Simon P. and Ulysses J. Alsdorf were third generation residents of Newburgh. The family first settled here when they were released from their New Paltz area slaveowners, the Alsdorfs, in 1827. The family was purported to have been on the way to New York City but they decided to make their home in Newburgh. Simon and Ulysses' father, Dubois, was sent to NYC to study music by his father, George. Dubois built a business teaching music and his sons continued in his footsteps. The sons built Alsdorf Hall at 91 Liberty Street in 1915 where they gave classes and hosted recitals and rooftop balls. The building is now an apartment complex but the arch at its entrance continues to mark this historic site.
Postcard #37: U.J. & S.P. Alsdorf
Simon P. and Ulysses J. Alsdorf were third generation residents of Newburgh. The family first settled here when they were released from their New Paltz area slaveowners, the Alsdorfs, in 1827. The family was purported to have been on the way to New York City but they decided to make their home in Newburgh. Simon and Ulysses' father, Dubois, was sent to NYC to study music by his father, George. Dubois built a business teaching music and his sons continued in his footsteps. The sons built Alsdorf Hall at 91 Liberty Street in 1915 where they gave classes and hosted recitals and rooftop balls. The building is now an apartment complex but the arch at its entrance continues to mark this historic site.
