The Ponckhockie neighborhood
Ponckhockie is a historic hamlet. Initially settled by the Dutch, in 1614, not too far from the mouth of the Rondout Creek where it meets the Hudson River. Now, Ponckhockie is lumped together with the West Strand and Rondout communities and is referred to collectively as “downtown.” Historically, Ponckhockie was a blue-collar neighborhood for the many workers who manned the steel and brick factories, worked in boating or for the railroad. The area (including the house you are staying in) was originally developed by Mr. John N. Cordts, whose father was a famous brick merchant and owner of what later came to be known as the Brickyards.
The Views
Key local landmarks can both be viewed from the apartment’s side yard. To your left (when looking out on the water) is the Children’s Home of Kingston, founded in 1876 by Ms. Mary Isabella Forsyth to assist displaced orphans during difficult times that developed as a result of the Industrial Revolution. The campus has since expanded and you can make out the administrative offices and wood shop directly across Abruyn Street. The original buildings are nestled behind the other larger buildings and can be easily seen on a short walk up the block to Crane Street. This campus still serves adolescents in need and is referred to by locals as “The Boys Home.”
Directly in front of you, alongside the riverfront was formerly home to a depot for the Ulster & Delaware Railroad, where large locomotives were stored and repaired. Later demolished in the early 1900’s, the remaining brick building later served as a depot for Millen’s Junk Yard for many decades. The property has not been in use for nearly 20 years and in 2020 renovations began on the brick warehouse; its intended use will be in the arts and entertainment.
Directions
Address for Driving Directions / Uber Pick up:
15 Abruyn StreetKingston, New York 12401
Open in Google MapsDriving
Kingston New York is conveniently located from NY State Thruway exit 19. Once off the exit ramp look for signs for 587/32 South. Exit the traffic circle onto 587. You will travel approximately 1 mile before hitting another traffic circle. Once in the circle, look for the 2nd exit on your right towards 32 South, which will lead you down Broadway, a local traffic road. You will be on Broadway for approximately 1.2 miles. After you first pass the Kingston Hospital and then Walgreens on your left-hand side, look for a Stewart’s Shop also on the left. Make a left hand immediately before the Stewarts onto Delaware Avenue. Bear right to stay onto Delaware Avenue after the stop sign. About 1/2 mile down, make a right onto Abruyn Street. 15 Abruyn is the last house on the right-hand side.
Parking
Because our historic property was built up on a hill, there is no driveway access. Street parking is free on both sides of the street and no permit is required. If you happen to be staying during a snowstorm, we will be in touch with special snow emergency instruction on where to safely park your vehicle
