Timeline of Events
The timeline on this page puts important milestones - related both to the house and to the coalition - into perspective.
Early Life
John Green was probably born near Albany in 1772, was married in Clarkstown in 1798 and bought a house in South Nyack the same year. He was a boatman, a laborer, then a businessman, and his entreprenuerial skills left their mark on the region. After his arrival in Nyack he was involved with lumberyards, steamship docks and roadways, which served to connect Nyack and spur its growth.
Construction
Green - who was about 47 years old at the time - has the house built in sandstone with a roof in the Dutch gambrel style.
During Green's lifetime
During Green's lifetime the house continues to be a place of business. While it does not serve as his main residence (which was less than 1 mile away in S.Nyack), it does serve as both office and home for the manager of the local Green family businesses, a position held by various of John Green’s six sons. A note about Green in the era of slavery is here.
For Sale
Green begins to attempt to sell the property as evidenced by several newspaper ads. In one case the advertisement verbiage includes, "Said property consists of about 3-4 of an acre of land, with a dock in front. On the premises there is a fine two story dwelling house, 28 by 32 feet..."
Green's death
John Green passes away and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetary in Nyack, NY. Some years later the entire property and the business are sold to Thomas Magee.
Mixed usage
At some point in the later 19th century the 3rd floor is finished, dormers and a front porch are added, and the house is converted into three apartments. Over the years, many people rent these affordable apartments. It goes through times of both good and bad upkeep and positive and negative experiences for renters.
The wrecking ball looms..
Village of Nyack posts the building as unsafe.
A Coalition to Rehabilitate the house
John Green Preservation Coalition (JGPC) forms and announces it has acquired the house and intends to rehabilitate and restore it. The coalition holds a press conference with (then) Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White and State Senator David Carlucci on the site to announce the news.
Register of Historic places
Successful applications - spearheaded by Lisa Buckley - result the adddition of the house to both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Getting to Work
The Coalition gets busy after acquisition, led by architect Win Perry. Much work is done to gut the interior of house of its modern fixtures and finishes, and to expose the original wooden floorboards. Sandstone walls - damaged or deteriorating over the years - are exposed by removing harmful stucco. The Coalition begins involving the community in working parties to get things done. A grant from the New NY Bridge Community Benefit Fund (supplemented by community contributions) enables the bracing of the walls, structural support of the walls and roof, and the installation of a historically accurate cedar shingle roof.
Village of Nyack Landmark status
The Village of Nyack designates the John Green House as a Village Landmark. Hooray!
Pomeroy Foundation Historical Marker
The Pomeroy Foundation awards a Historical Marker to the John Green House and it is mounted proudly on the front lawn facing the sidewalk. See the marker here .
A NY State Grant
NY State reimbursable CREST grant for 75K is won. This, together with funds raised within the community, allows work to begin with mason Steve Morris to restore the West (front) wall to its original sandstone. An anonymous donor provides additional stones from the grounds of an old house elsewhere in the county.
Further Funding
Generous Grants from the Daughters of the American Revolution (Shatemuc Chapter) and an anonymous NYC-based Foundation allow continuation of Wall restoration as well as windows and doors.
Today
The Coalition holds fast and is determined to face all challenges. The house remains the oldest house still standing in the Nyacks .
(*see the JGPC homepage, historical documents, and online news sources like lohud.com for more details).