History Day in Sparkill

The hamlet of Sparkill has always interested me. Only a mile or so from Piermont, Tappan, and Palisades, for many years it seemed to have resisted the pressure to change in any significant way. It was a sleepy little place with a village green bordered on by some Victorian homes and a few businesses. Finally, and I don't know why it took so long, Sparkill seems to be coming into its own. A restaurant here, a restored old house there, the creation of a bike/hike trail linking it with Tappan and Nyack- whatever it was, Sparkill is awakening, and there is now an increased feeling among its residents (Sparkillers? Sparkillites? Sparkillians?) that they live in a place to be cherished and celebrated. To this end, a group has formed the Sparkill History Project and along with Christ Episcopal Church is sponsoring the first Sparkill History Day. The event will be held on Saturday, July 23rd from 11 AM to 4 PM on the grounds of Christ Church (just listed on the National Register of Historic Places) located on New Street. There will be an exhibition of memorabilia and treasures taken from Sparkill residents' attics and basements, and walking tours will be conducted throughout the day. It should be interesting, and I'll see you there.