To the Editor:

A new Westerlo Historical Society marker was placed in Dormansville on Monday, Nov. 4, at the former site of the Gibbons Store, west of the triangle at the intersection of State Route 143 and County Route 312. 

This structure was a hub of the community for many years. It began as the early tavern and public house of Lewis Husted.

John Gibbons (born 1766) first settled in the Dormansville area in 1795. Later, Erastus and Hiram Gibbons ran the establishment as the Dormansville Hotel and general store, selling dry goods, groceries, and general merchandise.

It became a popular stop along the Coeymans and Westerlo Plank Road for stagecoaches and freight wagons.

Later, it also served as a dance hall, meeting place, voting site, and early post office. The Gibbons family ran the hotel and store for many years, with Matie Gibbons the final proprietor of the store.

Tragically, on Feb. 5, 1965, it was ruined by fire, and later torn down.

Erastus Gibbons built and occupied the handsome stone house still standing across the village triangle, later to be home of Doctor Ransom Gibbons (born 1802, son of John Gibbons).

Dormansville was named in honor of Daniel Dorman, who was the first postmaster here in 1832. 

More information about Dormansville and the Gibbons family can be found in: “Landmarks of Albany County New York,” edited by Amasa J. Parker of Albany N.Y., published in 1897 by D. Mason & Co., Syracuse, N.Y.

One hard copy is held by the Library of Congress, it is also available as a downloadable PDF file, as it is in the public domain.

The Westerlo Historical Society also wishes to acknowledge the work of Tom Blaisdell in his book: “Town of Westerlo, Then and Now”; information from Dormansville resident Alliene Applebee (a descendent of the Gibbons family); and information from the historical society archives. The Town of Westerlo funded the marker project.

In attendance at the placing were myself; Peggy Falls, secretary of the historical society, and society member Alliene Applebee.

Roland Tozer

President

Westerlo Historical Society