‘Down with Rent!’
Bringing history to life: Local musicians — from left, Terry Leonino, George Ward, Greg Artzner, John Roberts, Bill Spence, Greg Clarke, Toby Stover, and George Wilson — will tell the story of the Anti-Rent Wars. The June 2 performance will take place at the Old Songs Community Center, at 37 South Main Street in Voorheesville.
NEW SCOTLAND — The Anti-Rent Rebellion in New York State will be portrayed in song and stories by local musicians in period costumes.
The program will be held at Old Songs Community Center, 37 South Main Street in Voorheesville on Tuesday, June 2, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The rebellion began in 1839 after the death of Stephen Van Rensselaer II, the Patroon of Rensselaerwyck Manor, when his son, Stephen, attempted to collect back rent from the tenant farmers. When the Albany County Sheriff tried to evict farmers, neighbors disguised in calico robes and Indian masks would gather and demand that the sheriff destroy the eviction notice or be tarred and feathered.
This program is sponsored by the New Scotland Historical Association and is also a membership drive. The program is free to association members and cost $10 (or a $10 individual membership) to the general public.
There will be limited handicapped parking on site, and parking is available at Voorheesville Carpet Store, Phillips Hardware, and the Village Hall parking lot. For further information, call 765-4212.
Editor’s note: Ethie Moak is the publicity chairwoman for the New Scotland Historical Association.