Philipse Manor House and Yonkers Car Rental

Built in the 1680’s, the Philipse Manor Hall is located in Yonkers, New York. Owned and operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Philipse Manor Hall is a historical house museum that was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

From the ground up

The Philipse Manor Hall was built by a Dutch- born carpenter and trader Frederick Philipse around 1682. Fredrick Philipse was a son- in- law of Stephanus Van Cortlandt, who owned a 52, 000 acre estate that is now the modern day city of Yonkers and several Hudson River towns. During his lifetime, the Philipse Manor Hall was mainly used as a stopover point during the long journey to and from the river between his home in New Amsterdam and other parts of his estate. Take your own journey with your Yonkers car rental when you visit with your Philipse Manor Hall.

Making room for more

The building was eventually enlarged and made into a primary family residence by his grandson Fredrick Philipse II and his great- grandson Frederick Philipse III. See the grandness of the Philipse Manor Hall, learn about its history and more when you travel with your Yonkers car rental.

Unsettling times

However, on November 28, 1766 after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Frederick Philipse III signed documents showing his allegiance to the British Crown. This caused him to be labeled a traitor and was subsequently put under house arrest by General George Washington. He was given permission to settle some business in Yonkers, but violated his parole by fleeing with his family to than British- occupied New York City, abandoning his estate and Philipse Manor Hall.

New owners

The Philipse Manor Hall was sold at a public auction and was occupied by several different families up in till 1868 when it became the Yonkers City Hall. However, by 1908 the building was rarely used due to the number of different of government buildings. The building ownership was eventually turned to the State of New York, and cared by the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society. After the dissolution of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society the building is now owned, maintained and curated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Major renovations were made between 1911 and 1912 that brought the Philipse Manor Hall back to its original colonial condition.

Introducing a building for the people

In 1912, the Philipse Manor Hall was opened to the public as a museum of history, art, and architecture. You will see a very impressive collection when you visit with your Yonkers car rental. The Philipse Manor Hall is one of two ceilings in the United States with in- situ ceilings made of papier-mache and plaster Rococo. The ceiling is elaborated and depicts Frederick Philipse III’s life, including his love for music, hunting, science, and arts. Another architectural highlight of the house is a high vaulted ceiling designed by John Davis Hatch.

Before you go…

The Philipse Manor Hall is open all year around by appointment. They are closed Mondays and holidays. Tours are available when you travel with your Yonkers car rental from noon, 1 pm and 2 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for children 12 years old and younger. Bring your own lunch and enjoy it outside in the picnic area as you watch the sunset with your Yonkers car rental.

For more information on the Philpse Manor Hall when you travel with your Yonkers car rental please visit their official website at www.philipsemanorfriends.org.

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