East Hudson Valley News

Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblyman Matt Slater, and Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano have announced a new state grant aimed at preserving the Elephant Hotel in Somers. The sum of $281,500 will be utilized for restoration and weatherproofing efforts. The landmark, which has served the community for two centuries, celebrated its 200th anniversary last week.

Senator Harckham highlighted the significance of the investment, stating, “The Elephant Hotel holds a significant place, not only in the history of Somers and New York, but also in American history. This important investment in the preservation and restoration of the cherished national landmark is vital so it can continue to serve the community as a town hall, home of the Somers Historical Society and as an archive for vital historical records. The improvements will help to preserve this structure for another 200 years as a testament to the rich history and heritage it represents.”

Assemblyman Slater expressed pride in the collaborative effort, saying, “The Elephant Hotel is an iconic piece of Somers history, and I am proud to work alongside our partners in government to support critical funding to preserve it. The Hudson Valley is full of historic landmarks like the Elephant Hotel, and it is our responsibility to ensure future generations can see, experience and learn from them.”

Speaking on the anniversary milestone, Supervisor Scorrano stated, “This year marks the 200th anniversary of the historic Elephant Hotel, a treasured landmark listed on both the New York State and National Register of Historic Places. This grant will support critical repairs to preserve not only the building itself but also the invaluable historic artifacts, cultural exhibits, municipal offices, and essential town documents housed within.”

The allocated funding will focus on repairing, restoring, rehabilitating, and weatherproofing the hotel to maintain its status as a National Historic Landmark, continuing its function as a venue for town business, archival storage, and community events.

The Elephant Hotel, built between 1820 and 1825 and named after a famous elephant, “Old Bet,” once owned by circus entrepreneur Hachaliah Bailey, exemplifies Federal period domestic architecture from its era. The landmark was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2005 and has recently seen other restoration efforts, including enhanced outdoor lighting and a new statue of “Old Bet” funded separately.

This financial support was obtained via the Regional Economic Development Councils and the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, aimed at safeguarding historical treasures such as the Elephant Hotel.