Coming Saturday & Sunday, July 5 & 6: The Goshen Chamber of Commerce invites you to discover a village full of character and rich in history. At the crossroads of two important pre-Revolutionary war trails, Goshen began its life as a community in 1714. As early as 1727, it had become an outpost of a colonial government and the center of a booming agricultural region. Government and agriculture still play an important role in Goshen's life today. As the County Seat, Goshen is home to the Orange County Government Center and is truly in the heart of one of New York State’s most diverse and exciting counties. With a superb school system, vibrant downtown chock full of shops and restaurants, and with a variety of affordable housing options, Goshen is proud to be a very desirable place to live and work. Goshen owes much to its past. That it was a place where fortunes could be made illustrated by the scores of gracious homes that line its streets. Constructed over the better part of two centuries, these architectural gems give Goshen a sense of place and history as they remind us of the men and women who have populated its past. Closed on Friday the 4th. Discover a blend of 18th century beginnings, 19th century achievements, and 20th century advances with a walk through Historical Goshen. A non-profit organization (501c6), the Chamber is committed to improving the economic prosperity and quality of life of the area. The Goshen Chamber is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors who convenes monthly and directs the work of the Chamber and its various committees. Special areas of interest for the chamber include: membership development, government and environmental affairs, special events, and the Goshen Farmers Market. For more information about the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, including contact information and directions, please go to our contact page. |
“I was born and raised in Goshen as was my father and his mother as well,” explains McBride. “When I was young, I loved the freedom of being able to walk into the village with friends and visit the stores with coins in my pocket for candy at the old Occidental & Markers or a milkshake at Howell's. I opened the store with this thought in mind: a child can come into Art & Soul and make a pair of earrings for under a dollar!” McBride, who lives in the village with her three sons, has enjoyed recreating the same kind of friendly atmosphere that she enjoyed as a child. When you walk into Art and Soul you almost feel like you are entering a stained glass window because of the way the light reflects on the thousands of colorful beads stored in different bins. Adults and children alike can design and put together their own jewelry or paint a variety of ceramics at spacious comfortable worktables. The store also serves as a gallery for local artists and McBride’s own paintings. Art & Soul Studio is the perfect locale for a theme birthday party or special event and the store also conducts various lessons and workshops for all ages. “I wanted to provide a place where children and families could stop in without an appointment and have fun together doing something creative,” says McBride. And for the real nostalgia effect, she carries a vintage candy selection, although prices have gone up. “Penny candy is now a dime!” adds McBride. But even though that may cost more today, the hands-on experience Art & Soul offers is priceless. – Pip Klein, Executive Director, Goshen Chamber of Commerce |
