One recent Saturday after work, instead of heading straight home, I made my way across the Jan Peeck Bridge, around the Annsville Circle, and headed up the goat trail to the old Bear Mountain Bridge Toll House. After parking my car in the gravel parking lot, I strolled over to the entrance where I met local historian Frank Goderre.
Frank, sitting on a lawn chair with a cup of coffee and a new history book on a table to his right, was greeting hikers who were getting ready to hike the Camp Smith Trail to the top of Anthony’s Nose which overlooks the Bear Mountain Bridge. Each person was greeted with a warm smile and a hearty welcome to the Hudson Valley and the historic Bear Mountain Toll House.
Photo Credit: Dave Mueller (Dave Mueller)
Every weekend from June through October, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Frank not only greets everyone who stops at the old Bear Mountain Toll House, but he expands their knowledge of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Toll House, and the Hudson Valley, by inviting visitors to step inside and take a short tour.
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Frank Goderre inside the historic Bear Mountain Toll House
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Frank Goderre inside the historic Bear Mountain Toll House
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Frank Goderre inside the historic Bear Mountain Toll House
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Frank Goderre inside the historic Bear Mountain Toll House
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Upon entering the Tudor Style Toll House, tourists will notice the wood interior and pictures filling the walls, while Frank tells the history of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Toll House and the goat trail. As he brings tourists around the Toll House showing off the pictures, many of which are from his personal collection, Franks connects the past to the present.
The historic Toll House is a gem that many of us drive by and have never stopped in. We take it for granted, just as we take living in the Hudson Valley for granted. The Hudson Valley is according to Time Magazine, one of the World’s Greatest Places. This is exemplified by the visitor’s book and picture inside the Toll House, which show that people come from around the world to see our beautiful region.
In a very special presentation, this coming Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m., Frank Goderre will leave the Toll House early and head over the historic Little Red School House located at 297 Locust Avenue in Cortlandt Manor, where he will present “The Bear Mountain Bridge, Then and Now, 100 years old” hosted by the Van Cortlandtville Historical Society.
In this presentation, Frank will bring photographs from his personal collection and share stories connecting how Peekskill and Cortlandt had some of the most important politicians, architects, and movers and shakers in New York State, lived here and built some of the most prominent buildings, roads, and bridges throughout New York State and New York City. All of the stories, somehow and in some way connect in some way, shape or form to the Bear Mountain Bridge.
The Bear Mountain Bridge, Then and Now, 100 years old, is a free program and open to the public. Refreshments will be served after the program and donations are accepted to help future programs and keep the cost free for everyone.
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