The late Ann Linden honored at Indian Rock Schoolhouse Picnic and Community Day

AMENIA— Despite the cloudy forecast, local residents were in good spirits as they visited the Indian Rock Schoolhouse (IRS) for its 16th Annual Picnic and Community Day on Saturday, Oct. 6.

A local landmark at 25 Mygatt Road, the schoolhouse is a special place for Amenians. Webutuck librarian and IRS Board President Beth Murphy gave a speech and dedicated the schoolhouse pavilion in honor and memory of Indian Rock Schoolhouse founder Ann Linden, who passed away last September at age 76.

About how far the historic one-room schoolhouse has come since its restoration was completed in 2010, Murphy said Linden “wanted us to make it a living museum, so we did.

“Ann would be very proud to know so many people came out,” she added.

There were plenty of family-friendly festivities to keep everyone entertained. From the Amenia Historical Society and the Amenia Free Library to Harlem Valley Arts and Bank of Millbrook, local organizations and businesses displayed their goods and services at the picnic. After camping in the field behind the schoolhouse the night before, members of the Boy Scouts Troop 29 pitched in by selling fried dough as a tasty treat.

Members of the Indian Rock Schoolhouse Association led children in old-fashioned arts and crafts that might have been practiced years ago in the former schoolhouse. Meanwhile, local bakers entered homemade pies into the picnic’s pie baking contest. Once three contest winners were selected and congratulated, slices were sold after lunch for $2 to benefit the Harlem Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Just in time for lunch, Indian Rock Schoolhouse volunteers and local residents pitched in to grill food behind the pavilion. On top of the fun they had with the arts and crafts, children ages 10 and under enjoyed free hot dogs and drinks.

Under a green Maplebrook School tent, members of the Amenia Lions Club cooked up a storm with their award-winning barbecued chicken. Serving on a first-come, first-served basis, patrons had the option of eating at the picnic or taking their food home. By 12:30 p.m., the Amenia Lions Club had sold about 80 dinners with plenty of customers still to come.

For more information about upcoming events at the Indian Rock Schoolhouse, go to the schoolhouse blog at www.indianrockschoolhouse.blogspot.com.