The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Ann and Lincoln Sunderland were gracious enough to open their home and property, known as the Keese Homestead, to the general public on Friday and Saturday October 22^nd and 23^rd, 2010. The Sunderlands knew some people wanted to see their historic home. Lincoln says people often walk on the edges of their front lawn to take pictures. Lincoln, well-known locally as the author of a book entitled “Peru History,” doesn’t mind. The Sunderlands decided to charge $5.00 per adult for the tour with the proceeds going to the Peru Community Church Ladies Guild. Ann said, “I thought we might raise $100 or $200.” Well, Ann underestimated that amount just a little! Over $2,500 was collected during the two days with 164 people touring on Friday and at least 348 on Saturday. Ann and Lincoln were showing the home to as many as thirty people at a time.

The Sunderlands are the first non-Keese family to reside in the home. Richard Keese, for whom Keeseville was named, purchased one square mile of property at this location in the 1790’s. Richard and his wife and eleven children lived in a small wooden structure (later to be a hen house) that still stands behind the Sunderland’s home. Richard Keese moved to Keeseville and built a beautiful home where the Mobil gas station now stands. In 1837, Richard’s son Peter built the Sunderland’s 6,000 square foot, seventeen-room home. The Sunderlands believe that Edward Downs from Clintonville was the mason who erected the home with its three-foot thick exterior walls. The initials “ED” are carved on one side of the house and have been found on other local buildings. (Click here to see photos)

The Sunderland’s raised their three daughters in the home (Carolyn, Beverly and Jill) after purchasing it in 1974. Over the year’s they’ve made the home more comfortable for living by replacing windows and uncovering once-concealed fireplaces, refinishing flooring and painting all the interior walls. Fortunately, Ann and Lincoln have a immense respect for the home’s historical significance. Touring the home is still a lesson in 19^th century history. This past weekend Ann said that people touring the “summer kitchen” found the clothes basins and dish washing basins with its wood burning chamber underneath to be very interesting. People also appreciated the original wooden ceiling beams and beautiful fireplace in the kitchen. Others will always recall the Italian marble fireplaces in the parlors, the Redford class in the doors and a few of the windows and the original and very beautiful wooden stair railing. Richard Keese’s original home and the nearby granary and corn-crib built in the 1790’s are all in excellent condition.

Everyone fortunate enough to tour the Keese Homestead is indebted to Lincoln and Sunderland for their hospitality and their respect for one of our region’s most significant properties.