|
Christopher House (Staten Island)
 The Christopher House is a stone masonry farmhouse at Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island, New York City. It is associated with two of the oldest Staten Island families. It was also used as a meeting place during the American Revolution, while being the residence of Joseph Christopher, a member of the Richmond County Committee of Safety from 1775 to 1776. It was moved to Historic Richmond Town in late 1969 and restored for museum presentation from 1975 to 1977. ConstructionAccording to reporting by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1967, the original section was built in 1756, and a section twice that size believed to be added about 1764. Current Historic Richmond Town institutional belief, based on extensive research by Loring McMillen, places those dates earlier, to c. 1720 for the original portion, with the addition from c. 1730. The structure is built in the Colonial salt-box tradition and was originally situated in the section of Staten Island now called Willowbrook. While there, it stood on the brink of the treacherous marshes that covered a great portion of the Island, known as the great swamp. The building consists of two sections, with 22-inch thick native fieldstone walls with wood above. It is one and one-half stories tall, with a low cellar and gable roof. Original LocationThe structure was originally near 819 Willowbrook Road, Staten Island. The proximity of the homestead on its original property to the Groad Swamp of those days offered opportunities for escape, in case of surprise, for those who attended the clandestine meetings held in this house during the Revolutionary War. Museum InterpretationCurrent interpretive use of this building at Historic Richmond Town demonstrates daily farm life from the mid-to late-18th century. The house is furnished primarily for cooking demonstrations at this time, making use of a restored jamb less fireplace. Inhabitants and Their OccupationsJohn Christopher (believed to have built the house but may not have been a resident), Farmer? Call for PreservationOn September 13, 1966, the Landmarks Preservation Commission held a public hearing on the proposed designation of the Christopher House as a Landmark as well as that of the related Landmark site. The hearing had been duly advertised in accordance with the provisions of the law. Two witnesses spoke in favor of designation; there were no speakers in opposition. The owner of the property indicated to the Commission that he was in favor of the proposed designation. The building was granted New York City Landmark status on December 13, 1967. In early 1969 the History Committee sent a letter to Senator John Marchi asking for support to preserve the Christopher House. There was also a petition presented showing community support for the preservation of the house. The community signed the petition, stating:
See also
Sources
|
Portal di Ensiklopedia Dunia
