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Alden Historical Society

Alden Historical Society
13213 Broadway
Alden, New York 14004

The Alden Historical Society was organized on April 21, 1965. A small group of interested citizen had felt there was a need to preserve the history of the community by the collection of artifacts and documents of historical significance, relative to the surrounding area.

In November of 1966, Walden Roberts purchased his late uncles home at 13213 Broadway and donated it to the Town of Alden to used by the Historical Society as it museum. The home was donated in memory of his wife, Frances Young Roberts, a charter member of the Society. The museum was dedicated on June 25, 1967. The museum stands on property once belonging to the Holland Land Company. Aaron Bruce purchased the parcel of 230 acres in 1819. He sold the land to Thomas Farnsworth and his wife in 1821. It is assumed that at part of the house was built by the Farnsworths. During the 1840's the deed changed hands four times. Frederick Lord purchased the property in 1852 and his family owned it for twenty-six years. Arthur Roberts, proprietor of the barbershop next door, bought the home from Dr. Carols Bowman. Arthur and his wife Alice lived here for fifty years. Art died in 1958 and Alice continued to live here until her death, at which time their nephew, Walden purchased it and donated the home to the Town of Alden.

In 1971, a historical marker was placed at the site of the Original Black Water Baths, now St. Aidan's Episcopal Church on West Main Street. In 1975, another marker was placed marking the site of Moffat's Tannery, an early Alden Business, this site is now the Rite Aid Drug Store located on Broadway in the Village of Alden.

Over the years the collection of artifacts continued to grow and a meeting space was badly needed. In 1996 this need was met with the construction of a 1000 square foot addition at the rear of the original building. The addition was named the "Ruth Davis Room" in 2006 recognizing Ms. Davis' nearly twenty years of service as the museum's curator.

The Society meets on the second Thursday of the month, September through June, at 7:30pm. A brief business meeting is followed by a program of historical interest. All programs are open to the public. Membership in the Historical Society is open to all. Yearly dues are $5 and a lifetime membership is $50. For more membership information contact the Alden Historical Society at the museum.

Historical Society Exhibits:

  • Photos and artifacts from Alden's Black Water Baths.
  • Kitchen utensils.
  • Early laundry and cleaning equipment
  • Women's beauty aids, jewelry and accessories.
  • Tool collection.
  • Railroad photos and equipment.
  • Military artifacts.
  • Victorian parlor.
  • Early bedroom.
  • Toys and dolls.
  • Early retail store equipment.
  • Rocks and fossils.
  • Native American artifacts.

Museum Hours

Saturdays 10am - 2pm

Also during the Alden Art Show in September and during
Christmas-in- the Park in early December.

Special Children's Activity Days are planned
during school holidays and tours for individuals or groups
may be arranged by appointment.

Historical Society Officers
Historical Society Officers:
PresidentRoberta Vincent
Vice PresidentSal Sardella
SecretaryLaura Loehr
TreasurerRalph Davis
CuratorKaren Muchow
ArchivistRuth Davis
Society HistorianJanet Koelbl
Alden Town HistorianLeonard Weisbeck
Town of Alden LiaisonArlene Cooke
EditorCarl Matthies
Trustees:
Fred BlowersSal Sardella
Judy HotchkinRalph Stoos
Joe KipferRoberta Vincent
Carl MatthiesPaul Werner
Marlene Roll