Note
Please no night caching and be respectful of the propery.
History
In 1825, Union Church was built to serve the small hamlet of Pultneyville. Prior to this, a Methodist circuit rider and an Episcopal priest would hold services in private homes of the community. This non-denominational church was used not only for religious purposes but also for social and political events, provided they were of a moral nature.
During this time, notables such as Frederick Douglass, Samuel Cuyler, Giles Stebbins and Lucy Colman spoke several times at the church. In 1867, Dramatics began to be presented as a summer season community theater. With no stage however, boards were laid across the tops of the pews.
The last church service was held in 1875, after several years of issues within the congregations.
In 1894, Union Church was renamed Gates Hall, in honor of Mary Gates, who donated $1,000 ($35,000 adjusted for inflation) with the stipulation to construct a basement underneath the building.
Eventually a Board of Trustees took over the building and made necessary upgrades with various theatre groups holding presentations.
In 1967, Gates Hall was recognized as having “100 Years of Dramatics.”
In 1999, the Williamson-Pultneyville Historical society took over the care of the building.
Gates Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
And in 2017, Gates Hall was recognized as having “150 Years of Dramatics.” There is a dedication plaque on the front of the building that is worth reading.
Today, Gates Hall is recognized as being the oldest continuous community theater in the country.
Historic Note: Andrew and Ansel Cornwall were prominent landowners and led the effort to build the church in Pultneyville. Today, Cornwall Preserve is located just west of Gates Hall and honors the agricultural legacy of the land.
Passport:
Please leave the punch inside the cache. It is for the Passport and not available as swag to trade.
Information about the passport will be released soon at www.WayneCounty200.com
Thank you to The Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society for granting permission for the placement of this cache.