Historian
STATEN ISLAND
THE
Volume XX, No. 1
PUBLISHED TWICE EACH YEAR BY THE STATEN ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Summer 2008
THE VOORLEZER’S HOUSE A STATEN
ISLAND ICON
By Loring McMillen
The first restoration of the Voorlezer’s House was completed in 1942. In its early restoration, double-hung sash windows were installed giving it this appearance until 1985 when a second restoration replaced them with casement windows.
he word “Voorlezer” is Dutch and freely translated means “a person who reads aloud.” In colonial days and even well into the 19th century in those settlements throughout the Hudson River valley and adjacent country whose antecedents were Dutch and whose religious leanings were toward the reformed Dutch Church, the position of Voorlezer carried more honor and responsibility than any other with the exception of that of the dominie or minister. The position of Voorlezer was chiefly ecclesiastical for in the early days of settlement when few communities could support a minister, the Voorlezer conducted simple services in the minister’s place. To
T
complete his means of support he occupied the position of sexton, schoolteacher and, in many cases, town clerk as well. Only one other example could be more typical of the proverbial economy of the Dutch than this combination of duties
in the position of Voorlezer and that is the building usually erected for his residence and the performance of these duties and commonly known as the Voorlezer’s House. For the Voorlezer’s House was a church, a school, office, and residence
Editor’s note
After a hiatus, the Historian is back. Published quarterly since January 1938, the journal serves to further the mission of the Staten Island Historical Society through articles that highlight the rich history of the borough’s people, places and events. Its purpose is to satisfy the need for a scholarly historical publication that is at the same time of literary and educational value. This issue starts with the lead article of the Historian’s first edition in 1938, authored by Loring McMillen, a founder of the Society and its director from 1956 to 1978.