Learn to make cedar roof shakes at Fort Decker

PORT JERVIS, NY — The Minisink Valley Historical Society will present two programs on Saturday, June 27: an 18th-century cooking demonstration and a presentation by Dr. Frank Simpson, a local veterinarian for 50 years, on how to make cedar roof shingles. Both will be at Fort Decker at 127 West Main Street.

Simpson is a former Deerpark Historian and one of the original founders of the Neversink Valley Area Museum in Cuddebackville. He will be showing visitors how shakes were made and have a display of old planes on hand as well. Simpson’s program will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Earlier this year, a new cedar shingle roof was installed on Fort Decker. It was the first time since 1907 that a cedar shingle roof was placed on the original timbers. After two years of fundraising, planning, design and a competitive bidding process, Duraframe of Stroudsburg, PA was awarded the contract to tear off the 1974 asphalt shingle roof and replace it with a more historically correct cedar shingle roof. In addition, new flashings were installed around the chimneys and a new porch roof, deck and posts were installed.

Suggested admission is by a donation of $2 for an individual and $5 for a family. Hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.