Abraham Hasbrouck House

Abraham Hasbrouck House

The Abraham (Daniel) Hasbrouck House is a historic stone house located at 94 Huguenot Street in New Paltz, New York, United States. Built in three phases between 1721 and 1734, it is significant for its association with the early settlement of New Paltz by French Huguenots and as an example of evolving architectural styles in the Hudson Valley.

History

• 1670s: Abraham Hasbrouck and his brother Jean immigrated to New Paltz, which was settled by French Huguenots seeking religious freedom.
• 1717: Abraham Hasbrouck died.
• 1721: The central section of the house was constructed by Abraham's son, Daniel Hasbrouck.
• 1728: The north room was added to the house.
• 1734: The south room was added upon Daniel's marriage to Wyntje Deyo.
• 1741: Maria Deyo, Abraham's widow, died. She continued to reside in the house until her death.
• 1911: The house remained in the Hasbrouck family until this year.
• 1957: The Reformed Church of New Paltz purchased the property.
• 1961: The Hasbrouck Family Association purchased the house and placed it under the ownership of the Huguenot Historical Society.
• 2002: Dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) revealed the actual construction dates of the three sections, correcting the previous belief that Abraham had built the house between 1692 and 1712.
• 2012: A major interior restoration was completed.
• Present: The house is owned and operated by the Huguenot Historical Society as a museum interpreting life in New Paltz between 1760 and 1775. Ongoing restoration work focuses on preserving the house and presenting an accurate depiction of its historical appearance.

Architecture

The Abraham Hasbrouck House is a stone house built in three distinct phases, resulting in a linear, three-room floor plan. The house exemplifies the transition from traditional Dutch urban architecture with front gables to the side-gabled forms characteristic of rural 18th-century houses in the Hudson Valley.

The Central Section, built in 1721, is a one-room, one-and-a-half-story section, that features rubble masonry construction. The interior was originally painted a moderate reddish-brown. The ceiling planks were left unpainted. A notable feature is the restored "jambless" fireplace, which lacks sides or a mantel, with the chimney resting directly on the beams.

The North Room, built in 1728, is an addition that includes a kitchen on the ground floor and a room above it, accessed by a later-added staircase. The "opkamer" (up-room) likely served as a private living space and bedchamber. The great chestnut beams in this section were turned sideways to maximize headroom.

The South Room, built in 1734, is the final addition, reflecting a transitional period with higher ceilings and smaller beams. The flooring, woodwork, and beams are original. The windows were enlarged at some point in the house's history.

Significance

The Abraham Hasbrouck House holds significance for multiple reasons. It is associated with the early settlement of New Paltz by French Huguenots, representing their perseverance and contributions to the region. Its architectural evolution illustrates the adaptation of Dutch architectural styles to the rural context of the Hudson Valley. As part of local history, it provides valuable insight into the lives of early settlers in New Paltz and the development of the community. As part of preservation efforts, the ongoing restoration and research contribute to a deeper understanding of the house's history and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Current status and visiting information

The Abraham Hasbrouck House is open to the public as part of Historic Huguenot Street, a National Historic Landmark District. Guided tours are available and provide detailed information about the house, its occupants, and the history of New Paltz.