Vignettes of Poughkeepsie: Locust Grove, Friday, October 10th, 11:50 a.m.
On this crisp fall afternoon, the air was still and quiet at Locust Grove Estate. Upon wandering the grounds’ trails for close to an hour, just one man was found doing the same. When he saw that other people had decided to spend their Friday afternoon the same way he did, he gave a quick wave and continued on his way.
The estate itself is hidden behind gardens filled with brightly colored flowers and tall trees whose leaves are just in the middle of transitioning from green to orange, red and yellow. The gardens stretch to long lengths and the trees stand tall and proud along the walkways, although their leaves are beginning to cover the lawn.
Among the trees lies something no visitor would expect to see. Tucked away on a quiet trail near the mansion is a small pet cemetery where around 20 of a family’s dogs are buried. The dogs belonged at some point over time to members of the Young family, who resided at Locust Grove for around 80 years and who eventually founded the museum.
Locust Grove stood as the home of William and Martha Young from 1895. They renovated their home both inside and out, decorating the inside with their beloved collection of antiques and adorning the outside with the gardens that meet visitors upon their entrance to the grounds. William and Martha’s daughter Annette, lived at the home until 1975.
Today, there is a visitor’s center stationed where guests first drive onto the property. The grounds are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for wanderers to get lost and view the scenery. The public can get an inside look at the Locust Grove Estate by signing up for a guided tour. Tours are offered daily from May 1 to Oct. 31.
