Ulster County, NY Business Discovers Rare Historic Document

An Ulster County, NY business has been reconstructing their historical site. Along the way, they discovered exciting pieces of the past that have untold stories to tell.

The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History is open in Kingston, NY. I've been to this historical location before and have heard great stories of it from locals.

This Immigrant Culture and History Center brings stories to life and is a place where community members can come together and embrace each other's culture.

The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History offers historic bakery tours on site and an experience in their gallery exhibition Taking Root: Immigrant Stories of the Hudson Valley. 

This Historic Hudson Valley Staple Has Been Receiving A Makeover

When I drove past a historic site in Ulster County, NY, I noticed construction underway and visited their Facebook page to find out more.

In May 2024, the Reher Center in Kingston, NY made a post on social media. On their Facebook page, they shared that their construction is,

"Funded in part by a grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993."

In July 2024, the Reher Center shared additional updates about the makeover for this site which can be found on their social media platforms.

The Reher Center mentioned that this new project will allow them to continue to share this historic site for more generations.

SEE MORE: Centuries Old Intersection Is Located In Ulster County, NY

Does The Reher Center Have A Secret Door In Ulster County, NY?

The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History made a post on social media about how they were having construction done at the site. They shared with the community about the incredible hidden gem they discovered.

The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History shared,

"🚪Our construction work has uncovered a surprising discovery in the bakery’s oven room–a hidden door!"

 

"Dating to sometime before 1910 when the building next door was constructed, this secret door adds to the story of our building and how the Rehers may have used their oven room."

They continue to explain that they didn't know what the secret door was used for but took guesses of why it was there. The Reher Center For Immigrant Culture and History questioned if the door was a way for the Reher family to receive deliveries from. 

The Reher family owned the building starting in 1908 and for several years after that. It's possible that the door was used by a man who had a business there from the 1880's until 1900's and it could have been something he used.

The Reher Center shared that they were looking forward to discovering more historical pieces of the past and they also came across a document.

The Reher Center Discovered A Rare Historic Document In Kingston, NY

On August 21, 2024 the Reher Center made an exciting post on social media. They shared that they discovered something special that highlights their history.

The Reher Center mentioned,

"This “Permit to Operate a Service Food Establishment” document from the New York State Department of Health certified that Hyman “Hymie” Reher owned and operated Reher's Bakery at 101 Broadway, Kingston NY."

The permit allowed this historic business to sell bakery items such as rolls and breads, which they were known for. They continued to share that this certificate dates back to March 1981 when it was issued and it expired in February 1982.

The Reher Center continues to share interesting pieces of history from their center on social media platforms. 

Additional information about the Reher Center can be found on their social media, website and on 94.3 Lite FM.

Have you been to the Reher Center before in Kingston, NY? What piece of the past from this site do you believe to be the most fascinating so far? Tell us more below.