"Glenfeld" or "Magee Manor" - The Home of Gen. George. J. Magee
Watkins, New York

"The old Leake grove and gardens in Watkins, New York, were bought in 1865 by Frederick Davis, Jr., from Henry A. Delavan, and in 1868 he erected a fine brick residence and improved the surroundings which originally were of great natural beauty. He sold to General George J. Magee in June, 1871, whose coal and railroad holdings in the area were enormous. He nearly entirely rebuilt and greatly enlarged the structure, re-graded and adorned the grounds, and now has one of the most ornate and attractive homes in Lake Country.¹"

During its occupancy by General Magee and his family, it became a stunning property, overlooking a wide view of Seneca Lake. It was a massive Victorian house, with enormous greenhouses, stables, a casino with bowling alleys, numerous outbuildings for servants and ice, and a boat house on the shore of Seneca lake. The social events were frequent, with attendance by powerful businessmen, bankers and politicians. Social events were catered, decorated and stunning affairs, often chronicled in the New York Times. And as new inventions came out of the late 19th century, they were sure to be added to Glenfeld: electricity, telephone and, much appreciated, pumped hot water.

Upon his death, his wife, Emma Stothoff, and family remained in the house until her death in 1927. In later days, donated to the town by the Magee family, it became a youth hostel; a recreation park; a branch of the Newark State School; housing for Korean War veterans; a place for religious retreats. In its final years various rooms and buildings were rented as apartments.

It was finally torn down in 1960. And construction began in 2015, to create terrace apartments on the land.

Resources are at the left for photographs of the property; for news archives about the property from 1873 to the present day; as well as a link to the Magee Family's Fall Brook Railroad.

¹ From letter to the editor printed in Watkins Express, January 11, 1894.

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Last Updated: March 21, 2022