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Foundry Mural Brings History to Life for Haldane School
Gift to be unveiled at elementary school winter concert
The Village of Cold Spring’s rich history will soon come alive in the halls of the community’s new high school building thanks to a generous gift of Daniel and Wendy Wilson O’Brien that was made possible by Scenic Hudson. The O’Briens wished to give Scenic Hudson a vibrant mural that captures the grit and power of iron making at the West Point Foundry, the 19th century manufacturing marvel that helped to ignite the Industrial Revolution. The environmental group, which is preserving the foundry and surrounding lands for public benefit, suggested the mural go to the Haldane School District, and the O’Briens readily agreed.
“We are delighted that the mural will help the young people of Cold Spring and surrounding communities experience and remember the history, importance and commitment of their forefathers to our national heritage,” said Ms. O’Brien. She added that the artwork is donated in memory of her grandparents, George and Linn Perkins of Glynwood Farms, Cold Spring. Mr. Perkins served as president of the Board of Education for Haldane from 1936 to 1952, interrupted by WWII.
The mural will be a centerpiece for the new high school building and a compelling teaching tool for the entire school community. In 1991 the O’Briens commissioned renowned mural artist Karl Beckwith-Smith III to paint a mural for the “Foundry Room” at their former restaurant Henry’s on the Hudson. The mural is based on John Ferguson Weir’s 1866 “The Gun Foundry.” Mr. Weir’s celebrated painting is part of the permanent collection of the Putnam County Historical Society & Foundry School Museum.
Speaking about the educational value of the mural, Dr. John J. Di Natale, school superintendent, stated, “It would have been exciting just to introduce a beautiful and inspiring piece of art like this into the school. The fact that it tells the story of our community and its role in helping shape our nation, is an extraordinary benefit. This generous donation will help our students appreciate the power of art, history, culture and charitable giving. We are very thankful to the O’Briens and Scenic Hudson.”
The 8-by-10-foot, threepanel mural will be unveiled on Thursday, December 15, at 7 pm before Haldane Elementary holiday concert in the school’s auditorium. The mural will be permanently displayed in the main entry hallway of the high school building, where it will greet students, faculty and visitors.
Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson, said, “Because of Scenic Hudson’s environmental and historical education program with Haldane students, we knew the school was the right place for the mural. The O’Briens have made a personal and lasting gift. Haldane sixth graders who participate in our program at the West Point Foundry enjoy learning about their village’s past. The mural and site visits will make that learning active and memorable.”
Scenic Hudson’s education program with Haldane sixth graders teaches the history of the Village of Cold Spring and the West Point Foundry through hands-on activities, research and art. This project is made possible through a Teaching the Hudson grant that the school received.
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