As we all know, renovations or remodeling in the older buildings in the Ardens can take many unexpected turns. This has happened at the Craft Shop. It is not really too surprising when you remember how old our building actually is. When Frank Stephens purchased the Derrickson Farm in 1900, our building was one of the structures already on the property. It became know as The Red House and was the center of much of the social activity in the village before the Gild Hall was renovated in 1910 as a home for the Arden Club.
The Arden Club at the Red House with announcements, ca. 1910s-1920s, ACSM00319
The Red House also housed the Arden Forge, Frank Stephens’ studio and Don Stephens’ wood working shop. The two-story addition was added in 1913, under the supervision of Will Price. Many other changes were made through the years, as the building was remodeled to house artist studios, apartments, and a shop which sold furniture and other crafts made in the village. There was even a bakery in the building.
And then the big renovation in 2004 which created the Museum and the apartments we have in the building today. All this means we have some work to do before we can fully reopen.
We are planning to open a condensed version of out exhibition, Images from the Ardens 1900-1960, hopefully, in early February in the Bernie Schwab Community Room. Watch this space for special announcements and many thanks to everyone for your continued interest and support. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Craft Shop soon!
Sally Hamburger, Arden Craft Shop Museum opening, October 24, 2004, ACSM02600
The Past Has a Future in the Ardens.
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