Then :: Beacon Fire Tower on Mount Beacon
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: The Beacon Fire Tower is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register
The Committee to Restore the Beacon Fire Tower is an ad hoc committee of interested citizens and residents from the area.
Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Then :: Spy Hill Conservatories' campaign speech from the second floor balcony, 1912
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Then :: Main Street Parade 1971
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: Halloween Parade 2008
Photo by Linda T Hubbard
Then :: The ferry boat "Beacon" on the waterfront 1960
Ferry Service is being offered once again.
Operates only on weekdays at peak travel times.
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: Beacon Point, created by renowned sculptor/landscape artist George Trakas.
Designed as a series of gradually cascading steps recalling undulating waves, the work provides easy access to the Hudson River and offers a superb place for visitors to relax and enjoy views of the river and Hudson Highlands.
Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Then :: Near the Mount Beacon Monument 1905
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: Mount Beacon Park was created on land preserved by Scenic Hudson in the City of Beacon and Town of Fishkill.
Totaling 234 acres, the parcels were purchased in 1995 and 1998, respectively. The latter parcel, proposed for a residential subdivision before Scenic Hudson acquired it, contains the remnants of the lower portion of the Mount Beacon Incline Railway.
Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Then :: Locomotive on trestle over Fishkill Creek above Sucker Falls, 1872
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Then :: Dennings Point Beach 1915
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
Now :: Dennings Point is now part of Hudson Highlands State Park system
Photo by Robert Rodriguez Jr
Then :: Postcard of Lewis Tompkins Hose Company c1920
Photo courtesy Beacon Historical Society
The fire house was lovingly restored by the current owners, Hudson Beach Glass
Photo by Linda T Hubbard
