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Porch View
The design team planned that the trees from the mansion to the river would frame Payne's yacht, the Aphrodite. This was not evident in 1942, as the space between the river road and the river was overgrown with tall trees. The plan became evident when these trees were cleared in the early 1950s. -
South and east elevations after restoration of the limestone exterior.
South and east elevations after restoration of the limestone exterior. -
South and east elevations of main house
South and east elevations of main house. The main entrance was the east elevation. The balustrade in foreground surrounded a formal garden outside the dining room. -
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Esopus
Ironically, Oliver Hazard Payne lived in Esopus for a shorter time than any other owner. Yet his decisions cast a long shadow over his successors -
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New York, West Shore & Buffalo Railroad
"The West Shore Railroad was built as a "nuisance road" by interests that may have been backed by the competing Pennsylvania Railroad. This is a matter still in dispute among rail historians. The idea was to directly parallel the highly profitable New York Central from Albany to Buffalo, and to also serve some new markets on the west bank of the Hudson between Jersey City and Albany. The west bank had previously been completely dependent on steamboats and ferry connections to the Hudson River Railroad on the east bank. Naturally this left them completely cut off during the freeze up of the river, and there was considerable agitation for a railroad on the west side. -
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Sunset Lake 7
Chapel ruins in February 2004 -
Sunset Lake 2
Sunset Lake is shallow. The campers could swim off the dock, but kept close to the dock to avoid meeting grass on the lake floor. Canoeing and fishing were favorite pastimes. -
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth is rarely mentioned in the histories of Ulster County. Her story highlights an unflattering underside of the growth of the county, viz. the reliance on slave and indentured servant labor. The Dutch and Portuguese were the principal slave traders from Africa, and by 1800 New York was the northern state with the most slaves. Important Dutch-origin persons in Ulster, Kings and Richmond headed the opposition to abolition of slavery in New York. To be fair, a statue of Sojourner Truth stands near the county office building in Kingston. Northern slavery was substantially different from that in the South, where large groups of slaves were kept on large plantations. In the North, slaves rarely numbered more than four or five in any family. -
Sisters of the Order of Saint Anne Kingston NY
Eight crosses in Ascension Cemetery mark the graves of members of the Episcopal Order of Saint Anne who had a convent on Broadway at the corner of Orchard Street. The sisters operated an orphanage there for a short while, but then concentrated on caring for yooung and older women who needed custodial care. Members buried in Ascension Cemetery [information from the Kingston Freeman] : -
Longleaf pine with blazing star flowers
Partners : The New York-based Greentree Foundation supports charitable, educational and scientific programs. Pictured at right: Longleaf pine with blazing star flowers. -
Gopher tortoise
Ecological Importance: Located in southwest Georgia's Red Hills, the Greenwood Plantation contains a 1,000-acre old-growth section of longleaf pine known as the "Big Woods," with trees ranging in age from 200 to 500 years old. Once covering more than 90 million acres across the Southeast, less than 3 percent;of the original longleaf pine forests remain. This ecosystem support a diverse range of globally imperiled species. The plantation also contains river frontage along the Ochlockonee River, river slope forests, a longleaf pine sandhill, and ponds and fields. (Pictured above: Gopher tortoise.) -
Greenwood Plantation
Visitors chat in front of Greenwood Plantation's restored main house during the unveiling in 1997. The photograph in the foreground shows the house burning down from an electrical fire in 1993. (AP Photo Associated Press) -
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August Belmont
Picture of August Belmont -
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Thomas Fortune Ryan
Picture of Thomas Fortune Ryan -
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Saint Jean Baptist towers
The twin towers rise one hundred and fifty feet from the facade. The central dome soars one hundred and seventy feet above the floor level of the church. -
The interior of St. Jean's
The interior of St. Jean's is a fine example of the work done by Guastavino Construction, who specialized in vaulting and domes -
Saint Jean Baptist Church - Front view
The church of St. Jean Baptist is connected to Esopus in at least three ways: the vaulting work was done by Guastavino Fireproof Construction Company, we we believe was the subcontractor for the grand staircase ceilings of the large rooms in the Esopus Mansion; the principal donor was Thomas Fortune Ryan, who partnered in several ventures with William Clifford Whitney and August Belmont; and the Marist Brothers taught from 1892 until 1956 at Saint Jean's and later at Saint Ann's Academy, directly across the street from this church. Guastavino Construction specialized in vault construction using layers of tile. It probably was a subcontractor on the Esopus mansion. Among its existing buildings is Church of St. Jean Baptist at 76th & Lexington, pictured at right, financed via gift of Thomas Fortune Ryan; Church of St. Vincent Ferrer at 68th & Lexington; chapel of Saint Paul on the Columbia University campus. -
The Venetian Room
The Venetian room was created as the reception room in the townhouse at 972 Fifth Avenue that was a wedding gift from Oliver Payne, a financier and industrialist, for his nephew Payne Whitney and Helen Hay. Visitors entered the shallow-domed hall through massive wrought-iron doors. The Whitneys' guests were then ushered into the reception room, which had an adjoining powder room, before proceeding upstairs -
Side View of Payne Whitney House at 972 Fifth Avenue
The view of 972 Fifth Avenue at right shows that the row up to 79th Street has been kept intact with the architecture of the Gilded Age. In fact, the James Duke house just below 972 Fifth Avenue with 1 East 78th Street address looks like a Carrère & Hastings special, resembling the Frick Museum and the Esopus Mansion. So the entire block reminds one of what much of Fifth Avenue looked like during the late 1890s and 1900s. Nowadays, this block is unique, as most of Fifth Avenue is covered with high rise apartments. -
Cultural Services of the French Embassy
Cultural services of the French embassy was formerly the Payne Whitney house. Payne Whitney, (formerly William Payne Whitney) was one of Oliver's favorite nephews. He inherited Oliver's Thomasville Georgia estate. The Fifth Avenue townhouse , occupied by Payne's widow, Helen, until 1944, houses the Cultural Services for the French Embassy -
Front View of Payne Whitney House at 972 Fifth Avenue
The garden to the right of the Whitney House has been restored and maintained by the Florence Gould Foundation as a testimonial to cordial Franco-American relations. The house at left is not part of the Whitney house, but the architecture has been kept consistent with the Whitney facade. The windows over the building are strange, and may not have been in the original design. -
USS Aphrodite docked
Donna Stuart, author of an interesting article about the Aphrodite in Portland, Maine magazine, sent this photo of the USS Aphrodite in dry-dock in Portsmouth, England. -
USS Aphrodite
The Aphrodite on loan to the US Navy for patrol duty in the North Sea during World War I -
Steam Yacht Aphrodite
The Aphrodite soon after her launching in December 1899 along the Kennebec River in Maine -
Bingham to Charles Osberg
Dear Osberg: Just a line to thank you for your very nice letter of April 8th. No one can regret more than I the reasons making it impossible for me to continue to own West Park. I have been delighted that you were able to continue on at the place with the Mission, and of course while it will not net you as much money, anyone today who has a steady job is fortunate.Let us hope that times will change and the uncertainties will be removed. Please give my best regards to Mrs. Osberg. Very truly yours, (signed) Harry Payne Bingham -
Bingham to Charles Osberg
Mr. Charles Osberg Esopus, N.Y. Dear Osberg: Referring to my letter to you of February 7, 1933, in which I said I would continue your then salary for another year, I want to say that I would like to send you a monthly cheque of $62.50 for the next year as a help to you and an appreciation of your interest in my behalf while you were working for me. I hope your family is well and that you have not been entirely frozen up during the past cold winter. With best regards, Very truly yours, (signed) Harry Payne Bingham -
Bingham to Charles Osberg
Mr. Charles Osberg Ulster County Esopus New York Dear Osberg: You will have heard by this time that I have given West Park to the Episcopal Church. This has become necessary for me to do due to the depression and the heavy taxes. I have written the people to ask them when it will be necessary for you to vacate your house and will let you know as soon as I hear but I do not think it will be before May. I have told them that it would be foolish of them not to keep you for quite sometime as you are thoroughly familiar with all the electrical and mechanical details of the place. They are inclined to agree with me so that I think probably they will keep you for sometime - certainly until Mrs. Osberg has again regained her strength. In your last letter you spoke of the possibility of your coming to New York to try to find a job there. I should think this would be inadvisable as there is probably no place in the country at the present time where there is so much unemployment in all trades. I will give you to take with you all of your furniture and whatever tools, etc., you can use, which are not screwed down. I will continue your present salary for a year from March 1st inclusive. At the expiration of that period we will discuss this matter again. I am more than sorry that conditions have made it necessary for me to get rid of the place and sincerely hope that you can relocate yourself happily. Very truly yours, (signed) Harry Payne Bingham -
Bingham to Charles Osberg
Dear Osberg, I did not answer your first letter as there was nothing definite to say and there isn't now. As you know I have for years been trying to sell West Park without success. Because of the heavy taxes, and bad business I am now trying really hard to get rid of it and undoubtedly will in the next few months find someone to take. If an individual buys it probably he would give you a job on the place. If a ??? gets it, it is more than likely that they would not keep you on. You will hear more as anything develops. In the meantime you better keep looking around in case the worst happens. You may rest assured that I will not turn you loose without giving you some help for the immediate future. I would advise against your trying in N.Y. for a job. Conditions there are almost hopeless. I will send you a recommendation as soon as I return to N.Y. area next ??? Harry Payne Bingham -
Bingham to Charles Osberg
Dear Osberg: I have learned this morning of Mr. Weaver's death. It comes as a great shock to me although I had anticipated its happening for sometime as his condition last Fall when I saw 11feb1927him was, to say the least, dangerous. I know you have been doing all the work for some time and hope you will continue to live there and do the necessary things in your line. Because of the increased responsibility which you are assuming and in consideration of the fine work you are doing, I am taking great pleasure in increasing your salary to $125.00 a month, with the assurance that if everything goes along as it has in the past, I will again increase it to the salary Mr. Weaver has been getting on January 1st next. Very truly yours, (signed) Harry Payne Bingham HPB/shs -
Bingham to Osberg snippet 1924
Dear Osberg: Nilan has just written me of your great sorrow in losing your youngest boy from scarlet fever, and I want to assure of Mrs. Bingham's and my sympathy for you and Mrs. Osberg. I understand also from Nilan that you other boy is also ill. If the physician you are having feels it necessary to have a consultant in, the expense of which you might not feel able to favour, please get whoever your doctor advises and send me the bill,. Again assuring you of our great sympathy, and hoping that you will allow me to assist you in the case of your other boy if I can do anything, I remain Very truly yours, -
The Charles and Marion Osberg Family 1913 - 1943
The 1930 census lists Charles, Marion and two daughters, Hilda born 1914 and Barbara born 1926. Two boys were born between Hilda and Barbara, Oscar William in 1918 and Charles in 1920, but they both died in 1924, victime of scarlet fever. A third daughter, Esther was born in 1933. -
The Charles and Marion Osberg Family 1913 - 1943
Charles Osberg (1889 - 1977 was born 28 September 1889 in Brooklyn NY to John Osberg (1864-1922), born in Sweden and Hilda ??? (1867-1907) born in Norway. Charles had a younger sister Helen who was listed as an Apprentice Dressmaker in the 1910 census but a nurse in Washington DC in the 1920 census. Charles is listed as a machinist on steamboat, and his father is a machinist in a factory. (All the Osbergs who came to the USA had machinery backgrounds.) Both Charles and Helen were born in the USA, but when they were very young their his mother developed an illness and it was recommended that she return to Norway for health reasons. They returned when Charles was 11 years old; by that time Charles had forgotten English. Hilda died in January 1907, and John Osberg remarried. -
Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs correspondence April 9 1915
Dear Mr. Burroughs, Please do not say to any one again it will be as Miss Larson says. You know I never decide anything without consulting Colonel. So just say it will be as he says. I am not really "it" I have consulted Colonel and he says the cottages were not intended for any one in particular, but for any one we all decide shall have one. And he does not know how Mr. Mauer got the notion that they were intended for the Power house of course some one has got to have them. Now Colonel thinks you had better let the cottage remain empty until we return when we can talk things over. And see if Mrs. Guiness comes back. If she only went to her Mother, if she went with another man of course we could not have her again. But somehow it does not seem to me she ever could. She was such a nice little woman or appeared to be. I do believe or have always understood that Charley was a bright boy, but I honestly do not care for his wife's family though I know nothing much about them. I do not remember how much pay Charley gets. I know it was raised last year, but just tell them to wait until we come home. And Colonel wants me to impress upon you that you have the absolute power to discharge any one who does not behave. And he does not want any one who is dissatisfied and just tell them so. As to Mr. Conner and the men Colonel is very much opposed to having too many men. he wants to give as many as he can steady work all the year and not have to let too many go. He thinks Mr. Conner should be able to manage with twenty men. And that you ought limit him to that. I know Mr. Mason spoke to me in confidence and complained always about the men being too many. Last year they had more than ever had. Of course for extra work we must have extra men such as building and things one just have to finish. You can always use your own judgment about those and not worry. Do not let people walk over you. I told you in the beginning you would have to hold your own or they would walk over you. You know Mr. Mason had hired all those men himself which made it easier for him but they all surely did talk about the poor soul. Colonel says you may get a steam roller for the roads any time so go ahead and get one it may satisfy Mr. Conner for a week. Now be sure to tell them if they are not pleased you know lots of men who would be glad to have their jobs. Steve Devine will not get the job he is looking. no such luck. A maple and a pine would be fine where you suggest. I would not plant plums. They are only lovely when them bloom as I remember, but we can plant more later on if we find it good. I am wild over silver birch. Could we not have one or two of them? It has turned very cold here over night, so I suppose it is zero with you. I have written this letter in much hurry so I hope it will be clear enough to see though I am not sure. With kindest regards to all the family Faithfully yours Emma C Larson -
Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs correspondence February 10 1915
Dear Mr Burroughs I have had so many letters to write lately that seem to have rather neglected you. This a.m. the weather is so cold as it can be my room like Greenland and yet I am up at six writing to you. Is not such devotion touching? First I want to say how glad I am that poor Mrs. Cover l will be able to see. I hope her eyes turn out much better than hoped for or expected. You were quite right to get the steel beams etc. Always use your own judgment when you know what is best and some times letters are slow in coming and so time lost in that way. And by all means make things as fireproof and permanent as you can. I am sure bucking the elements is hard slow and irritating work, but I repeat we can only do the best we can. The elements will not change for us when we feel they ought to and that we could improve them so much. You do seem to be getting on splendidly and have an enormous amount of work going on. And a real good start is half the battle. We were delighted that you got the gray team. We always liked it so much. The getting better cow was an excellent thing. You must of course make ... You have full control there as you know and must have to make things a success. The reason Mason started system of letting our teams have an hour and a half was that it is always done in England and all over Europe of the North. Now we work an hour less every day than we did in Andrews time so it can not be needed. You know in Europe t hey work longer hours than we do here and also the Northern part of of Europe almost take the animals to bed with them. They are so careful of them. My own Parents would go short themselves so the children and animals might have enough. Now you just change if you do lose one of the best hours of the day. As to the loads of wood, I can not understand why. And I did not think we had wood enough for that. Look into it and find out the reason and then change. We can not possibly keep that up. When Mr. Mason started those things we probably had very few extra teams and more wood than we know what to do with, and as a rule we never sell. So I suppose he thought they might as well have it. I repeat do just as you think best and right in all and everything. I am glad the lambs seem nice and strong. I hope the bad weather will not kill them. Also glad the chickens are doing fine. I am anxious to see them in the new house. I am very glad indeed that the ice is in. I would not have been without ice. All the people would have talked so, and the expense of buying would not have been fun. I am returning herewith the design for the door which Colonel likes best. You can of course have it made anywhere or by whom you cose schouse. I can't spell that word for anyone but I mean have them made where you please. I have been so hurried trying to finish this if it is worse then usual please do not mind. The mail leaves at seven. Do be careful and do not let people known when you go for money. Have you taken any precautions? If there is a way be sure to do it. With kindest regards to all Yours sincerely Emma C. Larson -
Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs correspondence January 16 1915
Dear Mr. Burroughs, In answer to your questions would say that the little {ruin ?} is to be taken away. So is the small dock. It is fine that you can use some of the material for other things. I wish I could look over and see the new cottage. It must be cute. I think the your idea of iron gates is great. You better order them soon so they will be finished in time. You see Colonel feels he has no time to wait for anything. Gates that could be raised or lowered would in my opinion be the most attractive but either will do. Colonel does not think he wants a balcony on the inside as he does not think people will ever see it much. I like the idea very much and would have it if I could. But we better not, as the Colonel does not approve. He is not keen on a balcony in the roof either. But you must just have anything that adds to the beauty of the building. The gas light and tank will be all right as it seems to be the only thing. I honestly do not think we need much of loft for storage purposes. And a balcony would be so nice. Maybe we can decide later if we can bring the Colonel around to our way of thinking. Our colds are cured now. Colonel has had an attack of digestive vertigo. It frightened me very much but he is now as well as usual. Dr. McIntosh says he is in perfect condition for his age which is a comfort. With best wishes as always yours in haste. Emma C Larson -
Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs correspondence January 14 1915
Dear Mr. Burroughs, My devotion seems truly touching writing you this way every day. First I want to encourage you with the thought that we will have an early Spring. you may be able to lay the stone sooner than you think. The chimney seems all right to us. Again you must use your own judgment. The size of the building pitch of roof etc etc must be left to you. I think the grey green malt tiles for wainscoting will be the most attractive. Will the fact remains and still is that you will have to do in everything about the dock house as you think best. We can not help you because we do not know anything about architecture. You got Irma's house very nice and very good looking so no doubt you will get this even better. Please Mr Burroughs do get the ice in. If we should have to buy ice all next Summer it would not be a joke. And you know you are the Superintendent and you will have to make the men and Mr. Conner realize it some day. Now don't you think it was wrong of you to let him take the two carpenters etc last year without saying a word to you. Please do assert yourself. And do not let him have the men and teams when you need them more. If he is not pleased tell him to appeal to the Colonel. In February there should be ice and I hope there may be. But whenever it comes take the law in your own hands and get it in. The weather here is fair and we are all well and happy. My best regards and wishes to you and yours. Always faithfully Emma Larson -
Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs correspondence December 29 1914
Dear Mr. Burroughs, I have both your letters and will try to answer as clearly as possible. First the State road seems the most disturbing. We do not like the idea of cutting down the hills, but suppose we will have to submit to that. But please make it as little as possible. Of course Colonel wants to be as reasonable as he can, but dreads anything likely to disturb his trees. he wants you to fight that as hard as you can. Colonel is quite willing and thinks it a good suggestion to have the retaining wall. You will use your own best judgment about that and most other things as we can not see or und3rstand from here. After we have seen the prints will write again if there is anything say. The land of course we will have to give, though I hate to. We have not very much as it is and no time to reclaim the swamp. You see if we do not give the land with a good grace they can take it anyway. But please give them as little as you decently can. Get all the tools you need such boilers, drills, engines, etc etc. Colonel wants to have the dock finished as soon as he can and you can not be held up for anybody or anything. Never mind Joe's looks. We can not worry about him. I only hope he will not get revengeful and give you too much trouble. As to John Green if he does not behave do not even keep him a minute send him away. After you have sent one or two away the others will give you less trouble. Still it is nice to have it a little warm in the bedrooms. I suppose it is awfully cold without any fire. I have never liked John Green or Travers and would be glad to see both of them gone off the place. I am sure there are many good men would like to have their places too. But the millennium would not come even so. Conners and Joe I always rather liked but do not put up with too much from anyone. And get the blacksmith or anything in reason to keep the work going. I am glad none of the men were laid off before Christmas. As I like to see all happy that day. Poor John Quick how is he and what had he done to have anyone really want to kill him? I am sorry the trims had not all got there yet for Irma's house. You had better order the trim for the boathouse now so to be sure not to be held up on that. I am picturing the brooder house after the glass is up and to my eyes it looks fine. Will be mighty glad to see it finished. And I hope the job will seem quite correct to those who do not know any better. Your mason work looked so fine, I would hate to have it spoiled. I am sure we must have missed Charles Osberg, and I do not remember what he got last year. But you can ask him and give him whatever he says it was. I think it 35 dollars but am not sure. The cheque book is in New York so we could not find out from that until Spring. I feel sure he must have been overlooked. I am glad the horse gets on. I hate to lose animals of any kind, but more so a horse. I am glad your arm is coming out - all right it is so dreadful to have something the matter with one's good right hand. I bought the tickets for Dr. Walkure and as they were gotten for Mrs. Burroughs and she thanked me for them long since, please forget them, it pleased me to give them to the lady. I think the stove you speak of for the sheep house will be just the thing so sell it to Colonel. Warm water is needed in all out houses really. We had to carry it to the barn from the kitchen when I was a child, but we had to have it. I am delighted the children had a good time. I hope the grown ups did too. We had a nice party here, with very good weather for that one day. All the other days we have been here are unusually unpleasant for Thomasville. The rain is coming down in torrents now. Dorothy sends love to you. Mrs. Burroughs and the children. She has not been well since she came here, a nasty cold and stomach all upset. So she wants me to tell you there is no mocking bird in her mind or eye just yet. Do not mind Mrs. Conner she is not quite right, I am sure. I hope you did tell her that the Colonel never even saw her letter and always leaves those things to you any way. Tell Doctor Goff where there is a will we always find the way. Believe I have seen a few things of that sort. I am 52 past. I honestly wish he would fancy Joe as I know she would make a good unselfish wife for any man. She is well educated and can do anything. With best wishes to you all for the New year and all coming years. I got the children's greeting Christmas. Please thank them. I received Mrs Burrough's card and letter please thank her also. I hope your Father & Mother are quite well, and having a pleasant time. Colonel wanted me to ask about them and send his greetings. Love to all from yours faithfully Emma C Larson p.s. I plead guilty to sending this ?? -
Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs correspondence November 17 1914
Dear Mr Burroughs, Mrs. Burroughs got here before your letter and told me of your accident. I am truly sorry and hope it will not give you too much distress. Be sure to have either Petersen or Archie drive you around. Do not walk too much or take cold if you can help it. Your accident is a mean one but not so bad as it might have been. There is always something to be thankful for. At all events, Sister Laura has you tied up and at her mercy, which Mrs. Burroughs tells me is very tender, so everything has its recompenses. Now as regards the batteries, Colonel Payne thinks you should do as Mr Van Bauer suggests. Colonel thinks it is much better to run an engine all the time. And only use the batteries at night. Have them overhauled as well as possible. I am glad you got the hardware etc. etc. cheap enough and yet pleasing. How soon will the cottage be finished? No hurry, so do not worry. The children of any of the men who are there on Dec 25th must be allowed to come to the party. You need not bother about putting them on the list if the list is finished. But put the men on the list. There are always a few extra things which may be used for the children, but nothing for the men. But you must see to it that none are disappointed on Christmas day. If there is anything Robert can do up there, he may stay on indefinitely if he has nowhere better to go. But he must not be idle. I will be up some time the first part of December. Write me when you have the time and feel able. Do not worry and get well was quick as possible. Always with best wishes. Faithfully yours Emma C Larson Postscript written at 90 degrees across top of page one: All the members of the household here are well and happy. Colonel is fairly well. He was sorry to hear of your accident, but not at all upset. As he only expects you to oversee, not to dig. -
Julian Burroughs' Fordson Tractor
The remains of Julian's Fordson tractor. Julian writes about his experience as a salesman for Henry Ford's tractors and his own adventures — or misadventures — with the tractor. Julian loved to play with concrete, and actually put a concrete steering wheel on the tractor. -
Julian Burroughs's Shad- or Duck- Boat
Julian loved to boat on the Hudson River. The essays by John Burroughs and by Julian Burroughs each describe adventures along the Hudson. Here the boat is pictured (in 2003 by Edward Renahan Jr) in the shed which constitutes the lowest level of "Roxy" -
John VandeWater Grave
Vandewater family graves in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery in Section 15 lot 69. -
Andrew Mason Family Gravesite
The Mason section in Woodlawn Cemetery is dominated by a tall Celtic cross. It is likely that the cross and cemetery plot was paid for by Oliver H Payne, for whom Andrew had worked over two decades. Woodlawn Cemetery is in the Bronx