The Friends of Harmony Hall Celebrate a Milestone Victorian Holiday

Peter Bush
3 days ago
2 min read

By Peter Bush, descendant of Jacob Sloat

A major restoration project that has been decades in the making was unveiled

during this year’s Victorian Holiday celebration. The front porch restoration was

launched in June, based on plans by architects Crawford & Stearns. William

Friedlich of Hudson View Construction carried out the work. Guests experienced a

sensory delight as they climbed the elegant mahogany steps leading to the spacious, dramatic porch. Upon entering the foyer of the 1848 mansion, visitors

enjoyed festive holiday decorations, including a Victorian tablescape in the dining

room featuring personal items from the historic Jacob and Sarah Sloat collection.

An original dining room door, formerly entombed under drywall, welcomed visitors into Ye Olde Holiday Shoppe, a shop filled with handmade crafts and gifts. This cozy space was likely the home office of inventor and mill operator Jacob. The interior restoration in this room was made possible by the board vice president, Barbara Berntsen, owner of American Drywall-ADW, Inc., Sloatsburg. The removal of a modern dropped ceiling installed in the 20th century revealed the original, intact plaster ceiling details! The warm glow from two restored windows created a festive atmosphere as guests moved into the next room, where children’s lively voices filled the air as they worked on holiday crafts.

Throughout the day, the house was filled with beautiful music by the Hudson Valley Brass and Wind Ensemble. Hot mulled cider, seasonal treats, a reading of “"Twas The Night Before Christmas,” by FOHH President Andrea LaMantia, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus delighted both new and longtime friends. Inspiring and lively conversations centered around the remarkable and beautiful front porch restoration.

As guests headed out into the December night onto the newly restored front porch, they enjoyed caroling by members of the Suffern High School Choral Group. We marked 177 years of Christmas celebrations, memories, and hopes at this State and National Register site, which has been revitalized thanks to the impressive restoration of the Harmony Hall front porch.

Tickets are on sale for The Nutcracker Suite Victorian Cocktail Party on Saturday,

January 3, 2026. Stay tuned for updates on Revolution 250 events planned for the

historic Sloatsburg corridor.