-- A historic business preservation registry is now in place thanks to a new initiative to celebrate and honor some of New York's oldest businesses.
"This is a beloved place. We're taking care of it for awhile. Somebody's gonna come after us, and that sense of continuity really is what's remarkable and special about working here," said Executive Director Bjorn Olsson. "Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson have spoken here. We've seen benefit shows featuring Irving Berlin," Olsson said.The hall survived the 1918 Spanish Flu, as well as the 460-day mandated shutdown during the COVID pandemic, thanks to love and support from the community.
The love is shared by State Senate Leader and Acting Lieutenant Gov. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who nominated the music hall for the inaugural New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.