This lot was formed when Jacob D. Vanderheyden,
an original settler of Troy, surveyed and subdivided
his property in 1787. After passing through numerous
owners, 88 First Street was used in 1833 as a home and
office by Dr. James Thorn, a noted physician, surgeon
and mayor of Troy who owned it from 1836 to 1864. In
1867, Thomas A. and Helen Knickerbacker purchased
the house, and in 1872 purchased and moved to 86 First
Street. After 88 First Street passed through two more
owners, it was returned to the Knickerbacker family
in 1944. John Knickerbacker continued to live in the
adjacent brownstone and deeded 88 First Street to
Russell Sage College in December 1944.
Among the oldest surviving structures in the City of
Troy, this historic brick building was reconstructed
and renovated in 2001 through the generosity of
Edith G. McCrea, RSC 1924, who has supported the
restoration of this and other historic buildings on
the Russell Sage College campus.
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