A Town Rich in History
Pawling is a town rich in history. There are many local landmarks, not the least
of which is on Charles Colman Boulevard in the Village of Pawling known as The Dutcher
House. It was built in 1884 by John B. Dutcher; hence, its name. It has continued
to be a source of pride with its red brick and white trim façade. Originally a hotel
where many operas and plays took place, it was converted into apartments in 1976.
The apartments are on the upper floors with shops and medical offices at street
level. The imposing structure is the centerpiece in the Village.
The John Kane House (circa 1760) is located on East Main Street in the Village.
This historic building is famous for having been used by General George Washington
as his headquarters during the months of September through November in 1778. John
Kane was a Tory who was stripped of his property and forced to leave. A fire eventually
destroyed the house and was replaced with the present structure during the first
quarter of the 19th century. There is a large collection of memorabilia pertaining
to that era as well as a room devoted to mementos and historical data commemorating
the life of Lowell Thomas, the world-renowned commentator who discovered Quaker
Hill. The famous broadcaster made his home there and attracted noted people such
as Governor Thomas E. Dewey, Edward R. Murrow, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and others
to the area he referred to as “the closest place to Heaven.”
The Akin Free Library is located on Quaker Hill in the Town of Pawling. The building
is a distinguished example of late Victorian design combining Renaissance Revival
and neo-Greco details and Italianate in massing. The three-story central tower is
topped with an ornate cupola which houses a working clock. The arched portico entrance
is impressive. The building is one of the most attractive and much admired edifices
in eastern Dutchess County, and contains a large library as well as a museum with
ongoing exhibits. Over a hundred years old, Akin Free Library was built by the then
local philanthropist Albert J. Akin. His educational, cultural and civic interests
live on through his overwhelming contributions to the people of Quaker Hill.
The Oblong Meeting House is also situated on Quaker Hill. It was built in 1764,
the first Quaker having settled in Pawling in 1728. Many Quakers settled in eastern
Pawling; hence, the name Quaker Hill. They were among the first to recognize the
equality of African-Americans and took action against slavery as early as 1767.
The Meeting House was converted into a hospital and used by Continental soldiers
in 1778. It is owned by The Historical Society of Quaker Hill and Pawling. The ancient
seats, stoves and partitions for separate worship by men and women are still in
place. The word Oblong in the title is based on the long, narrow tract of land along
the eastern boundary of Dutchess County, which Connecticut ceded to New York.
Tourists are encouraged to visit our landmarks by calling the Pawling Chamber of
Commerce office at (845) 855-0500.