Strathmore Festival set for June 19
The Strathmore Festival, a new event to be held this year only, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of prominent American potter, teacher and publisher, Adelaide Alsop Robineau’s “Scarab Vase,” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday June 19 on Robineau Road in Syracuse, the street named in her honor. Robineau’s rare piece of ceramic sculpture is valued at more than $160,000.
Robineau was born in Middletown, Conn. in 1865, eventually moved to Syracuse and lived here until she died in 1929. Robineau Road is set in the heart of the Strathmore neighborhood and is the site of both her studio and her famous home, Four Winds.
This celebration is part of the 16th annual Strathmore Historic Homes Tour, sponsored by the Onondaga Park Association, which attracts more than 1,000 tour-goers each year. Five homes neighboring the Robineau estate will be presented, including the Stowell House built in 1919 and believed to be the only stone exterior home designed by architect Ward Wellington Ward. A bungalow that Robineau had built for her sister is also on the tour, as well as the home of Syracuse’s 45th mayor, Thomas J. Corcoran, who served from 1950 to 1953.
In addition to the homes tour, guests can also experience the Ghost Walk titled “Here’s to you, Mrs. Robineau,” where re-enactors will dress as Robineau’s contemporaries.
The Syracuse Ceramic Guild will host a ceramic show and sale and the Arts and Crafts Society of Central New York will give talks on the Arts & Crafts movement in this area. Additionally, the OHA will showcase artifacts of prominent artists including Robineau and Ward.
“[We’re] hoping to create public awareness of the rich history and talent in our city,” said co-chair Nancy Wolcott about the event. “The free lectures are sure to be of immense interest.”
Wolcott noted that organizers are also looking for collaboration from other art organizations to display their own contributions and opportunities to CNY.
Admission to the Homes Tour is $10 in advance or $12 the day of the tour. The Ghost Walk is $10 for OHA members and $12 for nonmembers. Tickets are being sold at Western Lights Liquor, OHA or contact Beth Hanson at 478-1597.
Reservations for the Ghost Walk, to be held between 2 and 4 p.m. is strongly recommended. Call Karen Cooney, OHA, at 428-1864 ext. 312.
A pre-tour festival party is set for 7 p.m. Friday June 18 at 236 Robineau Road. Reservations are required and limited to 150 people. Ticket price is $35, which includes food and drink by Karen’s Catering as well as the first Ghost Walk to be held earlier that day.
The Strathmore Festival will continue the next weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27. For times and details, visit strathmorebythepark.org.
