We thank everyone who made the 2023 Fair a big success, especially the folks at the Hanby Brandywine YMCA Outdoor Center for their hospitality and help with parking! Innumerable thanks and kudos to all the volunteers, too.

Arden, a large estate in Harriman, New York, was once the home of W. Averell Harriman (1891-1986). The property is set on a 1,300-foot-high plateau in the middle of a protected 450-acre site. The mansion is surrounded by woods, rolling hills and a private 125-acre lake.

The Estate is built of distinctive Triassic white heterolithic sandstone, and many of the houses sport Arts and Crafts elements. This style was a reaction to industrialization that valued hand-crafted goods and incorporated individualistic design.

As a result of the estate’s history, the property is steeped in local and regional culture. The forests of the Arden region – on which Shakespeare based his forest comedies – are nearby, and the Estate borders an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Arden Way, a UK National Trail, traces old paths and routes through the ancient woodlands of the county.

The property is also the home of the Arden Swim Club, which provides recreational activities for the residents of the three Ardens and the community at large. Members can join the pool for a fee, plus a refundable bond, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on socialization and fun. The club also stresses swimming and water safety.