My companions, Karen and Charlie. Charlie was kind enough to drive us there.
Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II
A visit to Sterling Forest – Karen and Charlie inside the visitors center
A visit to Sterling Forest – The view from the Visitors Center.
There was a rather impressive view of Sterling Lake from the visitor’s center, but unfortunately visitors were not allowed on the outside balcony so I had to take this picture through the glass.
Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II
A visit to Sterling Forest – Inside the visitors center
There were a number of models describing the history of Sterling Forest and its mines as well as some iron artifacts found on the property, but I was particularly interested in the stuffed animals, including this eagle and a beaver (there was also a rather nice owl, but I messed up the photograph and so can’t show it here).
You can get a better overview of the interior center from the website of its architect, Hudson Design.
Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II
A visit to Sterling Forest – The Visitors Center
Our first stop was at the rather picturesque and rustic visitors center where I picked up my copy of “Doodletown. Hiking Through History in a Vanished Hamlet on the Hudson“.
The center is named after former US Senator, Frank Raleigh Lautenberg. It was made possible by a $1.7 million gift from his family that will pave the way for a new visitors center at Sterling Forest State Park. At the time NY Governor George Pataki said of the New Jersey Democrat:
“As a senator, he stood with us in fighting for critical federal aid, And today, he stands with us as a citizen who recognizes that we can expand opportunities for recreation, and conserve precious natural resources, as we also expand economic development.”
The Sterling Forest Visitor Center serves as the gateway to a 15,800 acre wildlife preserve, an historic iron mine and foundry site and the largest bloc of unbroken deep forest habitat in the Hudson Valley region. The design program for the Visitor Center building called for a form and material palette reminiscent of State Park structures built in the 1930’s and consistent with Park Agency goals for resource conservation and responsible environmental design.
The building was sited at the head of a ravine emptying into the south shore of Sterling Lake. This location enabled the design team to include ground floor auditorium functions and ample archive storage areas while maintaining the “low slung” character of a rustic shelter. As you walk through the building to the Observation Deck, the grade drops providing a commanding, panoramic view of the lake. The floor plan offers the visitor unimpeded access to the Exhibit Hall and other public areas in full view of the receptionist. Administrative and educational functions occupy two wings extending east and west from the Lobby, to allow for future expansions.(From the Hudson Design Website who I assume were the architects of the Visitors Center.
Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II
A visit to Sterling Forest – Overview
In an earlier post I mentioned that we (i.e. the Briarcliff Manor Historical Society) had organized a presentation on “The Chain that Saved the Colonies”. Much of the presentation focused on where this famous chain was created: Sterling Forest, NY. – specifically the Lakeville Ironworks section. On on a very pleasant, sunny day in February we decided to go and take a look.
Sterling Forest State Park is the site of the former community of Lakeville, the heart of the Sterling Ironworks in the Ramapo Highlands of New York and New Jersey. The first organized iron mining and processing operations in North America were conducted in the Highlands beginning in the early 1700s. Lakeville was a thriving community numbering up to 500 people at times, housing the miners and furnace and forge workers that toiled in the Sterling group of mines converting ore into iron and steel products for the home and farm. Lakeville iron processing was carried on until early in the 20th century and while the mines and furnaces no longer operate, the sense of its rich historical legacy is evoked by walking the remains of the community that lie about us. (Lakeville Ironworks Trail Brochure)
Above the famous Sterling Forest Furnace Number 2.
Taken with a Fuji X-E3 and Fuji XC 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 OSS II