McVickar House
| Company type | Historic house museum |
|---|---|
| Industry | Museum |
| Founded | 1853 |
| Founder | John McVickar |
| Headquarters | Irvington, New York , United States |
| Owner | Village of Irvington |
| Website | irvingtonhistoricalsociety |
The McVickar House, located at 131 Main Street in Irvington, New York, is a wooden-frame dwelling from the mid-1800s that exemplifies the Greek Revival style, enhanced later with Picturesque ornamental details. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Built by John McVickar, an Episcopalian clergyman who moved to the area to be near his acquaintance Washington Irving and to found a school that eventually became the nearby Church of St. Barnabas, the residence also served as the home of his son, who was the church’s inaugural pastor. This structure is recognized as the second oldest home along Irvington’s Main Street.
Subsequently acquired by regional utility company Consolidated Edison, which operates a small facility on the property, the house was leased out until the 1990s. After undergoing significant restoration, it currently functions as the headquarters and museum for the Irvington Historical Society, showcasing displays including a segment of the original transatlantic telegraph cable.
Building
Situated on the north side of Main Street between North Broadway (U.S. Route 9) and Dearman Street, the house is surrounded predominantly by commercial buildings from the 20th century. Nearby notable sites include the Church of St. Barnabas—also listed on the Register—and Irvington Town Hall located just one block away. Main Street descends westward toward the Hudson River and intersects with the Old Croton Aqueduct trailway, designated as a National Historic Landmark. Portions of Main Street and adjacent roads have been proposed for designation as a historic district.
The property covers an area approximately 59 by 100 feet, featuring a modest garden adjacent to the street near the front entrance steps. An electrical substation situated at the rear of the lot is excluded from the historic listing.
This two-and-a-half-story wood-frame residence rests upon a raised fieldstone foundation, which creates an English basement visible at the front facade. The original clapboard siding remains intact, complemented by a side-gabled metal roof interrupted by a brick chimney on its eastern end.
A porch with a hip roof extends across the front elevation, accessed via wooden stairs adorned with decorative railings that include saw-cut quatrefoil patterns. Additional steps provide entry to the basement level, currently occupied by a small clothing retail space. The porch roof is upheld by square columns featuring knee braces and a molded cornice; at deck level, these pillars are connected by a balustrade.
All windows are six-over-six double-hung sash units with louvered shutters on the front facade. On the northwest corner, there is an enclosed smaller porch supported by square columns topped with simple capitals. The eaves of the roof are decorated with saw-cut vergeboards.
The main entrance consists of a paneled wooden door framed by an architrave, accompanied by sidelights and a transom window leading into an entrance hall. Although updated over time, interior features such as the staircase—with its turned mahogany newel post, rounded handrail, and balusters—have been preserved.
The front parlor retains its original wooden mantelpiece and chimney breast intact. The rear section has been altered with some walls removed to reconfigure space. Upstairs still contains another original newel post along with portions of original lath and plaster walls. While modified, the basement likely served originally as kitchen and dining areas.
History
Following a distinguished tenure as a military chaplain and serving twice as acting president of Columbia University, where he introduced the United States' inaugural course on political economy, The Rev. John McVickar retired to Dearman in 1852 and constructed this residence. His intention was to create a chapel school, supported by acquaintances such as Washington Irving and John Jay. This institution was initially established on land situated just north of where the present house stands.
John McVickar persuaded his son William to assume leadership of the school, which eventually relocated further north in the Hudson Valley and developed into what is now known as Bard College. Meanwhile, John McVickar continued serving as rector of the Church of St. Barnabas, residing in the Greek Revival-style home until a new rectory was constructed.
Following William McVickar’s death around 1868, ornamental features reflecting the Picturesque movement were incorporated, merging the original Greek Revival architecture with Victorian influences inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing, resulting in a unique design character.
Ownership passed to William’s daughters, who later sold the property to their brother John. In 1870, John sold it to a local grocer. The house experienced several ownership changes until 1957 when Consolidated Edison, which services Westchester County and New York City, acquired it to develop an electrical substation behind the premises. Con Ed divided the interior into separate units and leased them out until 1992.
Afterward, the building fell into neglect, with asbestos composite shingles covering the original clapboard siding and an asphalt roof installed. Recognition of its historical significance emerged in the early 2000s, prompting a restoration project costing approximately half a million dollars. This renovation included replacement of the roof, siding, windows, heating system, and plumbing. For this purpose, Con Ed transferred ownership to the village.
By 2005, the Irvington Historical Society had established its headquarters there. The basement functions as a children's activity center; the main floor is dedicated to exhibitions; while the upper level houses offices and storage facilities.
Among its permanent displays is a segment of the initial transatlantic telegraph cable, contributed by descendants of its constructor, Cyrus West Field, who passed away locally. Previous exhibits have highlighted domestic tasks and collectible items. The museum welcomes visitors two afternoons each week.
See also
External links
- McVickar House , Irvington Historical Society