rom
the front porch of Boscobel you find before you a
sweeping view of the majestic Hudson Valley stretching
away to the south. Boscobel stands high on a bluff
above the Hudson River in a commanding location drawing
you away from the house and its extraordinary interiors
out into the picturesque landscape. In the foreground
lies Constitution Marsh and in the near distance is
West Point. Beyond lies the southern portion of the
Hudson Highlands, marching off into the distance toward
New York City.
Boscobel was begun by
States Morris Dyckman in 1804 and has been acclaimed
as one of the most outstanding examples of New York
Federal domestic architecture remaining in the US.
Graceful wooden swags adorn the two story portico,
classically proportioned windows harmoniously balance
the facades and the imprint of Palladio informs its
structure.
Born in New York City
in 1755 and a descendant of the early Dutch settlers
of New Amsterdam, States Morris Dyckman was a staunch
Loyalist serving as a clerk in the British Army's
Quartermaster Corps during the Revolutionary War.
In 1779, he returned to London to continue his work
for Sir William Erskine, the retiring Quartermaster
General.
After the war Mr. Dyckman
started acquiring lands near Peeksklll and along the
Hudson River, until he ultimately held nearly one
thousand acres. In 1789, after amnesty had been declared,
he returned to New York and married Elizabeth Corné,
granddaughter of another prominent Hudson River Valley
Tory. In 1800, States Dyckman returned to London to
improve his financial situation, finally returning
to New York in 1804.
Heavily Influenced by
London society and culture, States Dyckman planned
an elegant country home. While in London he bought
china, crystal, silver and other household pieces
in the Georgian style so popular at the time. Shortly
after his return to New York he began construction
of his home, but the foundation had barely been laid
when States suddenly died in 1806. His widow, Elizabeth,
completed the construction of Boscobel with the help
of States' cousin and master builder, William Vermilyea.
Boscobel was originally
located in Crugers, New York, on the site of what
is now the FDR Veterans' Hospital. Mrs. Dyckman and
her son Peter occupied the house starting in 1808,
and the descendants of the family lived in the house
until 1888 when it passed out of the hands of the
family.
A House in Peril
During the early part
of the twentieth century, Boscobel faced nearly continual
threats to its existence. Finally in 1941 the US Government
auctioned off the house as surplus property with a
high bid of $35 taking it! It was partly dismantled
with pieces of its exterior decorations finding their
way into homes on Long Island. A dramatic rescue operation
ensued with the generous support from Lila Acheson
Wallace, co-founder of The Reader's Digest. Further
demolition was delayed until the house could be purchased
and it was then taken apart in sections, numbered,
and stored in barns and garages in the area. Additional
funds were raised and reconstruction of the home was
completed on a site, similar to the original, in Garrison,
New York.
Boscobel was fully restored
and opened to the public in 1961.
A Museum of Federal Style
Originally saved because
of its Federal architecture, Boscobel has become one
of the finest museums in the world showing a collection
of the decorative arts of the Federal period. Both
the architecture and the furnishings reflect the neoclassical
style, popular in the early 1800s.
In 1975, detailed research
revealed that the interiors of Boscobel inaccurately
reflected the originals as planned by Elizabeth Dyckman.
Mrs. Wallace funded a study which led to the acquisition
of a collection of New York Federal furnishings. Much
of Dyckman's English china, silver and part of his
library have been returned. Outstanding examples of
New York Federal furniture have been collected to
complete the period room settings. Pieces by Duncan
Phyfe and other leading furniture makers of the day
are on display, making Boscobel one of the nation's
leading museums of the decorative arts of the Federal
period.
At Boscobel, graceful
wooden swags on the facade of the building are repeated
on chair backs, a looking glass, and a wardrobe. Swags
of laurel are incorporated in the designs of china
and the base of a Sheffield candlestick. Graceful
details of this kind, illustrated by William Pain
in England and Asher Benjamin in America, decorate
the mantels and the moldings within and without the
Mansion.
Boscobel's beautiful rooms
contain examples of the finest cabinet making of the
nineteenth century. Included are pieces attributed
to Duncan Phyfe, Michael Allison, and Charles Honore
Lannuier. Paintings by Benjamin West and John Watson,
English prints, and period silver, china, and crystal
are also used in the rooms.
Unusual examples of lighting
fixtures are exhibited at Boscobel. Among them are
a George III silver lucerne lamp made in England about
1800, a gilded wood and metal English chandelier attributed
to William Holland, and a pair of glass table candelabra
purchased by Dyckman from John Blades of London in
1803.
Boscobel Restoration provides
an opportunity for visitors to see and experience
the furnishings and decorative arts of the Federal
period used properly within the correct setting.
Living
Valley Panoramas
Visit
Boscobel with HV/Net's new Panorama Images |
• |
The
Great Lawn - stand in the middle of
the Great Lawn between the house and the
river view and experience one of the most
spectacular vistas in the Hudson Valley
|
| • |
The
Rose Garden - gaze upon one of the most
special gardens in the Hudson Valley, you
can almost smell the roses. |
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Visiting Boscobel
Since 1961, Boscobel has
been open to the public. When you visit Boscobel you
are invited into the home, your tour, led by guides
versed in the history and furnishings, takes you through
the entire house, from basement kitchen to second
floor bed chambers. As you go through the home, your
guide informs and enlightens you with information
on the furnishings and the society that created them.
Outside of the home, Boscobel
is surrounded by both formal gardens and kitchen gardens,
allowing you to wander in the landscape enjoying the
outdoor setting. Boscobel is known for its Rose Garden
as well as its vast lawn stretching away from the
home toward the Hudson River.
Boscobel is open every
day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
is closed during January and February. During March
it is open weekends only and by appointment for Groups
of 12 or more.
From April through October
Boscobel is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, with the
last tour at 4:15 p.m. During November & December,
the hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m, with the last
tour at 3:15 p.m.
A small admission charge
is collected.
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