To the Editor:

I recently witnessed an unusual convergence of old and new in Knox. I was taking photos of our New World Dutch barns for Knox Historical Society’s updated driving tour. The eight Dutch barns in Knox were built between 1770 and 1825. These rare historic barns are treasured reminders of our agrarian past.

Unfortunately, these structures sometimes succumb to the ravages of time and weather. I stopped at one barn and was surprised to see new side doors at the stone bridge. Even more surprising, on the gable end the original, very weathered wagon and cattle doors were below a cladding of new siding.

At a time when we lament the loss of our farm buildings in the Hilltowns, it was very heartening to see this historic Dutch barn being preserved for future generations.

On June 20 and 21, visitors can take a driving tour to see the Dutch barns of Knox during New York State Path Through History Weekend. The Knox Historical Society will also offer four other self-guided tours: Voices of the Past, Historic Roadside Markers, QR Codes at the Winn Preserve, and Helderberg Quilt Barn Trail.

The Saddlemire Homestead at 2190 Berne-Altamont Road (Route 156) will be open from noon to 4 p.m. both days so history enthusiasts may visit the museum and pick up tour maps.

Please contact me at 872-2082 or [email protected] for more information. Tour guides and maps are available on our website at http://www.knoxhistoricalsociety.org/historic-trails.html

Jane McLean, vice president

Knox Historical Society