Today in History: Greyston Mansion Is Gifted to Teachers College

"...a splendid example of the Victorian Gothic style of the Civil War era and a reminder of the service to the city and nation of successive generations of the Dodge family, notably in the field of education."

-- Greyston Conference Center.

On May 27th, 1963, Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland E. Dodge gave "Greyston" (formerly "William E. Dodge House"), their family home at 690 West 247th Street, to Teachers College, Columbia University, to use as a conference center. This significant three-story property, with sweeping entrance,  Gothic arches, and ornate porches, was designed in the early 1860s by James Renwick, Jr., architect of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and Grace Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. Built with native gray granite and offering Tudor and Elizabethan architectural elements, the Gothic Revival mansion offered magnificent views onto the Hudson River and surrounding oak and copper beech trees as old as 18th century.

Greyston served as a country home for William Earl Dodge, Jr., (1832-1903), eldest son of the eponymous prominent merchant and philanthropist.  Father and son were closely associated with Phelps, Dodge & Company, an international business in copper and other metals. William E. Dodge, Jr. helped develop the Columbia School of Mines, and his eldest child, Grace Hoadley Dodge (1856-1914), was the philanthropic founder,  Treasurer, and member of the Board of Trustees of Teachers College, Columbia University (originally the New York School for the Training of Teachers) who lived at Greyston for many decades and hosted social functions there. Grace Dodge bequeathed Greyston to her nephew, Cleveland E. Dodge, who made it his home beginning in 1920, and he later moved with his family into a smaller house in 1961.

Greyston was listed as a New York City historic landmark the Bronx in 1970. Under the Fischer Administration, the 9,000 square foot property was sold to Zen Buddhist Community for $600,000. With increasing financial concerns, the Zen Community later sold it for $1.6 million in 1988.

The following articles are drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.

• William E. Dodge Dead: Noted New York Financier and Philanthropist. (1903, Aug 10). The Sun (1837-) 
• Pilgrims' Supper in London. (1904, Jan 30). New York Times (1857-1922) \
• Fortune to Charity from Grace Dodge: Will Shows Gifts of $700,000 to Y.W.C.A. and $500,000 to Teachers College. Brother Gets Her Home, Residue Bequeathed to Him and Two Sisters -- Value of Estate Not Given. (1915, Jan 05). New York Times (1857-1922) 
• To Honor Y.W.C.A. Aides: Mrs. Dodge Will Give Luncheon for Executives Tomorrow. (1933, Sep 22). New York Times (1923-) 
• Robertson, N. (1963, May 28). Columbia Given Dodge Mansion: Century-Old House Goes to Teachers College. New York Times (1923-) 
• Handler, M.S.. (1964, Jun 15). Negro Protest Held Effective: Freedom House Finds Many Believe Action Aids Drive. New York Times (1923-) 
• Conn, S.R. (1966, Oct 16). Riverdale: Woods, Spacious Lawns and 28 Minutes to Grand Central. New York Times (1923-) 
• Carmody, D. (1970, Sep 27). Quiet Cool of Riverdale Belies Nearness of the City's Frenzy. New York Times (1923-) 
• Stadler, T. S. (1980, Apr 27). Proposals Gain for Development of Bronx Estates: Development Plans for Estates Gain. New York Times (1923-) 
• Foderaro, L.W.  (1987, Jun 28). Gothic Revival: Renwick in Riverdale. New York Times (1923-) 

Tips:

• Faculty Use of Greyston. 1966. Teachers College Office of the President. John H. Fischer-Office of the President (1962-1974).
• Greyston Conference Center. October 13, 1970, Number 4 lP-0672 .  Landmarks Preservation Commission. 
• Greyston (William E. and Sarah T. Hoadley Dodge, Jr., Estate) Gatehouse. March 22, 2011, Designation List 440 LP-239 . Landmarks Preservation Commission. 
• History of Greyston House. 1972.  Teachers College Office of the President. John H. Fischer-Office of the President (1962-1974).
• Teachers College Administration. Greyston. 1890. Teachers Collegiana T(CANA). Card Index (Academic and Administrative).
• Teachers College, Columbia University. Greyston Conference Center Brochure. 1963.  Teachers College Office of the President. John H. Fischer-Office of the President (1962-1974).
• William E. Dodge House / Conference Center.  NYC Landmarks.

Images:

• Side View of Greyston Mansion.  Karina. NYC Landmarks.
• Poster Image:  William E. Dodge House. Courtesy of Wikipedia.
• Hand Drawing of Greyston Conference Center. Teachers College, Columbia University. Greyston Conference Center Brochure. 1963. Courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University.