Dutchess County Historical Society Fundraising Auction Ending 11/13

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Entering into Dick Lahey's barn in Wappingers, is truly stepping back in time. Collecting for over 50 years, Dick has amassed an impressive collection of Hudson Valley Carriages and Sleighs. Scouring the old estates in Dutchess County, he has found many examples of carriages made by local craftsmen in the 1860s-1900. You'll be amazed by the handcrafted detail and to Dick's dedication to preserving these relics of the past. Your first stop will be the ground floor of the barn where he stores all of the carriage accessories like Carriage Lights, Saddles, Stirrups, Harnesses, Blankets, and Clothing. The room next door stores some of his best examples of local carriages. See the carriage of the Lamont Family, former owners of the large estate Altamont in Millbrook. Costing more than the average person made in a year at the time, the carriage is a great example of how the "Hill Toppers" of Millbrook lived. Climbing up to the second floor of the barn is something to behold. Over two dozen carriages and sleighs line the sides of this long barn. There are examples of carriages made in Beacon & Hughsonville, Horse Drawn Sleighs that have been used in feature films, and many carriages from the large estates in the area. If the carriages weren't impressive enough, the walls are covered with early photographs, prints and advertising from the 1800s, showing the carriages presenting before you. As stellar of a collection that Dick has, its his wealth of knowledge of the subject that leaves you fully impressed. Don't miss the chance to see this hidden museum right here in Dutchess County. Dick has generously allowed a group of up to 20 people to come see his private collection. Tour will be approximately One Hour in length. Please note there is a staircase to the second story of the barn. Plan your tour during nice weather as the barn is not temperature controlled. Value $300. If this item isn't for you, please consider becoming a Member or making a donation to DCHS here: https://dchsny.org/short/

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Originally built in 1832 and greatly expanded in the 1890’s, the mansion at Staatsburgh State Historic Site is emblematic of the great country estates built in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to house America’s wealthiest families. Referred to locally as Mills Mansion, it is an elegant example of the beautiful homes built by America’s financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age. A 25-room Greek Revival structure was built on the site in 1832 by Morgan Lewis and his wife, Gertrude Livingston, replacing an earlier house that had burned down. This second house was inherited by Ruth Livingston Mills, wife of noted financier and philanthropist Ogden Mills. In 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their Staatsburgh home. After completion in 1896, the house had been transformed into a Beaux-Arts mansion of 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms. Its exterior was embellished with balustrades, pilasters, floral swags, and a massive portico. The rooms were furnished with elaborately carved and gilded furniture, fine oriental rugs, silk fabrics, and a collection of art objects from Europe, ancient Greece, and the Far East. Pride in the family’s Livingston heritage was also demonstrated in the prominent display of portraits of Mrs. Mills’ ancestors through the mansion. Up for auction is a Mills Family Membership which includes: - 4 tickets for standard tour of the mansion - Discount pricing for programs - 20% Discount in Gift Shop - Advance Notice Notice of Programs & Events In addition to the membership are 4 tickets to the "Holiday Whodunnit", a 1 hour, interactive "history mystery" for children and families. Go back over 100 years to a December weekend at Staatsburgh! Come interview the guests and servants (our costumed interpreters) in order to solve the mystery. All children who submit a guess as to "whodunit" will be entered in a drawing for a prize awarded at the end of the year, when we reveal who really dunit! Sunday December 4, Sunday December 11, and Sunday December 18. Finally, enjoy a $30 Gift Certificate to Staatsburgh State Historic Site Gift Shop and pick up a memento to remember your experience! Value $132. https://millsfriends.org/ If this item isn't for you, please consider becoming a Member or making a donation to DCHS here: https://dchsny.org/short/