The Kent Delord House Museum and the Battle of Plattsburgh
The Kent Delord House was built in 1797 and is one of the oldest residences in Plattsburgh, NY. At the dawn of the 19th century, successful merchant and politcal figure, Henry Delord purchased the house with his wife Betsey. They renovated the home in to a two-story federal structure that appears much the same today as it did during their lifetime.
In the Spring/Summer of 1814, military activity related to the Battle of Plattsburgh began to increase on Lake Champlain, resulting in the exodus of civilians from the area who were anticipating the dangerous battle. On September 6, members of the British forces commandeered some of the most prominent homes in the area to establish temporary outposts for strategizing and keeping a watchful eye on the American troops. On September 11, 1814 the Battle of Plattsburgh erupted on land and lake. Fortunately, and somewhat unexpectedly, the American troops were able to thwart the attempts of the British to gain control of Lake Champlain and by the next day the British had retreated back into Canada. The Delord family home was extremely fortunate not to have sustained much damage during the foreigners encampment.
Throughout the years that followed family members and their household servants resided at the home, but the final member of the Delord bloodline to live there was Henry’s grand-daughter, Frances “Fanny” Hall. Fanny had inherited a great deal of weath from her family and became a self-taught nurse/doctor, administering to the needs of the poor & elderly in the community. She even formulated and marketed her own skin ointment – ‘Fanoline’ – throughout the northern states, which was an herbal remedy said to cure a variety of illnesses and ailments. Fanny lived out her adult life in Plattsburgh, eventually passing on in 1913.
For over a century, the Delord family played an integral role in the shaping of Plattsburgh’s political and social foundations helping to ensure its future success. In 1924, philanthropist William H. Miner purchased the home and established it as a historical museum. The museum collection includes well preserved Delord family treasures, such as, antique furniture, elegant oil paintings, period books, domestic objects and other personal possessions.
Visitors are welcome to schedule a tour of the museum, which opens its doors March 1st of each year. After May 1st, the museum is open for walk-ins. Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, noon – 4 p.m. and admission charges are:
Adults $5
Students $3
Children under twelve $2
The museum is closed to the public from December 24th through February 28th.
As a non-profit organization, this attraction heavily relies on the generous contributions of its patrons and members. To find out more about how you can visit or support the Kent Delord House Museum, please visit their website or contact them at the address/phone listed below.
http://www.kentdelordhouse.org/
Kent Delord House Museum
17 Cumberland Ave.
Plattsburgh, NY, 12901
PHONE: (518) 561-1035
FAX: (518) 562-1893
Lori St-Germain is a freelancer who lives in the Adirondack mountain region of upstate New York. She is an accomplished writer, graphic/web designer and dedicated wife. She has two children (miniature schnauzers) named Scooter and Radar. To contact the author, please write to lori@jingledog.com .
