The Narrowsburg Central Rural School was built in 1929. A glimmer of hope during the Great Depression. Thriving during WWII, Woodstock and disco before graduating its last class in 2001. The school then fell into a long hibernation. A rural cliché. A former school, closed, waiting to find purpose for prime real estate.

Find a new purpose it did. Our beloved school came roaring back as the Narrowsburg Union. A community hub honoring the past while protecting the future.

Given that it’s on the brink of celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, I recently had study hall with Union owners Kathy and Brendan Weiden, to discuss all that has been accomplished and learn what is on the horizon.

Currently the Union offers many services, including but not limited to personalized office space, group office space, the Bridge Street Bakery, hallway art galleries, a digital art gallery and the former gym, which now serves as a community hall and performance space.

The Union regularly hosts holiday makers’ fairs, farmers’ markets and community forums.

Small business thrives at the Narrowsburg Union. Insurance companies, therapists and local entrepreneurs all make their homes there, along with a few special services started by the Weidens.

First up, critical to users like me is the wonderful staff at the Print, Pack & Ship. Offering shipping from multiple companies, copying, printing, related graphic services and U-Haul rentals, these multi-taskers can also assist with the purchase of artwork from the Union galleries. Print, Pack & Ship is a wonderful partner in the digital age.

The Catskills Welcome Center provides one central hub for all the recreational options found in our area. Listings for activities such as hiking, eagle viewing, horseback riding, historical sites and museums are available for visitors.

At Catskills Curated, the Union celebrates makers and merchandise throughout the Upper Delaware Region. Seventy businesses currently supply wares to the store, all of which are purchased outright rather than taken on consignment. When shopping there, you’re making a commitment to the success of our community, with the goal of embracing “the awareness of your purchase’s Impact.”

Impact. A word of which the Narrowsburg Union is very much aware. Recently their value statement has been revised to read, “Commerce, Education, Community and Sustainability.”

The Weiden family constantly strives to reduce the carbon footprint of their businesses. All individual water bottles at the Union are made of plant-based materials. There are EV charging stations in the parking lot, with plans to increase capacity as the need becomes more standard. Beautiful outdoor art, some of which can be adapted or played with seasonally.

As the building has been renovated and updated, many of the building supplies, especially wood, have been repurposed materials from the original building or nearby projects.

It’s also very important to remember that a school gives its community a sense of continuity—one that we may have been in danger of losing. It’s heartwarming to walk down the halls of the Union and hear a former student reminisce about their school days. In fact, alumni have begun sending memorabilia to the Union, much of which is displayed and/or posted on the Union website, www.narrowsburgunion.com. 

The Weidens are committed to keeping those memories alive and available to future generations as needs and opinions continue to evolve. Much as they do when we’re students.

So, as the former Narrowsburg Central Rural School marches toward its 100th birthday in 2029, we can celebrate what we’ve been and where we’re heading.