I did some research before I embarked on my adventure to the  Merchant’s House Museum.    It was built in 1832 and inhabited by the Tredwell family and their Irish servants for almost 100 years.   It is New York City’s only 19th century house preserved intact with the original furnishings and personal belongings.   I was intrigued by the Merchant’s House. Seriously. when was the last time someone could buy a house like this for $18,000 in New York City, apparently 1835?

Also  The New York Times has called it the most haunted house in New York City.  The Tredwell family lived in the house for almost 100 years and many of them died there.  Gertrude Tredwell was born in the house, lived her entire life in the house and was the last to die at the age of 93 in the house. Some say she is still watching over her family home because of the strange occurrences that many have witnessed over the years: sounds, sightings and even smells.   I decided to take a self guided tour and  I admit as I was walking around I was feeling a little spooked  and the mannequin in this room gave me a bit of a fright.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The house has been beautifully preserved.  There are many interesting facts about what life was like during that era for the Tredwell family and their staff.  Everyday life was very formal and the Tredwells did a lot of entertaining in their home.

I had to chuckle at the Rules for Dining a la Francaise. 

The staff was comprised of Irish girls who were considered strong and believe me they must have been because tending to the 7 fireplaces in the Tredwell home was a tough job.  I picked up the coal bucket and it was heavy.  I can’t imagine lugging it up and down stairs all day long.

A really interesting fact about the Irish girls who worked in many homes as servants, is that in spite of prejudice and hardship, between 1845 and 1854 Irish immigrants, mostly single woman sent home $19 million dollars to help bring over their sisters and cousins so they could emigrate.  They would send the “Americkay letter” containing money or tickets.  The steerage fare was $20 and $5 for expenses.  If you think about the cost of the Merchant’s House at $18,000 and the cost of a steerage fare and expenses being $25, the fact that these young woman had amassed $19 million dollars to send home is mind blowing!

I don’t want to give away all the interesting facts that I learned while visiting.  You should go and see this little gem on East 4th street.  It is a beautiful time capsule of old New York.  There is a lot of construction happening around Merchant’s House but  I imagine that Gertrude will make sure her family home stands for another 100 years.  If you are brave enough you can take a candlelight ghost tour on February 19th, 2016, see prices on the website merchantshouse.org.  Museum admission is $13 for adults and $8 for students.  Stay tuned for my next adventure…