Rhinbeck is known for its big river estates, but we invite you to meet the everday people of Rhinebeck who you would have found at the village center as they went about their business.
The image of the woman holding a broom was taken on Oak Street, a short but important street where many people got their first step on and up the ladder that is home ownership. This image is from the Museum of Rhinebeck history has allowed the use of a number of images.
Oak Street was sometimes looked down upon because we had small lots, just 40 feet wide, but for us it was a step up the ladder to the American dream, to own our own home.
The couple shown are from the family album of a local man named Walter Patrice (DCHS Collections) whose family lived locally since before the Civil War. We imagine for this exercise the couple representing the many persons of color on Oak Street, perhaps one of the better know, Tom and Jane Williams. He was a well-known high-end chef, restaurant owner, and caterer and they had a home on Oak Street for many years.
On this tour you will meet the full range of Rhinebeck resident including a very successful middle and upper middle class.
More information about the dreams created out of Oak Street can be found here at this link.