The Parks-Bentley Place
UPPER HUDSON
http://parksbentleyplace.wix.com/parks-bentley-place
P.O. Box 1187
South Glens Falls, NY 12803
Hours: Open to public on Thursdays from 1PM to 4PM and by appointment
Phone: (518)-745-7741
Historical Description:
Daniel Parks, Jr.
Daniel Moved his family to a log cabin (where the Parks-Bentley Place is currently) in 1773. A French and Indian War veteran, Daniel was a member of the earliest settling family in the Town of Moreau. His father Lt. Daniel Parke, Sr. settled at Wings Falls on the south side of the Hudson River in 1766. The Village of South Glens Falls was first known as Parks Mills until after the Revolution. By establishing a ferry, sawmill, gristmill, and brickyard, the Parks family contributed a great deal to the early history of South Glens Falls.
Cornelius Bentley
Known as a man of considerable means, Cornelius and his family occupied this site from the late 1800's through the early 1900's. He was especially proud of his fish ponds. Harriet A. Bentley, Cornelius's daughter, a noted military historian and an artist, published the Military Road from Fort Edward to Lake George. She also lived in South Glens Falls until her death in 1930. A son, John A. Bentley, became a famous lawyer and made Commissioner of Pensions in Washington, D.C. He served as Commissioner during the presidencies of Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes.
The Site:
The Parks-Bentley Place features a Keeping Room, recently refurbished with a bee hive fireplace, an assumed Underground Railroad hiding place for escaping slaves, a unique library and a photo room that contains local school memorabilia.
Directions:
From NYS Thruway (I-87):
• Exit I-87 at exit #17/ US-9 North • Take US-9 towards Saratoga Ave • 46 Saratoga Ave. will be on the left
