Mahwah Museum Hosts Gallery Talk on Estates of Ramapo Valley Road March 15

Mahwah Museum will host a gallery talk about the history of two “interesting and easily recognizable estates along Rampo Valley Road” on Sunday, March 15 at 1:15 p.m.

The talk will be presented by Tetsu Amagasu, Mahwah Museum’s Exhibit Chair, and Linda Amagasu, a long-time volunteer and docent.

One of the estates that will be discussed, the Kohler Estate, was established by Charles Kohler himself by forming the Kohler Campbell Piano Co. in New York City. He purchased a home and over 200 acres on Ramapo Valley Road, opposite the entrance to Rio Vista, and indulged himself in his passion for horses. His widow lived in the stately home until 1940 and it has remained a private home ever since.

The Chapman Estate, which eventually became the Carmelite Retreat and will also be included in the talk, was built in the early 1900’s when Clarence Chapman, a wealthy investor and stock broker, built a 32-room summer/country home for his family on a hill overlooking the Ramapo River on considerable acreage. There was a farm, a large greenhouse, an Olympic sized swimming pool and many amenities. His losses during the Depression forced the sale of the property.

The talk will take place in the upstairs gallery of the Mahwah Museum, located at 201 Franklin Turnpike. Gallery talks are included with admission to the museum. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

To reserve a seat, contact info@mahwahmuseum.org, or call 201-512-0099.