Among the homes on Saturday’s Stockade Walkabout is 17 Front St., built in 1760, and once the home of Gov. Joseph Yates. It was built by Tobias Van Eyck and designed by Samuel Fuller. (photo provided)
The Stockade is known for its storied houses and, of course, its rich history.
Both will be on full display Saturday with the Stockade Walkabout’s return. It’s the first time the event has been held since before the pandemic began and it features six homes, as well as The Stockade Inn and several churches and community buildings. Each of the homes has noteworthy stories, and some of the tours will include a look at artifacts found during renovation work or, in one case, an archeological dig.
What sets this Walkabout apart from previous tours?
“There is just tons of old stuff,” said Sylvie Briber, a longtime Stockade resident and Walkabout chairperson.
“You’re going to see some old bones of the houses,” Briber said. “So people who are really interested in history . . . this is the tour for them.”
Among the oldest homes on the tour is 17 North Ferry St., which is the home of Cory Cottingim and Pablo Sepulveda, though some may remember it as the Feibes and Schmitt house, after the late Schenectady architects and art collectors. The property contains two historic structures, one of which was a smithy dating back to 1719.
Another standout on the tour is 32 Front St., which homeowner and architect Robert Woods has spent the last 15 years renovating. Known as the John W. Teller House (a builder who extensively renovated it in 1816) this was also reputedly the house of Captain Phillip Schuyler (1703-1724), the First Commandant of Queen Anne’s Fort and the house of Col. Christopher Yates, leader of the Sons of Liberty, Chairman of the Committee of Safety.
The SUNY Schenectady Community Archaeology Department has done extensive research and a four-year archeological dig in the home’s backyard, uncovering thousands of artifacts. Some of the artifacts, which include everything from coins to weaponry to glass, date back to the French and Indian War. A variety of artifacts will be on display in the backyard during the event.
Other homes on the tour include 17 Front St., which is known as Governor Yates House, 25 Washington Ave., which is The Giles Clute House, 205 Union St., which is the Sanders-Ellice House and 125 North College St.
The Stockade Inn, located at 1 North Church St., will be open for self-guided tours from noon to 4 p.m. At 1 and 3 p.m. there will be guided tours by the owner. There will also be a musical revue called “Broadway Baby” with Briber and Bruce Holden at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Throughout the day, actors playing historical figures including Arendt Van Curler, Elizabeth Van der Vogen and Symon Schermerhorn, among others, will be strolling the streets.
Other venues included in the Walkabout are the Schenectady Civic Playhouse, Schenectady County Historical Society and the Brouwer House, YWCA NorthEasternNY, St. George’s Episcopal Church, First Reformed Church and First Presbyterian Church.
WHEN: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Stockade, Schenectady
TICKETS: $20 in advance and $25 day of
MORE INFO: historicstockade.org
NOTE: Tickets can be purchased through Friday at the following locations: Schenectady County Historical Society (cash, checks and credit card), Felthousen’s Florist (cash or checks only), Kulak’s Nursery (cash or checks only) and Open Door Bookstore (cash or checks only).
Categories: Entertainment, Life and Arts, Life and Arts, Schenectady
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