Jordanville, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jordanville, New York
|
|
|---|---|
Settlement sign for Jordanville
|
|
 Jordanville, New York
Location in New York
Jordanville, New York
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Herkimer |
| Town | Warren |
| Elevation | 1,499 ft (457 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
13361
|
| Area code(s) | 315 |
Jordanville is a small community called a hamlet in Herkimer County, New York. It is located in the northwestern part of the town of Warren. Jordanville is found where two roads, New York State Route 167 and County Route 155, meet.
People from Europe first settled here before 1791, after the American Revolutionary War. The community got its name from a nearby stream, Ocquionis Creek. Settlers used this creek for baptisms, and it reminded them of the Jordan River.
Contents
History of Jordanville
The hamlet of Jordanville once had an electric trolley line. This line was part of the Southern New York Railroad. It connected Jordanville to other towns like Oneonta and Mohawk.
Gelston Castle
The Story of Gelston Castle
Gelston Castle was built in 1836 by a woman named Harriet Douglas Cruger. She used stone from Little Falls, New York, to construct it. Harriet was inspired by a castle her uncle owned in Scotland, which was also called Gelston Castle. She was known for being an independent person. A book called Miss Douglas of New York was written about her in 1953.
Family Ownership of the Castle
The castle later passed to Harriet's niece, Fanny Monroe Robinson. Fanny was the daughter of Harriet's sister, Elizabeth Mary Douglas. Fanny's husband, James Monroe, was the nephew of President James Monroe.
Fanny Robinson then left the castle to her son, Douglas Robinson. Douglas married Corrine Roosevelt, who was the sister of President Theodore Roosevelt. Their oldest son, Theodore Douglas Robinson, married Helen Roosevelt. Helen was a half-niece of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Helen Roosevelt Robinson was the last family member to live in the castle. She passed away on July 8, 1962.
Later Owners and Changes
After Helen Roosevelt Robinson died, her grandson, Douglas Robinson Jr., sold the property. It was bought by Jan Blair, who used it as a retirement home. In 1974, the Asian Conservation Laboratory bought the property. They then sold it to Frances Kudla, who also ran a retirement home there.
In 1979, Mrs. Kudla sold the property to Mstislav Rostropovich. He was a famous Russian cellist and became the musical director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. In 1983, he and his wife, a singer named Galina Vishnevskaya, built a large, modern home on the estate. This new home was close to the old castle.
The Castle Today
For much of the late 1900s, the castle was empty and fell apart. Most of its structure has now collapsed, much like the original Gelston Castle in Scotland. After Rostropovich returned to Russia in the late 1990s, the entire estate was known as Gelston Manor. Rostropovich's modern home was sold separately in 2006–2007.
Today, the castle is an important historical site. The Herkimer County Historical Society sometimes organizes tours called "Weekend at Gelston Castle." In 2007, the Safflyn Corporation bought Gelston Castle, the Rostropovich Mansion, and about 330 acres of land. This company focuses on environmental development. They help reduce carbon footprints and promote renewable energy.
The Rostropovich Mansion has been updated to be a "Green Building." It now operates as a wedding and event center called Chateau Safflyn. The old castle is kept as a historical attraction, and the property is open for tours on certain days.
Holy Trinity Monastery
A Place of Worship and Learning
The Holy Trinity Monastery is a special place for men who are part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. It is located about one mile (1.6 km) north of Jordanville. This monastery was started in 1928.
The monastery complex includes several buildings. There is a large main church called a cathedral, a tall bell tower, and a building where the monks live. It also has the Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary, which was founded in 1948. This entire complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Other Historic Buildings
Jordanville is also home to other important historic buildings. The Jordanville Public Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The Blatchley House, located near Jordanville, was added to the list in 2008.
Notable People from Jordanville
- William C. McDonald: He was born in Jordanville. He became the first Governor of the State of New Mexico.
- Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla): He was born in Czechoslovakia. He studied at the seminary in Jordanville before becoming a priest. He served at the Holy Trinity Monastery. Later, he became the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. He helped bring together different parts of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2007. He passed away in Jordanville and is buried at the monastery.
