Highlands Historic Preservation Visits Putnam County’s Earliest Farm Site
By Tom Maxson
The November “Magical History Tour” by Highlands Historic Preservation took their history loving hikers to one of Putnam County’s most important historic sites. Guided by former Putnam County and Town of Carmel Historian, Allan Warnecke, the group started at the Hill Cemetery on Hill Street in Red Mills, Mahopac. A veteran of the French and Indian War, Captain William Hill, rests here along with many of his family members, including fellow patriots Noah Hill, William Hill, Jr., and Cornelius Hill. Mr. Warnecke told the group that the first Hill farmhouse, built after patriarch Anthony Hill purchased the land from the local Native Americans in 1741, was located adjacent to the cemetery on its north side, which was later replaced around 1843 by the Greek Revival style home that stands to the west today.
The original sale by the Native Americans was not recognized by the Philipse family, who held the royal patent, and they resold the farm to Captain William Hill in 1763, the first such sale by the Philipses. In 1758, Mary Philipse had a prenuptial agreement constructed prior to marrying Col. Roger Morris of the British Army, which stated that any property owned by the couple would pass down directly to their children. After New York State confiscated this land from the loyalists in 1780, and resold it through the Commissioners of Forfeiture, the ownership of this property was challenged by John Jacob Astor, who had later purchased the property rights from the Philipse children. This became the subject of a landmark United States Supreme Court case before Chief Justice John Marshall in the early 1800s, which helped set the precedent of reviewing lower court opinions. They also reaffirmed that the Hill family were the rightful owners. As a result of all of these important historic milestones, this property has been registered with the New York State Office of Historic Preservation, which makes it eligible for the National Register.
As noted on the 1854 historical map, there were three outbuildings, including a barn located just across the driveway from the house. This farm remained in the Hill family until 1854, when Abijah Smith obtained it from Thomas Hill in a land swap deal. Smith’s granddaughter, Sarah Amanda Curry, married Kelsie T. Agor, and this began the ownership by the Agor family. Their son, Theron Smith Agor (1880-1914), and grandson Jesse Clifford Agor (1904-2001) continued on the farm. Jesse Agor developed the adjacent Mahopac Airport property, and later Lake MacGregor, selling building lots around the lake. The airport runway is currently being used for 5 and 6-year olds’ childrens’ games, which has created concerns about the impact of heavy traffic through the historic Hill-Agor Farm site, which is used as the conduit.
Mr. Warnecke discussed what has become known as “The Wedding Plan”, which would encompass the Hill-Agor farmhouse, now owned by Putnam County, the Red Mills Historic Park, and the Putnam National Golf Club’s reception facilities. Wedding parties could meet at the farmhouse, take a horse-drawn carriage to the Red Mills Park, where the historic Red Mills Chapel would be located. After the ceremony, the wedding party could take photos at the Park with its beautiful gazebo and flowing water, and then take the carriage ride back to the reception at the golf club. Since the average wedding in Putnam County now costs about $45,000, and helps to employ a large number of support staff and professionals, this new revenue source could help support the facilities used in the wedding plan. It is projected that enough additional profit would be generated to support historic preservation projects throughout the county as well. Today, many of these weddings are migrating outside of Putnam County, with the County losing out on the numerous benefits of having a vibrant wedding industry. Unfortunately, reaction from many public officials in Carmel and the County has been less than enthusiastic, but there have been some notable exceptions, such as County Legislator Dini Lobue.
The history hikers then passed by Lake MacGregor, with the Putnam National Golf Course just to the east, and then ascended Austin Hill. At the top they rested at what is now the Austin Road Elementary School, and then proceeded to the Job C. Austin farm on Austin Road, which is also part of the County property. Mr. Warnecke pointed out that this property was perfectly suited for athletic fields, and had much easier access for the public, and for the adjacent public school as well. There is a house which could be used for a recreation headquarters, and several old outbuildings that could be used for rest rooms, equipment storage, and concession stands.
As the hikers passed back to the Hill-Agor Farm, there was ample evidence of a great deal of soil disturbance on the property. The New York State DEC had previously issued a stop-work order, but the County has recently excavated a portion of the western edge of the farm, and created a large parking area. Preservationists are concerned that cultural artifacts and remains could be damaged or lost on this important historic site, with its archaeological significance. It was also noted that the house itself has deteriorated in just the past few years, as a strategy of “destruction through neglect” seems to be in effect. It is essential that this historic and cultural gem in Putnam County be protected and properly preserved for the benefit of Putnam County residents.
The associate sponsors of these free “Magical History Tours” include the Kent Historical Society, and the ROCKS organization (formerly the Putnam County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission). For more information, visit Highlands’ facebook page, email thomasmaxson@HighlandsPreservation.org, or call (845) 249-8880.
