 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: G. Zimmermann Somers, NY, February 2007 - The Elephant Hotel in Somers, New York has been many things since being built in 1825: a stagecoach stop, hotel, post office, tea room, Farmers and Drovers Bank (2nd Banking institution in Westchester County), meeting place for the Zoological Institute formed by local menagerie owners, Somers Town Hall and Historical Society headquarters. Now, it adds a new credential to its lineage - the subject of birdhouse folk art and poster pin-up. It earned this latest distinction in its lengthy lineage, thanks to a collaborative project between Somers Historical Society, members of the Heritage Hills Woodcraft Club and Somers artists who created a whimsical collection of 16 birdhouses in the likeness of the Elephant Hotel to commemorate the formal dedication of the building as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. The birdhouses in the collection, "The Elephant Hotel. on Review", were displayed throughout Somers and then auctioned off individually to benefit the Society. Commemorative posters were created originally for the participating artists and businesses in this fund raiser; however, because of the extreme popularity of the birdhouse collection, the Society increased its production. It has been selling posters to the general public in its offices at the Elephant Hotel since November and recently expanded to sell throughout the community. The poster is $15 and available in Somers at: Somers Historical Society, The Mexican Shack, Heritage Hills Activity Center and Somers Custom Framing. Framed versions are available at Somers Custom Framing in Somers, Wild Birds Unlimited and The Paint Box in Bedford Hills. Members of the Heritage Hills Woodcraft Club have been crafting birdhouses in the likeness of the Elephant Hotel for the Somers Historical Society for a number of years in memory of member Carol Derr, who conceived of, and designed, the Elephant Hotel bird house originally. Mrs. Derr was also a member of the Somers Historical Society. Somers Historical Society, founded in 1956, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and retains an Absolute Charter from the New York State Department of Education as an educational corporation. The organization is a member of AASLH, the Lower Hudson Conference, the Westchester Arts Council, Somers Chamber of Commerce and the Circus Historical Society. Corporate members are Billingsley Realty, DiNardo’s Farm Market, Houlihan Lawrence Realty, the Mexican Shack, Putnam County Savings Bank. Special contributors are Pepsi Bottling Group Foundation, Inc. and Somers Lions Club. Office hours are M-T, 9 – 4:30pm. Museum hours Thursdays, 2 – 4pm and during special events in Somers Hamlet. Tours are available and may be made by calling (914) 277-4977, Email Oldbet@cloud9.net. website address: www.somershistoricalsoc.org. ### |
| Westchester's Newest National Historic Landmark
- The Elephant Hotel - Becomes Subject of Birdhouse Folk Art |