Nestled amidst the modernity of the bustling metropolitan area, the Sherwood House stands as a living testament to America’s rich history. This stately structure, dating back to 1740, serves as one of the last surviving pre-Revolutionary War tenant farmhouses in the greater metropolitan area and the second oldest building in Yonkers.
Construction
Originally constructed by Thomas Sherwood, the house’s history is steeped in the annals of time. In 1776, General George Washington widened the Native American trail adjacent to Sherwood House to accommodate the passage of the Continental Army. Over the centuries, the house changed hands, witnessed growth, and morphed into a symbol of Yonkers’ evolving history.
One notable owner of the Sherwood House was Dr. John I. Ingersoll, who purchased the property in 1801. Dr. Ingersoll was not only a resident but also Yonkers’ first medical doctor, serving patients from White Plains to Riverdale. The annex added to the house during his tenure became his office for treating patients, showcasing the house’s adaptability over the years.
Following Dr. Ingersoll’s time, the house found itself in the hands of Frederick Weed, a retired businessman, in 1828. Remarkably, the Weed family retained ownership for nearly nine decades, marking the longest continuous ownership in its history. During this period, the house underwent significant expansions, including the addition of a second floor to the south annex.
Isaac Weed, Frederick Weed’s son, continued the family legacy by marrying Isabella, leading to further expansion of the south wing. However, in 1923, the Weed-Hicks family moved on. The house changed ownership again, this time into the hands of a realty company.
The year 1940 brought a transformative moment in the house’s history when Pietro Magnaldi and his wife purchased it. The couple converted the Sherwood House into the Royal Farms Restaurant International House, Yonkers’ very first Italian restaurant. This culinary chapter lasted until 1954 when the property was acquired by Con Edison of New York.
Preservation
Enter the Yonkers Historical Society, a guardian of the city’s heritage, which negotiated a lease of the property from Con Edison. Under the society’s stewardship, the Sherwood House underwent painstaking restoration efforts to return it to its original glory. The fruits of their labor culminated in the reopening of the Sherwood House Museum on July 15, 1962.
Since its revival, the Sherwood House Museum has continued to captivate visitors with its historical significance. Over the years, it has undergone several refurbishments, ensuring that its doors remain open to the public, offering walking tours and a glimpse into the city’s pre-Revolutionary past.
As Yonkers marches forward in the 21st century, the Sherwood House remains a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and preservation, reminding us all of the importance of safeguarding our collective history for future generations.
Watch a full tour of the Sherwood House by John Lazarro of Untapped Cities below:
