Historic Sugar Loaf
Did you know that in 1785 Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr faced off in a local court to settle land patents issues.
Did you know that America's first MURDER FOR HIRE took place in Sugar Loaf when an unpopular local man was shot by an ex-sailor hired by 3 locals.
Did you know that the greatest harness racing sire of all time came from the area - "Hambletonian"- born 1849. Nearly every major trotter or pacer is a direct descendent of him.
The Goshen and Sugar Loaf area were a part of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves travel up north. Please click on this link for a fascinating article on it's involvement.
Here's a 50 year old article from the NY TIMES about Sugar Loaf in 1973. It gives a great overview of the hamlet's profile in the late 20th century. READ IT HERE
Early History
Originally settled by the Lenape Indians - a branch of the Algonquin nation, early settlers, hunters and trappers started moving in during the early 18th century. A central feature was the Waywayanda Path (Kings Highway) that served as a major north/south conduit.
By the mid 18th century, the Native American population dwindled and was replaced by farmers - mostly immigrants from England, Scotland, Ireland and France.
The hamlet soon started focusing on providing crafts and provisions for the surrounding farmers. By the early 19th century, Sugar Loaf became more a saloon community with an increasing interest in horse breeding and trading. A favorite pastime became harness racing. The hamlet soon fell under the administration of the town of Warwick.
In 1845 the Town of Chester was created from parts of surrounding towns. Because of the completion of the Erie Railroad, commercial activities moved from Sugar Loaf to Chester with Sugar Loaf detaching from Warwick to become part of Chester.
The hamlet has since remained under Chester town and was never incorporated as a village. As the villages of Chester and Warwick grew rapidly, Sugar Loaf became a smaller commercial satellite.
For the remainder of the 19th century and most of the 20th century, Sugar Loaf remained a quiet, pastoral hamlet, best known for its crafts.
For a more in depth history of the hamlet, please watch Professor Richard Hull's presentation below on this page.
Also, try to find a copy of his superb book: "Sugar Loaf 1700-1997 The Enduring Vision" or better yet - attend one of his entertaining and informative lectures.
The book is somewhat hard to find but can be found online and in libraries. Below is a link:
The Inn - 1388 Kings Highway
Property Name: Sugar Loaf Hotel - Construction Date: ca. 1800
Architectural Classification: Greek Revival
Two-story wood frame commercial building five bays wide and two bays deep with gable roof. Front (west) five-bay façade contains central entrance with sidelights and simple architrave flanked by two six- over-six wood sash windows on south side and added storefront with door and display window on north side.
On second story, a central entrance is flanked by windows with replacement sash. A two-story open porch characteristic of hotels of the period spans the entire façade fronted by pillars appearing to be replacements. Gable ends contain two windows on each story with a mix of wood and replacement sash. A two-story shed roof wing extends from the rear elevation. Stone basement, vinyl clapboard siding, asphalt shingle roof.
The Parsonage - 1379 Kings Highway
Property Name: Methodist Church Parsonage Construction Date: 1832, ca. 1875
Architectural Classification: Mid-19th Century
Wood frame mixed commercial/residential use building constructed in two sections. Original house on north end is a story-and-a-half three bays wide and two bays deep house built ca. 1810 with a mansard roof added later (ca. 1875). Front (east) façade contains an entrance with sidelights and decorative architrave off set by two windows with one-over-one replacement sash.
Full porch spans entire façade including across addition on south; turned posts, balustrade and spindle elements added later. Three gabled dormers with one-over-one replacement sash align with openings below. North elevation has two stone fireplace panels on the first floor flanked by three windows with one-over-one replacement sash (the rearmost window is arched), a single window is centered in the upper level; the front of the original gable roof was raised and bumped out to form the front mansard; the rear of the gable roof is intact. Later
addition is a two-story two bays wide and two bays deep wing built ca. 1875. Front (east) façade bumped out with a display window with three large plate-glass windows.
Two windows in the upper story contain one-over-one replacement sash, a small pointed window is located in the apex; roof overhangs walls with deep ornate eaves. The south elevation contains two windows with one-over-one replacement sash on both levels. Stone foundation, asbestos-cement shingle siding and asphalt shingle roof.
