Settlers in 1661
A man by the name Pierre Billiou was a part of the first group of official settlers in 1661.
The Billiou family occupied the home when the Dutch were taken into control by the English in 1664, building the first construction during 1663. During the colonial period, a gentleman by the name Thomas Stillwell was part of the English political system. While he held many positions, he also gained another by marrying into the Billiou family.
During the American Revolution, Ann Perine lived in the home with her seven children while British troops reportedly caused damage. Years later, being the widow of a Tory (Loyalist), Perine filed a claim to get reparations from the British government. With that, a few documents have been additionally preserved at Historic Richmond Town. Some of these documents include her will and names of 3 enslaved people, Mike, Phoebe, and Peter, who were also considered part of the estate.
During the early 1900s, 2 women by the name Gertrude Tate and Alice Austen were operating the “Box Tree Tea Room” in the home. Today, the building was designated an official New York City landmark in 1967 as well as being added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town has been able to appropriate funds to provide renovations needed for maintenance and had help from many dedicated community leaders. Through the extensive new research during 2017, the building has been generously supported by the Richmond County Savings Foundation, preserving the historical context of such an important landmark in the Staten Island community.
Many buildings/landmarks such as this one exist all over Staten Island, today. Check out our blogs to learn more!
Authored By:
Stephanie Pena
NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
stephanie@casandraproperties.com
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