EXHIBITIONS
The Haverstraw Brick Museum is pleased to host exhibitions by local artists, historians and architects related to the rich history of the brick industry and the Hudson River Valley Arts Community.
ON VIEW
The Museum has on permanent exhibition handmade dioramas about the brick industry. These beautiful detailed works of craftsmanship are a “must see” for adults and children of all ages who love American history and architecture.
ON VIEW
PAST EXHIBITIONS
Destiny with DIsaster
This MEMORIAL EXHIBITION is Dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Great Landslide of 1906
On January 8th, 1906, the earth on the clay bank in the Town of Haverstraw “gave way”, causing a catastrophic landslide that destroyed a large residential and commercial portion of the Village and the tragic loss of 19 lives.
Created by over-digging from the excavation of clay used in the manufacturing of bricks, which had pushed closer and closer to the edge of town, the slide began quickly in three stages. The first stage happened at 11:00 PM, sending hundreds of victims, clad in bedclothes, into the streets, some still barefoot. Fires, from the stoves that heated the homes and kerosene lamps which had been knocked over had set the buildings ablaze. Immediately, firefighters responded but faced enormous odds because of burst valves and water mains, natural gas explosions and hoses which froze because of extreme cold. Some thought the incident was over and headed back into their homes to retrieve their belongings from the collapsed buildings. The second Landslide occurred at 11:20 PM, catching people by surprise and leaving them to be trapped and killed by the third slide which started at 11:31 PM.
The tight knit community, long used to working together, organized rescue teams and search parties. The S.W Johnson Steam Fire Engine Company in Garnerville also responded and helped to restore the much needed water pressure. A snowstorm had coated building roofs which experts have said prevented the entire village from burning as fire embers blew in the wind.
THE BRICKYARDS
This permanent installation details the history of Haverstraw brickyards and the great brick industry that supported the Towns and Villages along the Hudson River from the 1600s to the 1940s.
Click on the picture above to enjoy our virtual exhibition featuring the work of local Haverstraw artist, James Tyler internationally renowned for his large brick heads.
The History of Rescue Hook & Ladder Company #1
Rescue Hook and Ladder Company, the first firefighting organization in the Village Of Haverstraw, was organized in the American Hotel on February 18th, 1854. The company, then known as The Union Fire Engine Company #1, initially had a hand drawn apparatus with which to fight fires. Rescue continued to operate as an independent fire company until April of 1859, when the Trustees of the Village of Haverstraw accepted the company into the Haverstraw Fire Department, joining what is now, the General Warren Emergency Company #2.
Come see this fascinating exhibition at the Haverstraw Brick Museum.
