Rhinebeck, Then & Now
A look at Rhinebeck, NY, past and present, using old postcards and contemporary photographs. A bit of history thrown in as well. EACH PICTURE HAS A IMAGE SLIDER POSITIONED IN THE MIDDLE. MOVE THIS BACK AND FORTH TO SEE OLD/NEW.
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Streets
Old Cards from the early 1900’s covered West and East Market, Chestnut, South, Academy/ Livingston, Montgomery (Rt.9 north of light), Mill (Rt.9 south of light) streets, Mill Road, Violet Avenue, and Spring Brook Avenue (Rt.9 north of hospital)
Beekman Arms
Cards exist from roughly 1900. (The oldest picture I know to exist of the BA is undated but pre-1865). When renovations were made and the name changed in 1917, a profusion of new cards came as part of ownership’s desire to market the hotel more broadly.
Rhinecliff
The hamlet on the river, long ago home to the busy sloop and steamship docks. It became the railroad stop in 1851, and for ages before the bridge was built, it hosted the ferry to Kingston. It’s vibrancy has ebbed and flowed many times over the years.
Estates
More than 21 great estates were built in the area from the late 1700s to early 1900s. The Livingston family seemed to have ties to most of them.
Hospitals
Rhinebeck’s first significant hospital was the Thompson House on Livingston Street. Northern Dutchess was built in 1930.
Buildings
It’s just something they did in the early 1900’s – make postcards of anything, such as office buildings, houses, power plants, restaurants, anything.
Churches
At least nine churches appear in postcards and pictures. Three other churches are under Rhinecliff.
Others of Interest
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is the real gem of Rhinebeck.