Woodbury remembers its past this Sunday with ‘Tea in the Garden’

CENTRAL VALLEY — The Woodbury Historical Society will host “Tea in the Garden” on Sunday, Aug. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the Remembrance Garden, nestled between the Gatehouse Learning Center and the Boy Scout’s Carriage House on Smith Clove Road in Central Valley.
Beneath the tall maples and protected by the exquisite stonework of the two buildings is a maze of inscribed bricks, each one telling its own story - brief words conveying of messages of joy, sadness, gratitude and hope as well as records of significant events in our lives.
And, according to the historical society’s press release extending the invitation, “the area is unique in that, no matter how uncomfortable the August days are, a summer breeze prevails. It is a restful place offering an opportunity to reflect and relax from the busy days of our lives.”

From generation to generation

The garden was designed, constructed and donated by JAL Excavating Company in Central Valley; Marianne DeVenuto, president, and Mike DeVenuto, project manager. Their sons Joe and Andrew (Mike) and (friend, Brandon Collins) are the fourth generation of DeVenuto’s to volunteer at the Gatehouse.
In 1902, Italian stonemason Joseph DeVenuto, immigrated to Central Valley, drawn here to build the mansion on the mountain. Like so many of the artisans, when no longer needed following completion of the E.H. Harriman estate, he remained in Woodbury.
His love of America and what it had to offer him and his young family kept him here despite the meager living conditions endured in “Hentown,” home to a number of immigrants.
He soon found work as a stonemason building Proctoria, the estate of F.F. Proctor.
Continued hard work paid off and the family was able to buy a house, leaving ”Hentown” a distant memory, according to Woodbury historians. Son Michael learned the trade and passed it on to his son, Mike. And now, the fourth generation has joined the business and took on the “Garden”project, giving of their spare time without remuneration for materials and labor.
“As one views the use of puddin’ stone, bluestone, pavers and native stone, there is an appreciation and respect for the artist who can envision and execute that vision of what stone can become,” the historical society wrote in its press release. “The DeVenuto’s are those artists. One recognizes the sense of pride in the quality of workmanship and one appreciates the history interpreted in this small parcel of land we fondly call ‘The Remembrance Garden.’”

Essential information

Sunday afternoon’s event is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather, refreshments will be served in the Gatehouse.
The Remembrance Garden is located behind the Gatehouse Learning center, 224 Smith Clove Road, Central Valley next to the Falkirk Golf Course. Follow the bluestone path to the right of the building.
Further information, visit www.woodburyhistoricalsociety.