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100 Years Ago at Merestead
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Merestead:Life 100 Years Ago

Elegance is a word that suggests timelessness and an understated quality. It is a word that connotes a classic style, good taste and simplicity. In the beginning of the 20^th century, for New York’s social elite, elegance was the hallmark of their lifestyle. This exhibition celebrates the 100^th anniversary of Merestead as a reflection of the elegant lifestyle of the Sloane family 1904-1909.

What is Merestead? 

Merestead, Scottish for farmland, is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.  It is the former estate of William Sloane (1873-1922) who was president of W & J Sloane, and his daughter Margaret Sloane Patterson (1910-2000) .The 130-acre estate consists of farmland, woods, gardens, and buildings including a 1906 Georgian Revival house designed by architects Delano and Aldrich.  Margaret Sloane Patterson and her husband Dr Robert L. Patterson, Jr. bequeathed Merestead to the County of Westchester, New York to be used as a park and historic house museum.   Merestead became a Westchester County Park with the passing Margaret on Aug. 3, 2000.

An Elegant Couple

William Sloane was born on Feb. 18, 1873.  He prepared at Cutler School in New York and graduated from the 1895 class of Yale.  He grew up in the lap of Gilded Age luxury destined to assume the leadership of W & J Sloane, a “house furnishing” company his grandfather started originally as a carpet warehouse in 1843 in New York City.  William became president in Jan. 1906.  

Frances Crocker Sloane
According to family history, William met Frances Church Crocker (Aug. 23, 1873-Feb. 5, 1962) in Lenox, MA where both families had vacation “cottages.”   Frances was also part of the society that William knew in New York. 

Her father was an influential metal merchant who served on many boards as a director including the Bank of America. 

Frances and William were married on Nov. 22, 1904

As Merestead celebrates its 100^th anniversary, we welcome you to come walk the grounds and trails. They are open daily 8:00 to dusk.  You too can imagine what it was like to live in elegance on a 130-acre estate when owning land was important and it took a staff of twelve to operate the estate.  

If you have any questions or would like information, please call (914) 666-4258.

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