Onesquethaw district has many intriguing stories to tell
— Photo from the New Scotland Historical Association
The Teunis Slingerland House, pictured here in 1938, was built in 1762 or earlier. A marker for the Onesquethaw Historic District near the house will be unveiled on Sept. 9.
To the Editor:
On Saturday, Sept. 9, at 11 a.m. a new historical marker identifying the Onesquethaw Historic District will be unveiled and dedicated. The marker is located at the intersection of Winne Lane and Route 32, west of LaGrange Lane.
The marker is in the midst of a 3.4-acre area, mainly in the town of New Scotland, that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in January of 1974.
That achievement was made possible by the diligent efforts of the Onesquethaw Preservation and Conservation Association, which was incorporated in 1973; its goal being “to illustrate the history of the area’s exploration, settlement, development and activities in peace and war,” and “to promote town planning concepts that encourage the conservation of natural and agricultural resources and the preservation and enhancement of historic architecture, monuments, markers, and the environmental characteristics in the town.”
The association identified 25 houses with farm buildings and a number of related archeological sites clustered in the Onesquethaw Creek Valley. Included are several impressive 18th-Century stone houses, four of which are located within a mile or so of the new historical marker.
An example of one is the Teunis Slingerland House, located on Route 32, just a few yards west of the marker. This house was erected in 1762 or earlier. It is a striking example of the Dutch style home. It faces the Onesquethaw Creek and an old road that is now gone, so only its side and rear walls are visible from the current road.
The sites within the Onesquethaw Historic District have many intriguing stories to tell. To commemorate this area with this marker is a fitting acknowledgement of the area’s importance to our history and heritage. Through its newsletter, the “Sentinel,” the New Scotland Historical Association plans to highlight more of its rich background.
The New Scotland Historical Association is grateful to the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, which financed this marker, for its commitment to the preservation of community history through awarding grants for historical markers and plaques.
Judy Kimes
Publicist
New Scotland Historical Association