Congratulations Dick Lahey and his carriage collection!
Dick Lahey spent his early years in Hughsonville New York, where he became acquainted with farm life, horses and carriages.
He made his first horse purchase when he was 14. He built his carriage driving skills through the fields of Hughsonville.
After graduating from Wappinger’s schools, Dick attended Dutchess County Community College and SUNY New Paltz, where upon graduation he taught for 35 years in the Spackenkill School District, initially 5th and 6th graders and then developing and leading the district’s talented and gifted program. He also taught at Marist College for 15 years, mathematics and guiding/coaching new teachers as they built their skills.
Dick has been collecting carriages for over 50 years, curating his collection of original and restored carriages and is especially proud of the carriages that have their roots in the Hudson Valley, either through their original owners and/or their builders. Dick’s collection, housed in a century old barn, includes not only the carriages, but the riding gear, accoutrements, photographs, and historic prints. Dick makes his home in a house that dates to 1790, one of the hidden treasures in the town of Wappinger.
Dick is a founding member of the MId-Hudson Driving Association and a board member of the Carriage Association of America. These responsibilities include judging and conducting demonstrations at many sites throughout the Hudson Valley, including at the Dutchess County Fair.
Dick’s interests go far beyond his carriage collection, his community contributions are many and include leading the Board at the Stony Kill Foundation, chairing the Hudson Valley Teacher’s center, a board member of the Putnam-Highlands Audubon Society, and holds long-time memberships with the Watermen Bird Club, the Wappingers Historical Society and Friends of Carnwath. Dick is very generous with his time, sharing his knowledge of the people, businesses, and stories of Hughsonville, Wappinger and Dutchess County formally and informally – and for that we are very grateful.
Photo – Credit Anthony Musso – Dick Lahey standing next to a Four-Wheel Dog Cart, one of his carriages in his collection.
Tickets include wine, drinks, and food from Simply Gourmet. Check out photos from last year!
$500 sponsorship includes two tickets!
Email Bill Jeffway about underwriting and other opportunities.