Meetin’ at the Smithy’s: An original historical fiction play | Beyond the Nest (Rochester)

Meetin’ at the Smithy’s: An original historical fiction play


*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 04/27/2025
Step back to 1884 with Meetin’ at the Smithy’s, an original historical fiction play at Gates Hall in Pultneyville, NY, April 26 (7pm) & 27 (3pm). Written by Irene Bierer and performed by the Williamson-Pultneyville Players, this captivating story brings to life the colorful characters of a lakeside blacksmith shop—from spirited women fighting for temperance to secrets of bootleg whiskey. Explore local history, phrenology, and small-town intrigue, all set in America’s oldest continuously operating community theater. Don’t miss this immersive journey into Williamson’s past! Reserve your seats now at www.w-phs.org.

Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.

Historical Fiction Play 

April 26 & 27 at Gates Hall

Pultneyville, NY . . . The Williamson-Pultneyville Historical Society (W-PHS) is pleased to announce it will present “MEETIN’ AT THE SMITHY’S,” a historical fiction play written by playwright, Irene Bierer, and starring Williamson-Pultneyville Players on April 26 & 27.

The audience will step back in time to 1884 and visit Aaron Brewer’s cobblestone blacksmith shop at the lake’s edge where they will  encounter colorful characters like John and Miss Mary Jane Gates.  Aaron’s older sister forges a bond with Mary, while Alice Brewer Waters leads the charge for local women championing temperance.

Discover the intriguing history of Williamson, a town once bustling with profitable stills and bootleg whiskey. One such operation gets exposed, and the audience will be left guessing who the mysterious revenuer is!

Learn about  Redpath Chautauqua which was at one time held in Williamson and explore the curious world of phrenology.  Witness challenges faced by immigrants striving to fit in, and watch as Kid Goulette fills in for Dr. Fisher in a pinch.

All of this excitement takes place in and around the smithy’s shop, set against the picturesque backdrop of Pultneyville’s lakeshore.

The performances will take place on the stage of historic Gates Hall . . . America’s oldest, continuously active small community theatre located at 4107 Lake Road, Pultneyville.  Reserve your tickets today at www.w-phs.org for April 26 or 27.   


*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.

Location:

Gates Hall
4107 Lake Rd
Pultneyville, NY, 14538
United States

Phone:

315-589-9892
Contact name: 
Nanette Hance
Email address: 
The event has already taken place on this date: 
04/27/2025
Time: 
Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm
Price: 
Adults $10, Children are free

Ages

9-12 years Teenagers Adults & kids together Adults without kids