Wandering Around Hyde Park

I am going to take you on a little visit to my old teenage stomping grounds. Hyde Park and St. James' Church. 

No, silly....not that Hyde Park!

Wrong again! Although very lovely, this is the wrong Hyde Park and St. James' Church.

Here we go...this is the St. James Church I remember so well. This pretty little Episcopalian church is located in the tiny hamlet of Hyde Park, New York. Hyde Park was named in honor of Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, the Governor of the Colony of New York. The church building was consecrated on October 11,1811. See....don't you feel smarter now? Next time you are at a party and someone says "hey...how about that St. James Church?" you can jump right in that conversation!

 

I wanted to take you inside, however the door was posted with this very sad commentary of modern times. Such a shame.

Since I can't take you inside, let's have a walk around their fabulous cemetery.

I was fascinated by the grave stones that were barely poking up from the ground. Like they were rising from the dead. You could tell which families were the wealthy by the size of the markers. I guess even in death, some still feel the need to act a little pompous.

Rev. Samuel Roosevelt Johnson build a children's school on his adjoining property in 1832 and upon his death, bequeathed it to the church. Oh yeah....he gets a big head stone.

Ruth Bayliss, wife of Maturin Livingston is buried in what looks to me like a big bathtub. She must have been a big believer in the motto 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness'. I like the marker to the left with the big stone ball and cross. At the top of the cross are the words Cruce Salus..meaning Salvation by or from the cross. A Catherine Sherwood is buried there.

I really loved the simple, quiet feel of this old cemetery and being there all alone added to the solitude.It was early spring and the contrast of the green grass and pines with the mottled, dull stone was so great.

I know I have taken you here before, but I cannot leave Hyde Park without driving by the beautiful Vanderbilt Mansion. It is actually right across the street from the church. Come on..let's take another look around.

Look close....see the little red fire hydrant to the left of the stairs. That cracks me up..but I guess they have to worry about fires too. 

Just look at the view these people had! The lovely Hudson River and Catskill mountains.

The first birthday gift my husband ever gave me when we started dating was given here at this site on the Vanderbilt property. Good memories.

Vanderbilt Mansion also has some of the most wonderful pine trees on their grounds. Look how beautiful the huge branches look resting on the grass..I want one in my front yard!!!

I need to do some investigation to find out why these grow like this. I know they are very old. I hope I am this awesome when I get old :-)

This twisted, gnarly tree is one of many along the driveway. I wonder how many creatures have called it home?

Well that's it for now. I hope you have enjoyed our quick little jaunt around Hyde Park. I really am very lucky to call it home and it holds many wonderful memories. How about you...show me where you grew up!

Until next time...be kind and stay creative.