Author Archives: administrator

Farm at 53 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY

I had the opportunity to photograph a disused farm property at 53 Salt Point Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY.  It stands out among the modern development around it.  A railroad once passed along the northern border of the property, but the railroad bed has now been converted to a rail trail.  I was excited when the owner of the property showed me an old photograph that showed a train traveling along the railroad, and also an old photograph showing a house that formerly sat at the top of a hill on the property.

The owner told me an interesting story about the house at the top of the hill:  In the depression era (and prohibition era), the house was rented out to some gentlemen.  One day the people left and the property owners went into the house to see what its condition was.  They discovered that the renters had removed most of the floors and ceilings of the three-story house so as to place a gigantic distillery that was taller than two stories.  Needless to say, the house was no longer rentable and eventually it burned down.  Now only stone remains are left.

Map: Location on Bing Maps Bird’s Eye view

Abraham Fort Homestead, Route 9, Poughkeepsie, NY

The land on which the homestead sits was sold in 1759 by Christopher VanBommel to Johannes Abraham Fort. The house was built either by the Van Bommel Family between 1742 and 1759, or by Johannes A. Fort about 1760. Johannes Fort’s son Major Abraham (1750-1822) was locally prominent in the Revolutionary War and also lived in the house. The land was a working farm and included orchards and gardens. The Fort Family is buried in the Fort Family Burial Ground located across Route 9.

Several others have owned the house since the Forts, including IBM. Find more information about the preservation of this structure here.

Map: Location on Bing Maps Bird’s Eye view

Bannerman Castle, Hudson River, NY

Bannerman Castle is located on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River across from Fishkill, NY.  The “castle” was a storage building for surplus ammunition, uniforms, and the like until sold, which was the business of the Bannermans.  The island contains more than just the “castle” — it was also the summer residence of the Bannermans.  The island is now part of the Hudson Highlands State Park.  “Hard hat” tours are run on the island, including a boat ride out to the island.

Link: About Bannerman Castle

Bennett School for Girls, Millbrook, NY

Halcyon Hall is the main building on the Bennett School for Girls property, and the one that is photographed here.  The building was originally a hotel, built in 1890.  In 1907, the Bennett School For Girls occupied the building until it closed in 1978.  The building has remained vacant ever since.

Map: Location on Bing Maps Bird’s Eye view

Dennings Point Brick Building, Beacon, NY

The Dennings Point Brick Works formerly operated on this property on Dennings Point, in Beacon, NY.  The building photographed here is the last remaining manufacturing building from the brick works.  The area is now being used by the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries.

Map: Location on Bing Maps Bird’s Eye view
Link:  Dennings Point Brick Works