THE BOUWERIE
Master Craftsmen Restored Historic Clermont Home to Original Grandeur
By W.V. Miller, Columbia County Historian
Ten Broeck House at Clermont is typical of the Dutch-style architecture of
early Hudson River homes. Said to have been built by Dirck Wessel Ten Broeck
in 1762, it is now the residence of Mrs. C.C. Townsend.
A true lover of the antique, and endowed with the taste and knowledge so necessary
to make the project a success, Mrs. Townsend was fortunate indeed to have
the assistance of two men, members of that fast-vanishing group, the old-time
master craftsmen who took pride in their work.
One of these men, Paul Poleschner of Clermont had the skill
and ability, acquired over the years, that enabled him to repair, or duplicate,
the many examples of the early blacksmith's art that were such essential parts
of the old building.
Shutter tie-backs, hand wrought nails and hinges, and the
manifold other fittings of like nature which now grace the house are, in many
instances, products of this man's skill.
ALL CARPENTER WORK on the house was done by, or under the
direction of, the late Philip H. Clum, of Clermont. This man, then nearing 80
years of age, was one of the few men still living at the time who was master
of the skills and techniques of the old-time master woodworkers and carpenters.
The many repairs and restorations to the house were done by
this man, or under his direct supervision.
Mason work on the building was done
by the late Charles Proper of Linlithgo, another master workman.