Rowena Memorial School

Rowena Memorial School is a three-story Romanesque building located at the intersection of NY 23A and NY 32A in Palenville, distinguished by its Dutch gable design. An original clock sits atop the roof, and the interior preserves early woodwork and classroom partitioning from its educational days.

Wealthy merchant Lysander Lawrence funded the construction between 1899 and 1901, dedicating the building to his late wife Rowena. The 50,000 dollar investment made it a major landmark and reflected the economic growth of the region during that era.

The school served as the community center in Palenville for decades, hosting not only classes but also local gatherings and social events. The building held deep meaning for residents as a place where generations of children learned and grew together.

The building sits prominently at a road intersection and is easy to locate from the main highways. Visitors can view the exterior architecture and historic details from the street without needing special access arrangements.

After closing as a school, jewelry designer Steven Kretchmer converted the building into Ringing Metal Studios, an artist workshop that operated until 2006. This transformation showed how historic structures can find new creative purposes in their communities.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.17528,-74.01972

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:21