Yonkers Gilded Age - Glenview

House Museum

May 20

Glenview is a mansion built in 1877 by successful stockbroker, John Bond Trevor. In 1876, Trevor purchased 23 acres and commissioned architect Charles W. Clinton to design his home in the New York City suburbs. When building the house, nothing was spared both inside and out. Glenview’s interior represents an attitude toward decoration and furnishing that was new in the 1870’s.

The Trevor family lived happily here, for the spring and fall seasons, for many years. Mr. Trevor died in Manhattan the winter of 1890, and Emily continued to use the home until she died in 1922. The following year the house and contents were put up for auction. The City of Yonkers purchased the house, but the furnishings were purchased by many individuals. Modifications were made to the building to prepare it for its new purpose as a museum. Fireplaces and some interior walls were removed.

I was so fortunate to have Marietta as the docent conducting my tour. She spoke of the place with such passion, making the tour that much more enjoyable.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy it!

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

You can see the observation tower of Glenview, just past the the Hudson River Museum building entrance, built in 1969.

Pictured here is the southeast facade of the mansion. In the 1940’s, the mansion exterior was altered with removal of verandas and the porte-cochere.

Looking up at the observation tower as you enter the house

Here is the beautiful original English floor tile by Maw and Co. in the vestibule and Great Hall. The lively design includes geometric and flower patterns.

The bright and cheery intricate stencil work on the ceiling in the vestibule

Much of the woodwork here in the Great Hall was the work of Daniel Pabst of Philadelphia.

The Great Hall with stenciled painting, artwork and original restored woodwork

Here is a close up shot of the Great Hall fireplace details, including tile work, that dominates the far end wall, as you enter the home.

Pictured here is the brightly lit Parlor off the Great Hall on the east side of the house. Extensive research determined that the designer of the original wall coverings in this room was Bruce Talbert.

Artwork inside the Parlor

Lighting detail in The Parlor

The Parlor

The hardware on the pocket doors leading to the Library

Looking into the Library from the Great Hall

Ebonized cherrywood has been used in creating this mantlepiece and other bookcases in the Library.

Hanging in the Library is this painting of the house, as it looked back in the day.

Enough of the original stenciling remained to make accurate restoration possible, as seen in this example in the Library.

The Library

The Library was the first room that was restored. While simplicity and good taste dominated the attitude, these bookcases and fireplace mantle in the Library look fancy by today’s standards, however, they were considerably more streamlined than other furnishings of the day.

The Sitting Room

The large glass doors in the Sitting Room would have once opened up to a veranda (removed) with a view of the Hudson River.

The Sitting Room

Lighting detail in the Sitting Room

The dining room

The elegant grand stairway with rich walnut woodwork

A closer look at the detail of the staircase post

Looking up the staircase, you can see the balustraded levels which housed the family’s bedrooms, and the stained glass laylight.

The former billiards room now contains the 19th century styled dollhouse, Nybelwych Hall. Created by dollhouse enthusiast Mark O’Bank, it is considered unique for its design and many details.

One of the colorful rooms in the 24-room dollhouse

There are over 900 interior objects and details that include cross-stitched carpets, staircases, lighting fixtures and wallpaper.

The house tour only includes the six fully restored ground floor rooms, which retain much of its original architectural features.

What you should know:

Restrooms are available in the gallery building of the museum.
One price includes parking, house tour and art museum; advance booking must be made online for the 45-minute house tour.
You could spend a few hours here.
The museum exhibit calendar is available at the museum or online; check the website for more information.

Location: 511 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701
For more information: Hudson River Museum