Valentine–Varian House facts for kids
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Valentine–Varian House
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Valentine–Varian House, September 2008
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 Location in New York City
Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3266 Bainbridge Avenue, Norwood, Bronx, New York 10467 |
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| Built | 1758 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001841 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 21, 1978 |
The Valentine–Varian House is a very old house in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx, New York City. It was built in 1758 by Isaac Valentine. This makes it the second oldest house in the Bronx and the oldest farmhouse still standing!
The house was owned by the Varian family for many years. One family member, Isaac Varian, even became the 63rd Mayor of New York City. Today, the house is part of the Historic House Trust. It is home to the Museum of Bronx History and the offices of the Bronx County Historical Society. It's a two-story house made of stone with a sloped roof. The house was moved to its current spot in 1965 and carefully fixed up between 1965 and 1968.
Contents
A Glimpse into History: The Valentine–Varian House
Building a Home in 1758
This house is the second oldest in the Bronx. It was built in 1758 by Isaac Valentine. He was a successful blacksmith and farmer from Yonkers. The house was built using materials found nearby. This included pine trees for the floors and stone for the outside walls.
The Revolutionary War Story
During the American Revolutionary War, this house saw a lot of action. Soldiers from different sides, including Hessian, British, and American troops, stayed here. The house survived the war even though many battles happened nearby.
The British took control of the house in 1776. George Washington and his American troops were stationed nearby at the Van Cortlandt House. This made the Valentine–Varian House a place where British and American soldiers often clashed. Isaac Valentine, the owner, often had soldiers staying in his home. This was before the 3rd Amendment, which says soldiers cannot stay in private homes without permission during peacetime.
George Washington used the Valentine–Varian House as a key spot to plan against the British. The house is on a high point overlooking the Boston Post Road. American colonists gathered here to fire cannons at the British soldiers below. This is why the area was so important. The house's role in the war was written about in a book published in 1983.
Life After the War
After the Revolutionary War, Isaac Valentine faced money problems. The new country's economy was struggling, causing prices to rise. His wheat crops were also damaged by a pest called the Hessian fly. As cities grew and farming changed, Isaac Valentine sold his house. In 1792, he sold it to the wealthy Isaac Varian and his family.
Saving the House
The house was moved to its current location in 1965. It was then restored between July 1965 and May 1968. The house faced a lot of damage in the 1960s when it was being turned into a museum. Since becoming a museum, it has shown many exhibits about the Bronx and its history.
In the late 20th century, the Bronx faced challenges. President Jimmy Carter paid attention to this, which led to more state money for saving historic places in the borough.
What You'll See Today
The Valentine–Varian House is located at 3266 Bainbridge Avenue. It looks like a suburban house that doesn't quite fit the city around it. This is because the house has kept its original Georgian style. Meanwhile, the Bronx grew into a busy city.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation helps protect the house. The Bronx County Historical Society helps manage it. The house was originally across the street from where it is now. Apartment buildings stand on its first location today.
Inside, the house is a museum. It shows the history of the Bronx from the Revolutionary War to today. You can see an exhibit about the house's own history. There is also a room about American presidents who helped the Bronx. Plus, you can see items from American wars. The house is two stories, but only the first floor is open to the public. It is well-preserved, keeping its original layout and structure.
A statue of a Civil War soldier stands on the grounds of the house. It is sometimes called the Bronx River Soldier. John Grignoloa sculpted it. This statue does not have a direct history with the Valentine–Varian House itself. It was made in the 1890s as a memorial for a veterans' group. It was meant for Woodlawn Cemetery but was damaged before it got there.
A man named John B. Lazzari bought the damaged statue. He owned a nearby quarry. He put the statue on a footbridge over the Bronx River on his property. In 1964, the statue fell. It was later found near the site. The Bronx County Historical Society fixed it and now displays it near the house. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See also
- List of New York City Designated Landmarks in The Bronx
- National Register of Historic Places in Bronx County, New York
