EDU 5569

Physical Space Introduction

Written by Henry Young

I used an upstate community I enjoy to explore for my photoessay .

Wassaic is a hamlet in Dutchess County, New York. I first explored this town during the early days of the pandemic, when the novel virus practically shut down physical human interaction. The community, right off Route-22, which extends to the Canadian border, is serene and quiet, boasting several interesting sites which remind the visitor that they are standing what was once a bustling mill town before deindustrialization. When I am in Wassaic, I see attractive architectural treasures and aesthetically pleasing natural scenery. I also see the rural side of New York State which takes up most of its area. Outside of Westchester County, one can find countless hamlets and small towns similar to Wassaic.


A beautiful old church, still in use, contains unusual patterns on the shingles which cover its roof. The building is adjacent to the creek which flows through Wassaic.
Calsi’s General Store lies on the tiny main street of the community. It interesting was built over the hamlet’s creek. The cashier inside said the old store receives many lost drivers and was surprised that my friends and I would come to Wassaic simply to visit the community. Inside, the floor contains a large circular etching which the cashier speculated is the relic of a hole used for fishing decades ago.
Wassaic is the final stop on Metro North’s Harlem line; the station is over two hours from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The tracks run parallel on the main street. In the distance one can view the community’s seemingly only eatery, a bar which serves solid food prepared with ingredients from local farms.
A gorgeous old house lies in the shadow of the hill behind it. I am envious of those who choose to renovate the old homes and commute to New York City every day thanks to the convenient train station a five minute drive away.

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