by Sue Swingle
The Hinchey House, a Victorian Era Italianate house, located at 634 Hinchey Road, is a house full of history. It is listed on the Federal Registry of Historic Places and has received New York State Landmark status. It was built in the 1870s by Franklin Hinchey, a land and tax agent for the NYC Railroad as well as a dairy farmer. The house was built on part of the three-acre plot known as the Hinchey Homestead. This house and surrounding land is owned by the Town of Gates and maintained by the Gates Historical Society.
The house contains 14 rooms and most of the original furniture. It was occupied until 1998 when Harmon Hinchey died at the age of 89. Four generations of Hincheys had lived on the homestead. The house includes a two-seater privy and indoor plumbing. There is also a large barn on the property.
The Hinchey House is open for tours by appointment. Many events take place there, such as Victorian Teas and vintage clothing (bridal, hat, and period) exhibits. Each December, ten trees are decorated throughout the house by various groups for “Holly Days.” There is a gift shop where many different books about the Gates area are available for purchase. For information, visit www.gateshistory.org, call 464-9740, or email GatesHistoricalSociety@gmail.com. The Gates Historical Society can also be found on Facebook.
