Payne Mansion
The Payne Mansion is located in the town of Esopus in Ulster County, New York. The 42,000-square-foot (3,900 m2) Beaux Arts-style palazzo was designed by the renowned architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings, who also designed the New York Public Library and the Frick Collection. It is one of the most architecturally significant houses in the Hudson Valley[1] and is now owned by Marist College.
History
The name of the mansion derives from Oliver Hazard Payne (1839–1917). He served as a colonel in the American Civil War, during which time he was grievously wounded. Following this he became involved in oil refining and founded the company Clark, Payne & Co. In 1872 it was purchased by John D. Rockefeller. Payne became the treasurer of Standard Oil and one of the wealthiest men in America. He constructed the mansion in 1909-11. Payne never married or had children. Upon his death in 1917, the house passed to one of his nephews, Harry Payne Bingham. Bingham donated the estate to the Episcopal Diocese of New York in 1933, which established the Wiltwyck School for Boys, serving troubled children from 1937-1966.[2] Part of the estate, including the mansion, was purchased by the Marist Brothers, founders of Marist College, in 1942. The House was used as a retreat for several years.[3]
Raymond A. Rich
In 1986, the mansion and 60 acres (240,000 m2) was purchased from the Marist Brothers by Raymond A. Rich (1912–2009). Rich was a wealthy businessman and industrialist. Following his purchase, he restored the house to its former glory. Rich was the CEO of U.S. Filters Corp during the 1970s. He resided in the mansion until his death in June 2009.[4][5]
Marist College
In September 2009, it was revealed that Rich had bequeathed the estate to Marist College, located on the other side of the Hudson River. The house was estimated to be worth $65 million at the time. Additionally, Rich set aside $10 million for the school to establish a leadership institute. This brings the house full circle following its ownership by the Marist Brothers. The 60-acre (240,000 m2) riverfront estate will be retained by the school to be a part of the Raymond A. Rich Leadership Institute. The mansion will possibly be used for speakers, conferences and workshops by the school.[6]