New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-03-01

the city. in 1882 and the formal opening OF Van
Cortland, Park. the place has been used a head
quarters for General Fitzgerald and his officers on
the annual field day there Beyond this II is unoc-
cup.ed. except by the family OF the caretaker Tho
Jantor is pleasant woman, who serves refresh
the visitors who frequently stop to zee the
ancient landmark. 1, has become favorite rest
!ng-place for bcycis,s
About the beginning Of the las; century the ground
formed part Of the large Phipse estate 1t was
given by the lord of the at that time TO
Jacobus Van Cortlandt on his marriage with Eve
Philipse. but not built upon until the next gen.
eratioa. when Frederick Van CortlanGt Of
Jacobus. erected the present house in l7is. From
that time until 1889. when Augustus Van Cortlandt
sold the place 10 the city. It occupied by the
succeeding generations OF the family.
WASHINGTON DINED THERE
1t is recorded in history that July e. l7si.
Washington and Rochambeau while on tour OF
inspection OF that part OF the country. dined at the
mansion. There is also story that Washington
slept there one night toward the close OF the war;
and the which he is said 10 have thus nom
ored is shown with great pride.
The house is built on high ground. and commands
especially the upper windows. a me view. Apou'
quarter OF a mile 10 the northeast IS Nau' mn '"e
burial ground OF the old Van Cortland's' pe'"ee"
Il and the house 4 stretch OF land used no" ny
tho ,roons as A parade-cround. The field. which is
cut in two by the tracks Of the New-fork and Put
nam Railroad was burial-pIace OF tho ihd-
ians and later served the same purpose for the Few
inhabitants Of the region .-..... l.. -. ar.ht
There are many interesting FEATURES ~ tHe aIc.i-
,.,,nre NJ the mansion, although much OF the IN
,srior shows the result Of age and neglect Inc
tolonial DANES intend TO make all repairs Whcn
may he necessary. and TO restore the halls ana
mans as FAR as possible. their original design.
NsrIy all OF the old furniture was removed by the
Tsn f,ortlandts when they sold the place. but the
society will gradually replace this with relics now
In their possession and such others as they may
collect The high ornamented mantel In the parlor
is n ine specimen OF Colonial work. The main stair
way is exceedingly picturesque. rising from the
front hall with many wlndings 10 the second ana
third stories At the first landing. directly opposite
the front door. is a large window, filled with tiny.
the apartments have the broad, low window-seats
of the time In which they We're built.
one Of the grievances OF the Colonial DANES IS
that most Of the original glass panes In these WIN
dows have been broken and replaced with modern
ones The old glass Is shown by the few speci-
mems that remain. had taken on a peculiar and
beautiful r!descence with age. and was well worth
preserving. Rather ugly modern wallpaper now
covers the sides OF the hall and several OF the
propriae paint. In the dining room the old mantel
was taken down and a new one OF oak built In, but
the original piece is stored the upper floor. and
will probably be replaced.
Everything will be done" to quote the words OF
a prominent member OF the society. Ito reinvest the
structure with semblance OF It's dignted past.
and the historic memories connected with H. IL will
be our erdeayor 20 make IL as attractive as pos
sble TO the public who will have access 10 IL at
all suitable hours OF the day. and We hope It will be-
come an educational factor to visitors"