Monday, October 10, 2011

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden

The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden is a wonderful place to check out in the city with alot of history behind it. Here is some information from their website:

The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden presents the period of the Mount Vernon Hotel which operated from 1826 until 1833. Constructed in 1799 as a carriage house for a 23-acre estate, and converted into the Mount Vernon Hotel in 1826, this stone building sits on land originally owned by Colonel William Stephens Smith, and his wife Abigail Adams Smith, daughter of John Adams. 

This fashionable country resort was popular among New Yorkers who wished to escape the hustle and bustle of the city which at that time extended only as far north as 14th Street. The Hotel advertised itself as “free from the noise and dust of the public roads, and fitted up and intended for only the most genteel and respectable” clientele. In those days, one could take the stagecoach or steamboat up to 61st street and spend the day at the hotel sipping lemonade in the ladies parlor or playing cards in the gentlemen’s tavern.

In 1833, the house became the home for three generations of a New York City family. In 1905, as the area became more industrialized, the building was purchased by Standard Gas Light Company (today’s Con Edison).  The Colonial Dames of America, a woman’s patriotic society purchased the building in 1924. After extensive restoration to the structure, the Colonial Dames opened the site to the public in 1939.  The building endures as a rare reminder of an important era in New York City’s history.

Walking up the steps you feel like you are going into another era in time ....I was told when I was leaving that the house used to be level to the street but for some reason the street became much below it making the need for the steps.  
1799 is when this was opened.....so amazing it is still standing  
This being a day hotel people did not stay overnight but they do know of one person who stayed for a period of 3 months.........
Photography is not allowed inside the home but now we make our way around back to the garden.  
You can see the date "1799" here on the backside of the home. If you think you have seen all there is in New York City but haven't been here - this is the place for you!  
How wonderful is this?? You can rent the place for weddings and events which I think would make a wonderful intimate setting. They also have fun family programs here as well and this is a great place for children to visit....a living history museum....... 
The tour is really wonderful and very personal. You can ask any questions you may have and you are not rushed, you can do it at your own pace.  
This area here was particularly sweet....I could so see a small wedding here...... 
Much of the background history of the hotel has been lost, but they do have a few wonderful items that help verify it's past such as the diary from a man who lived there for a 3 month period. That is the 59th street bridge in the background.  
I purchased this book for a few chuckles.....and boy was it ever!  



I must say a special "Thank you" to Terri Daly for meeting me for the wonderful tour. This place is really special and I am happy to let others know it is a "must-see" when visiting New York City. It is also near other great places such as Bloomingdales and Neeley's BBQ Parlor so you can add those to see when in this area.

Today's Words of Wisdom: Laugh Away Your Sadness



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2 comments

Content Director - Strong Female Leaders said...

It's gorgeous. Love places with a little history.

www.geekettegazette.com
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Anonymous said...

Pretty! I love places with history too ;) The Halloween activities sound really fun.

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