Updated October 5, 2004 |
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| The Somers Historical Society |
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| The Elephant Hotel, Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, New York (914)277-4977 |
| Main Page - Current Exhibit - Programs - Press Release - About Us - Hours - Contact Links |
| Somers Historical Society/ News Release P.O Box 336, Somers, NY 10589 Phone: (914) 277-4977 |
| Elephant Hotel Designated National Historic Landmark FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Somers, NY, May 2005 - The Elephant Hotel in Somers, New York has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton. The building was one of 24 sites designated on April 5, 2005. National Historic Landmark designation is an official recognition by the Federal government of a historic property's national significance. They are places that illustrate important themes, persons, or events in American history. The Elephant Hotel, which had been under review for many months by the National Park Service Advisory Board, serves as the earliest site of significance in the development of the American Circus. National Historic Landmark designation comes after many years of research and study by a number of people, including Somers Town Historian Florence Oliver, Neil Larson Associates and Curator Terry Ariano. �The Town of Somers is proud of its heritage and particularly proud of the beauty and significance of its Elephant Hotel,� said Mrs. Oliver. Fewer than 2,500 historic places bear the distinction of National Historic Landmark status throughout the 50 United States and her territories, including the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and, here in Westchester County, the John Jay Homestead. The Elephant Hotel now joins this prestigious roster. The purpose of the National Historic Landmarks Program is to focus attention on properties of exceptional value to the nation. The program recognizes and promotes the preservation efforts of Federal, State, local agencies, and Indian Tribes, as well as those of private organizations and individuals and encourages the owners of landmark properties to observe preservation precepts. The Elephant Hotel is located on the Somerstown Pike (junction of Routes 100 & 202) in Somers, NY. In addition to serving as the seat of government for the Town of Somers, the building is home to Somers Historical Society and its Museum of the Early American Circus. Town offices are open Monday through Friday 9 am � 4:30pm. The Museum is open Thursdays, 2 � 4pm and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 1-4pm, or by appointment with the curator (914)277-4977. � We hope that in the coming months people will take the opportunity to visit the Elephant Hotel and the Museum of the Early American Circus, to learn more about this unique treasure in our community and about this period in American history,� said Grace Zimmermann, president, Somers Historical Society. �Somers Historical Society, in conjunction with the Town of Somers, is making preparations for a Town-wide celebration to be held later this year.� ### BRIEF ELEPHANT HOTEL HISTORY The Elephant Hotel was built and owned by Hachaliah Bailey, the first American to tour exotic animals in the United States for public entertainment. Mr. Bailey, an early Somers, NY resident, invented and refined what became the traveling menagerie as an attraction in the United States. Old Bet was the focal point of his menagerie collection and the Elephant Hotel was built to memorialize him when he died. The building became the meeting place and symbolic center of menagerie promoters in the early 19th century in America. In 1835, the Zoological Institute, a monopoly of menagerie and circus owners, was incorporated at the Elephant Hotel. The 181-year old building now serves as Somers Town Hall, as well as headquarters for Somers Historical Society and Museum of the Early American Circus. # # # CONTACT: Terry Ariano or Florence Oliver at (914)277-4977; G. Zimmermann (914)276-3039 Email:[email protected] or [email protected] |