Schenectady in Schenectady County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hotel Van Curler
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 14, 2011
1. Hotel Van Curler Marker
Built 1925
Has been placed on the
National Register
Of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 42° 48.886′ N, 73° 56.976′ W. Marker is in Schenectady, New York, in Schenectady County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Ave and State Street (New York State Route 5), on the right when traveling south on Washington Ave. The plaque is mounted to the front of the building, under the large portico, left of the main entrance, which faces Washington Ave. . Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 78 Washington Ave, Schenectady NY 12305, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Clench's Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); South Shore Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Freemasonry (within shouting distance of this marker); First Site of Old Dutch Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Southwest Corner of Stockade (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); M-7 Day (about 300 feet away); ca 1850 (about 400 feet away); Robert Sanders House 1750 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Schenectady.
this page online
Regarding Hotel Van Curler. The Hotel Van Curler was named after Arent Van Curler. In 1662 Van Curler, (later van Corlaer) founded Schenectady on land he purchased from the Mohawk Indians. He was known for his fair dealings with the Indians, negotiating disputes and arranging for captives to be freed. The Hotel Van Curler was constructed in 1925 as part of a civic pride movement that developed at the height of Schenectady's most prosperous and optimistic period, the hotel is historically important as the first of five major Neoclassical public buildings erected in the city between 1925-1933. Its construction was financed by two of the city's major employers, The American Locomotive Company and the General Electric Company, the Chamber of Commerce and over 1,000 citizens. ALCo & GE contributed $300,000 between them toward the $700,000 needed for construction. The newly formed Chamber of Commerce raised almost $84,000 from its own members. The building and furnishings cost $1,100,000. The Hotel Van Curler, now Elston Hall of SUNY Schenectady, formerly referred to as Schenectady County Community College (SCCC), opened in 1925 and was built at the apex of a thirty-five year period, 1890-1925, during which Schenectady was the fastest growing city in New York State. The hotel went bankrupt in February of 1968. Schenectady County subsequently
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, July 14, 2011
2. Hotel Van Curler Marker
The marker can be seen between the 2nd and 3rd columns from the left, below the word Schenectady on the newly rebuilt portico at the front of the college.
Additional keywords. SCCC SUNY Schenectady County Community College
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 22, 2009
3. Hotel Van Curler - Now Schenectady County Community College
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, May 15, 2009
4. The Former Hotel Van Curler - SCCC, Seen from a Distance in Schenectady
Collection of Joe Connor
5. Hotel Van Curler Post Card
Collection of Joe Connor
6. Hotel Van Curler Post Card
Collection of Joe Connor
7. Hotel Van Curler Post Card
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 1,736 times since then and 113 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 24, 2011, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
