How to spend an interesting few hours next weekend
By John T. Ryan
Anyone interested in local history will be treated to a very special event on Friday, October 22nd and Saturday October 23rd. Lincoln and Ann Sunderland will be opening their home for guided tours. It’s an opportunity that won’t happen again for a long time, if ever. Known as the Keese Homestead, the home has close connections to Peru’s early Quaker settlement. Richard Keese, for whom Keeseville was named, settled at the home’s location in the 1790s. His son Peter built the home in 1837. There is evidence that Peter Keese was involved in the Underground Railroad and the house may have been used as a station to conceal slaves on their way to Canada.
Tours will be conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The cost is $5.00 per person; children 6 and under will be admitted free of charge. There will also be a Chinese auction. All proceeds will go to the Peru Community Church Ladies Guild to benefit the varied programs they support. Free cider and snacks will be served after the tour.
Directions:
Take exit 35 off Interstate 87. Turn west (toward Peru) on Rt 442 (Bear Swamp Rd). At the T where Bear Swamp meets Rt 22, turn Left (south). Drive about 3 miles. turn Right on Arthur Rd. Drive 1 mile, turn Right on Union Rd. Drive 500 ft, turn Left on Harkness Rd. The big stone house on the corner of Union Rd and Harkness Rd is the Keese Homestead.
Posted: October 15th, 2010 under General News.
Comment from Sandi Andrews
Time October 17, 2010 at 8:21 pm
I’ve always wanted to go through this very elegant home and now I have my chance. Hope I’m well enough to do it.
I’m very interested in history and especially the Civil War Era is my favorite time in history and the emancipation of the slaves. I have seen the “Underground Railroad” at the Mulbury House @ Northern Orchards and also know that there is one in the Stafford Farm on the Union Road.
I can’t wait for the tour.