Historic Homes of Troy’s 2nd Street
Hi everyone! A couple of weeks ago, my sweet husband and I had a few hours to ourselves. After a lovely Indian Buffet at Karavalli’s in Latham (NY), we drove across the Hudson River to Troy‘s 2nd Street and toured seven historic homes that were open to the public for just one afternoon.
The Rensselaer County Historical Society owns two properties on 2nd Avenue–their headquarters and the Hart-Cluett House, right next door. They organized the special event that allowed the public to get mini-tours of the properties on this particular Saturday.
The Hart-Cluett House
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This federal style mansion was owned by just two families (the Harts and the Cluetts) from the time of its construction in 1827 to 1952 when it was given to the Rensselaer County Historical Society. Robert Hart served as president of Troy Savings Bank, while George Cluett, the second owner and his nephew Albert, the third owner, manufactured collars and shirts. This manufacturing endeavor contributed to Troy’s nickname, “The Collar City.”
by artist DeWitt Clinton Boutelle.
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Nice, old urns on the front steps.
The Paine Mansion
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Upon entering the home, we had trouble believing that frat boys live in this stunning brownstone mansion. While giving us a tour of the first floor, one of the boys mentioned that The Age of Innocence, starring Daniel Day Lewis, had been shot in the house.
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Since only two of the seven of the houses are open to the public regularly, I realized it wouldn’t be wise to post any of the interior photos that I took in those five. I had asked permission to take photos, but not to publish them. So these last few photos are all external images that caught my eye.
The view of a back yard, enclosed at the back by the neighbor’s home. Almost looks like Italy, doesn’t it?
Little known facts about the city of Troy and Rensselaer County:
(1) The Troy Sentinel was the 1st to publish
Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
(2) Samuel Wilson (Uncle Sam) lived in Troy
and is buried in Troy’s Oakwood Cemetery
(3) Yankee Doodle Dandy was written
at Forte Crailo in Rensselaer
Bye for now,
Hard to believe those beautiful homes are in Troy – not at all what I expected! And I love your toolbox makeover – the idea of adding cornstarch to make your own chalk paint is so clever and the result is really cool.
Oh, how gorgeous these homes are! I love historic homes as well, Diana. Your photos are beautiful; I know, though, that there's nothing like seeing these places in person.
It's always a pleasure to get a closer look at historic homes. The Tiffany stained glass is phenomenal. It's so wonderful that it's been preserved. Thanks for the interesting and beautiful tour, Diana. xxx ~ Nancy
I think that "Hudson 8" has a drawing of a peacock. Maybe that would make more sense because many of the other crocks have pictures of birds. Thank you for the tour. I love old buildings. The architecture is stunning. It's too bad that they sit essentially empty except for a few days a year.
Thanks so much for posting this historic house tour – loved the Tiffany window.
Oh my goodness, how I loved this post! That crockery collection is making me itch and I may go off on yet another tangent in my hunt for antiques! Thank-you for sharing these wonderful and inspirational pictures. Somehow, I always feel moved to create when I see beautiful, old architecture.
Thank you for taking us along with you to Troy to see the lovely historic homes there. Your photos are awesome.
Oh, I love touring historical homes! These were amazing and I adore the outside of the last two. That crock collection was amazing! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Diana, what amazing history of this area, not to mention the glorious architecture of the buildings! That cellar with all those crocks – my sister would think she'd died and gone to crock heaven, wow! The Tiffany window (agree, stunning), the medallions – just fantastic. I wonder how many others are as polite as you NOT to publish photos of the interiors of those less public spaces – nice going. Thank you for the tour.