Katonah in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Stable Courtyard
John Jay Homestead
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
1. The Stable Courtyard Marker
The coachman’s house on your right and carriage barn on your left were built between 1801 and 1802. gated stone fences connected the two buildings and created a courtyard where the coaches and horses could be cared for and prepared for use.
The second floor of the coachman’s house initially had both a hay loft and living quarters for the coachman. The lower level had stalls for Jay’s carriage and riding horses and ponies.
The carriage barn accommodated the Jay’s coaches, carriage horses, and tack (harnesses, bridles, etc.). Feed and hay were also stored here. Through the 1920s, a pair of large bay doors opened out into the courtyard to allow easy access for carriages. With the advent of automobiles, the carriage barn became a garage.
Erected by Friends of the Jay Homestead. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1801.
Location. 41° 15.114′ N, 73° 39.54′ W. Marker is in Katonah, New York, in Westchester County. Marker can be reached from Jay Street (New York State Route 22) 0.1 miles Beaver Dam Road, on the left when traveling south. Located on the grounds of the John Jay Homestead. Touch for map.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Barn Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Intergenerate Chicken Co-op (within shouting distance of this marker); The Farm Manager’s Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brick Lot (within shouting distance of this marker); Bedford House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Schoolhouse and Homestead Lawn (within shouting distance of this marker); The North Lawn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The John Jay Potting Sheds (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Katonah.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 14, 2009
2. The Stable Courtyard Marker in front of the Coachman's House
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
3. Thomas Ryan - Coachman
[ detail from the marker ]
Horses and ponies were always a part of life at the Homestead. Three generations of Ryans served as Jay coachmen. The last member to do so was Thomas, shown in this photograph, ca. 1910. The Iselin children, Dorothy, Arthur, and baby Eleanor are seated with their nurse in the wicker cart.
Horses and ponies were always a part of life at the Homestead. Three generations of Ryans served as Jay coachmen. The last member to do so was Thomas, shown in this photograph, ca. 1910. The Iselin children, Dorothy, Arthur, and baby Eleanor are seated with their nurse in the wicker cart.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
4. Cobblestones
[ detail from the marker ]
Archeological testing revealed that the yard was once paved with patterned cobblestones. Under the yard are several brick, and stone-lined cisterns that were once part of the farmstead water system.
Archeological testing revealed that the yard was once paved with patterned cobblestones. Under the yard are several brick, and stone-lined cisterns that were once part of the farmstead water system.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
5. The Iselin Children
[ detail from the marker ]
The Iselin children mount up in the stable courtyard, ca. 1915.
The Iselin children mount up in the stable courtyard, ca. 1915.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 10, 2009
6. Automobiles
[ detail from the marker ]
The family convertible parked in the courtyard, ca. 1930. Family records show that the Jay’s owned a variety of American and European-made automobiles, including a Model T and a Pierce Arrow.
The family convertible parked in the courtyard, ca. 1930. Family records show that the Jay’s owned a variety of American and European-made automobiles, including a Model T and a Pierce Arrow.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 703 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 21, 2009, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
