Information of this sort has been established as historical fact. Information about any of those who established these homesteads has been determined after examination of letters and faded journals, as well as the many aural records passed along from one generation to another.
The Robert and Bertha Dopp Estate exists today, directly on the land that developed into the home and farm of that original continental soldier. That place is now named Fultonville, a sleepy little village nuzzled in along the bank of the Mohawk River in New York State.
For that soldier, the property he was award was but a days march from Saratoga, the last battlefield of the revolution, and a site that holds so much of early American History.
The entire Mohawk Valley, sometimes referred to as "The Leather Stocking" area of New York State, still maintains an aura of mystical fascination for those who choose to slow down and feel its splendor. Robert and Bertha often imagined the soldier-settler that first forged a household on the grounds where a beautiful 150 plus year old Greek Revival style home now stands.
According to the State of New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation "The State Historic Preservation Officer(SHPO) has reviewed the project of the Dopp property, and finds that a sifnificant resource (of evidence) has been identified showing the Dopp property to be an excellent example of a 19th century village farm complex." The report continues, "The house is a well preserved example of a farm house in the Federal Greek Revival; a transitional style home that has two excellent outbuildings which contribute to the historic significance. The property (as a whole) is eligible for the National Register." This was dated May 17, 1984 and signed by Julia S. Stokes, Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation.
Robert and Bertha have passed on into history. Their daughters, Sandra and Mary Ann have acquired the property, its history, as well as the mystery. They feel it is time to transfer the responsibility of ownership to someone with a sense of history willing to honor its significance in time and spirit.
|
