Altamont in Albany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fredendall Funeral Home
Altamont, New York
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La Funeraria Fredendall
Altamont, New York
| — | The Museum in the Streets | — |
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, January 29, 2020
1. Altamont, New York Marker
The Fredendall Funeral Home is the oldest continuously operated business in Altamont. In 1877, cabinet maker John Thierolf arrived in the village from Albany and soon established a thriving furniture business. Wood crafters were often asked to make coffins, so Thierolf also began providing undertaking services. He died in September 1886, age 31, and Millard Hellenbeck continued the furniture and undertaking business until his death in 1916. Harry Fredendall, a Hellenbeck employee for ten years, took over and gradually phased out the furniture business, focusing on the undertaking aspect. He provided a quiet, dignified environment for the bereaved, slowly winning people away from conducting funerals at home. He died in 1949, and the business still carries his name.
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Erected by The Museum in the Streets®. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Museum in the Streets: Altamont, New York series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1886.
Location. 42° 42.041′ N, 74° 2.041′ W. Marker is in Altamont, New York, in Albany County. It is at the intersection of Helderburg Street and Main Street (New York State Route 156), on the right when traveling west on Helderburg Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Altamont NY 12009, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, in the Capital District, and in the Albany Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wayside Inn / Posada Wayside (here, next to this marker); Commercial Hotel / Hotel Comercial (within shouting distance of this marker); Inn of George Severson (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed by Howard C. Ohlhous, June 12, 2025
2. The Fredendall Funeral Home/La Funeraria Fredendall Marker
Photographed by Steve Stoessel, January 29, 2020
3. Altamont, New York Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 5, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 2. submitted on June 12, 2025, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. 3. submitted on February 5, 2020, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
