Amsterdam's Sandford Stud farm gets historic designation

PHOTOGRAPHER: Edward Munger Jr.

The Friends of Sanford Stud Farm is celebrating success after achieving national recognition for the Hurricana Stock Farm on state Route 30 in Amsterdam.

Also known as the Sanford Stud Farm, the site founded by Amsterdam carpet magnate Stephen Sanford in the late 1800s is among 21 properties nationwide being placed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a notice from NRHP historian Edson H. Beall.

Years of recognition of the site’s historic value by the town of Amsterdam made this step a reality, said Sam Hildebrandt, whose late father, Louis Hildebrandt, was a professional jockey based out of the facility.

“This is something to really celebrate. This is great for the community, and the state, and the horse racing industry,” he said.

Some work has been done to restore the barns on the site but there’s an estimated $150,000 in other work left to do.

National recognition, Hildebrandt said, should bring the goal of complete restoration closer to reality.

“This is probably going to open up some doors as far as new and exciting and different revenue sources for the group,” he said.

Hildebrandt laments the fact that so many people — including his father — were involved in the work to preserve the farm but have passed away before the National Register listing.

“I know it’s going to make about 175 or 200 people in heaven really happy,” he said.

Continued restoration will lead to a new destination in the town of Amsterdam, which has been appropriating about $10,000 each year to maintain and fix up the barns.

“I think it’s a great accomplishment,” Town Supervisor Thomas DiMezza said. “It’s certainly going to put us on the map. Having a place like that on the national registry is very significant.”

He envisions the site as a place where guests and tourists can make a stop.

“It’ll be a place to visit, whether it be a museum or an attraction or place for people to have functions.”

A wedding was held on the site late last month, DiMezza said.

He said the Friends of Sanford Stud Farm deserves credit for the accomplishment.

“I can’t thank them enough for all the work. Without them, this piece of property would’ve still been standing there without having any recognition,” DiMezza said.

The Preservation League of New York State provided nearly $2,000 to the Friends of the Sanford Stud Farm last year to develop the register nomination.

More information about the site is available online at www.sanfordstudfarm.org/.