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Senator Murphy announces listing of prominent physician's former home on my NY Register of Historical places
June 19, 2017
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Croton-on-Hudson, NY - Senator Terrence Murphy is pleased to announce that the Underhill-Acker home has been listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places. The home, located at 4 Hamilton Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson, was once owned the Underhill's, a prominent local family, and Dr. Thomas Jefferson (T.J.) Acker, a respected physician.
"The Underhill-Acker House is an important historical and architectural resource," said Senator Murphy. "It was associated with the Underhill family, who were instrumental in building local commerce, and with Dr. T.J. Acker, who saved many lives at the medical office he had added to the home. It seems fitting that his historic home has been preserved for everyone in the community to visit and enjoy."
"I am delighted at that the Underhill-Acker House and our village have been honored with this important designation," said Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Dr. Greg Schmidt. "The house captures the design of a bygone era and serves as a reminder of the important local events that have helped shape Croton's history."
The home's legacy parallels Croton-on-the Hudson's own story, dating back to when the area was known as Croton Landing and it was an active port for shipping. The house was erected in 1873 for William and Phebe Sands. Following the death of her husband, Phebe Sands sold the home to Robert and Charlotte Underhill in 1876. The Underhill family became respected figures in the community, first owning flour mills and later a conglomerate of prosperous brickyards located along the banks of the Hudson River. Dr. Acker bought the home in 1886. Following his death in 1914, his wife Frederica inherited the house, where she lived with her daughter, Ella May and her son-in-law, William Burdick. Ella May eventually inherited the house, donating it to the Methodist Episcopal Church. In turn, the church sold the house to Jack and Eleanor Cooper in 1964. Ten years later, the current owners, Marc and Lauren Shenfield, purchased the home from the Coopers.
The Underhill-Acker House remains an outstanding representation of nineteenth-century domestic architecture executed in Italianate style. The two and one-half story wood-frame, clapboarded dwelling was oriented to provide a picturesque view of Croton Point and the Hudson River. The first notable alteration to the home was made by Dr. Acker, who replaced the original front porch with a larger wraparound verandah. Accommodations were also made for the installation of a discreet one-story addition to the home that served as his medical office. A gold plated sign outside the house still bears his name. The rest of the building retains the bulk of its original 1873 interior features.
State and National Registers listing can assist property owners in revitalizing buildings, making them eligible for various public preservation programs and services, such as matching state grants and state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits.
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