ABOUT THE SITE:

Opened by A.J. Snyder and Sons in the 1860's, this mine was a major resource of limestone for the local cement industry. It was later mined by the Lawrenceville Cement Company, which was owned and operated by John Hubberd Spaulding. Limestone mining ended in 1910, with the decline of the cement business in and around Rosendale, New York. Twenty-five years later, the Widow Jane Mine was put to use again; this time to grow mushrooms. From the mid 1930's to the mid 60's, this was the business at hand. Since the late 1960's, the mine has been used for more creative purposes.

ABOUT THE SOUND:

Theater groups, poets, performance artists and even the odd opera have made use of the Widow Jane's unusual sounds and unique space.

DIRECTIONS:

From downtown New Paltz, take Route 32 North towards Kingston. Ten miles from New Paltz, you cross the Roundout River. Immediately, after crossig the bridge, you will come to an intersection. Turn left, onto Route 213 West, which will go through downtown Rosendale. Exactly 1.5 mile from your turn off from Route 32, there will be a driveway on your right, just in front of a white sign saying "The A.J. Snyder Century House." Turn up the driveway, cross over the small bridge and there will be parking lot on your right. Park your car there. Directly across, or to the left after crossing the bridge, there will be a small road. This road will go around some stables, past a small pond and into some woods. Between 200 and 250 yards from leaving your car, staying on this little road, you will come to the opening of The Widow Jane Mine.