St. Andrew's Society History

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The St. Andrew’s Society of Albany, NY was founded over 200 years ago in 1803., starting with 18 men of Scottish origin who wished to help their fellow descendants and be of “productive of good in the city”. Initially their activities were centered around welcoming and assisting with new arrivals of a Scots background, eventually filling the organization with a wide variety of members of different backgrounds. Their overall purpose? “To relieve the distressed” quietly without saying. Since then the society has participated and supported a variety of charitable causes and activities - including hosting Historic Albany Foundation’s Washington Avenue Celebration.

“The Rooms”

The St. Andrew’s Society has occupied the building at 150 Washington Ave since 1928, but the story of the building stretches further into the past. Built in 1891, this three-story brownstone was originally the home of James McKinney (co-owner of a local iron manufacturing company) . It was designed by Edward Ogden and Sons as a residence. Upon purchase, the Society completely refurbished the first and second floors, designed by David C. Lithgow.

First Floor

Parlor - Furnished in an 1890’s style, visitors can see photographs of past presidents of the society displayed.

Assembly Hall

An “oak-beamed room with ceiling of blue” (D. Lithgow) complete with shields of Scottish clans and spun glass Jacobite windows - as well as a replica stone mantel, based on those commonly found in Scottish castles.

Stairway and Second Hall

Shows an exhibition of David Lithgow’s art and bronzed based reliefs of Signers of the Declaration of Independence by Charles Calverly.

Second Floor

Library

2,000 volumes of Scottish subjects

Rams Head Mull (gift of British War Relief Society in 1942)

Book Cases given by State Senator Curtis Douglas

Four Bronzed Panel (duplicates of those found on the Burns Monument)

King Alexander III Penny

Wee Kitchen

Fireplace - replica of one found i the Burns Corttege in Alloway, Ayrshire.

Curling Club Badges (late 19th Century)

Wednesday, 26 February 2020 from 17:30-19:30 / free event

 
 

The Founding of Rapp Road & Tour of Wilborn Temple

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Join us on Thursday February 27th to explore the story behind the Rapp Road Historic District. This group of over 20 houses (located near Albany Pine Bush) is truly unique not only in Albany, but also in the state and the country.

During the Great Migration from Mississippi the families who built Rapp Road chose to buy rural land and start from scratch, instead of staying in the South End. The resulting "Southern style shotgun homes" make up the current Historic District. This community and architecture is truly one of a kind, with the majority of homes still being owned by the original families and their descendants.

The Rapp Road Association will present these stories about their rich history at this special event - preceded by a tour of Wilborn Temple. The Temple was founded in the height of The Great Migration in the 1930's and has continued to serve the community ever since.

Buy your tickets here: http://bit.ly/2OLm15J

$5 HAF Members / $10 General Public. Use the ticket link to purchase, or email info@historic-albany.org or call 518-465-0876 to reserve a spot.

"(Rap Road is )Albany’s only African American focused historic district and a part of the 3 percent of all National Register listings that celebrates African American heritage". - Rapp Road Association Website

"the historic Rapp Road community is a treasure-chest of local history" - Dave Lucas WAMC article