This stone house is the kind built not only by the Dutch in the Hudson Valley, but also by early Germans and Huguenots. Although the house is called the Kip House, the original builder and owner was James Hussey, who is buried in the cemetery of the Fishkill Dutch Reformed Church. James Hussey's house was originally a primitive structure of two rooms, later expanded by Hendrick Kipp, who added two rooms toward the west with a hall. In the north wall, about in line with the chimney, is a stone marked 1753. Immediately to the east of the front porch is another stone cut with H.K. 1753.
The original entrance was on the South side of the house facing Fishkill Creek. Also facing that was the heavily traversed main thoroughfare between New England and the river. Sometime in the 19th century, the road changed its course, and the main entry was changed. In the doorway is a divided door that has been described as one of the best examples to be found of a primitive 18th century divided door with a bullseye in the upper half.
The owner of the house during the Revolutionary War was Evert Swart. Evert Swart was active in patriot activities and rounding up supplies for the rebel cause. This fact therefore leads to the long held legend that the house was used for a time by Baron von Steuben, Washington's drill master, who would later be headquartered at Mount Gulian.
The original entrance was on the South side of the house facing Fishkill Creek. Also facing that was the heavily traversed main thoroughfare between New England and the river. Sometime in the 19th century, the road changed its course, and the main entry was changed. In the doorway is a divided door that has been described as one of the best examples to be found of a primitive 18th century divided door with a bullseye in the upper half.
The owner of the house during the Revolutionary War was Evert Swart. Evert Swart was active in patriot activities and rounding up supplies for the rebel cause. This fact therefore leads to the long held legend that the house was used for a time by Baron von Steuben, Washington's drill master, who would later be headquartered at Mount Gulian.