TRIP TO GOMEZ MILL HOUSE AND WEST POINT
 On Thursday, October 30th, 2014, a delightful fall day, 39 members were taken by coach to Gomez Mill House in Newburgh, New York and then to West Point where we had amazing opportunities to experience the sweep of American history.
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The Story of Gomez Mill House
In 1714, early American Jewish Sephardic merchant and leader, Luis Moses Gomez, emigrated to New York from England. In 1703, he built a fieldstone blockhouse on his 6,500 acre property in the Mid-Hudson region as an extension of his successful enterprises in Colonial New York. From these roots and through nearly 300 years of American history, Gomez Mill House evolved as home to American Revolutionary patriot and Orange County leader, Wolfert Acker; 19th century gentleman farmer and conservationist, William Henry Armstrong; Arts and Crafts artisan and paper historian Dard Hunter; and 20th century social activist, Martha Gruening. It is the earliest known surviving Jewish residence in the United States. A docent led us in exploring the home’s 300-year history and that of its varied occupants.
After a short coach trip we had lunch at the Thayer Hotel at West Point, enjoying a hot and cold buffet with many food choices in a beautiful, newly-renovated dining room overlooking the Hudson River.
West Point Military Academy
Lunch was followed by a guided tour of various aspects of the Academy, including the Jewish Chapel. The completion of the Jewish Chapel in 1984 culminated a twenty year undertaking. The organization responsible for the project was the West Point Jewish Chapel Fund a private, non-profit civilian organization. This group raised more than 7.5 million dollars to erect and furnish the facility. In 1986 the Jewish Chapel was deeded to the Academy. Led by a military chaplain, the congregation serves the needs of various branches of Judaism represented in the Armed Forces. In close connection with the Jewish Welfare Board worship resources are designed to meet the broad spectrum of our faith. We saw the Chapel’s extensive Judaica collection, fine library, and special exhibits.
Founded in 1802, West Point is entwined with the history of our nation. Less than 50 miles north of New York City, along the banks of the Hudson River, the state-of-the-art sports facilities and academic lecture halls of the academy provide a perfect juxtaposition for the terrain-rich environment used for cadet military training. The academy develops cadets to live honorably, with uncompromising integrity, as U.S Army officers in service to the nation.
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 United States Military Academy at West Point  Gomez Mill House | 
