The latest episode of the Crossroads of Rockland History podcast turns attention to the historic Jacob Sloat house, also known as Harmony Hall, in Sloatsburg.
Originally called Harmony Hall, the Sloat house is located on Liberty Rock Road in Sloatsburg, Rockland County, NY. Built in the late 1840s, the home shows the transition from the waning Greek Revival style to the newer Picturesque and Italianate architectural modes.
It was built late in the life of Jacob Sloat, a descendant of village founder Stephen Sloat who had made a fortune as a textile merchant earlier in the century. He was a close friend of Jasper Cropsey, who historians believe may have helped him design the house.
Beginning in the early 20th century, the house passed through a variety of owners and uses, including two restaurants and a home for the elderly. In 2006 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house is now owned by the Town of Ramapo, but a small group of dedicated volunteers – The Friends of Harmony Hall – are working hard to preserve and restore it as a into a historic house museum and cultural center.
Peter Bush, a member of the Friends of Harmony Hall and a Sloat descendant, joined podcast host Clare Sheridan to share what they have done so far this year and what the future may hold.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Crossroads of Rockland History, a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 9:30 am, right after the Jeff and Will morning show, on WRCR radio 1700 AM and www.WRCR.com. Join host Clare Sheridan as she explores, celebrates, and learns about her local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month. Our recorded broadcasts are also available for streaming on all major podcasts platforms.
The Historical Society of Rockland County is a nonprofit educational institution and principal repository for original documents and artifacts relating to Rockland County. Its headquarters are a four-acre site featuring a history museum and the 1832 Jacob Blauvelt House in New City, New York.
For a full list of New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE.
Photo of Harmony Hall – the Jacob Sloat House – courtesy wikimedia user Jerrye and Roy Klotz.
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