Dusenberry Homestead

Finding Fires - Tompkins County

Dusenberry Homestead

Freeville, New York 13068, United States

Created By: Ithaca Heritage

Information

Date: May 28, 1936

Early in the morning on May 28th, 1936, the Dusenberry homestead in Dusenberry Hollow was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The home had been built around 1830 by Henry L. Dusenberry, one of the earliest white settlers in the area, and Dusenberry Hollow’s namesake. Henry Dusenberry had been given his land between Catskill turnpike and Bridle Road as compensation for his military service. He built his first home as a log cabin, and later, built the house that would stand for a hundred years. The house was full of valuable antiques, a few of which were saved by volunteers who fought the blaze. Henry's grandson Zina Dusenberry had been confined to his bed the night the fire broke out, likely due to illness, but escaped with the help of a sister-in-law, who was staying at the home.


Zina Dusenberry, was the last descendent to bear the Dusenberry name, and perhaps the most well-liked and remembered member of one of Dryden’s pioneer families.

LISTEN HERE

This point of interest is part of the tour: Finding Fires - Tompkins County


 

Leave a Comment

 


 

Download the App

Download the PocketSights Tour Guide mobile app to take this self-guided tour on your GPS-enabled mobile device.

iOS Tour Guide Android Tour Guide

 


 

Updates and Corrections

Please send change requests to changerequest@pocketsights.com.