The building at 16 N Chestnut Street in New Paltz, NY, has a rich history dating
back to the 1860s. Originally serving as a community meeting place, its
expansive upstairs space hosted meetings, live theater, lectures, and art
exhibitions, while the downstairs area accommodated a restaurant and various
retail uses. In the 1960s, it became home to Barnaby’s Restaurant on the ground
floor and a movie theater upstairs, much to the delight of New Paltz residents.
Barnaby’s was known for its cozy downstairs ambiance and a spacious upstairs
area featuring high ceilings, beautiful windows, and historic woodwork. In recent
years, the building was leased by Goodwill Church, which utilized the space for
Sunday school and community rooms while preserving the original architectural
features.