HISTORIC HUNT HOUSE TO GO
TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Seneca Falls - An important site in the history of the women's rights movement will be included in Women's Rights National Historical Park for all time

A coalition of foundations and citizens assembled by the Trust for Public Land and the National Trust for Historic Preservation was the successful bidders for the Hunt House, at 401 E. Main St., Waterloo. The Trust intends to donate the property to the National Park Service.

Bidding for the home where planning for the first women's rights convention was begun in 1848, began at $205,000 in the unique telephone auction. The successful bid was $231,000. The Olmsteads had originally put the home on the market for $139,900.

The bidding war nearly depleted the coalition's fund, intended to purchase and restore the home, said Eric Kulleseid, New York state director of the Trust for Public Land. He encouraged people interested in preserving women's history to make donations for the preservation of the important house. Contributions may be sent to: Trust for Public Land, 666 Broadway, 9th floor, New York, NY 10012.

Realtor Gregory Peet of Patchen Real Estate, which handled the sale for owners Thomas and Joan Olmstead, said four bidders were invited to participate. One bidder dropped out after the first round, leaving three contesting bidders in a battle that continued for nearly 45 minutes.

The 2,824-square foot federal style brick home with its distinctive white pillars is the last privately-owned structure associated with the beginnings of the women's rights movement in America as interpreted by the national park. Women's Rights Park was created by Congressional legislation 19 years ago this month.

"This exciting development will complete Women's Rights National Historical Park," said Superintendent Josie Fernandez. The park already owns the Elizabeth Cady Stanton house and the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls and the M'Clintock House in Waterloo.

Fernandez said the Hunt House sets the context of the story of struggle and perseverance that is commemorated in the national park. At the house, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha Wright, and Mary Ann M'Clintock met for tea hosted by Jane Hunt (at right), wife of wealthy mill owner Richard P. Hunt. The tea on July 9, 1848 brought together Quaker activists, mothers and wealthy and working women, showing the scope of women attracted to the struggle for women's rights from the very beginning. They pledged to work to obtain women's rights to property, education, work in the professions, and the right to vote.

In Seneca Falls 10 days later, 300 men and women met in the Wesleyan Chapel to debate and sign the Declaration of Sentiments, and the struggle for women's rights officially began. It continues to this day.

Fernandez said an historic structures report will be the first step in determining restoration needs and costs.

This year, the Park Service received private donations and federal funds needed to complete the restoration of the M'Clintock House, which has been compared in terms of national significance to the Graf House in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was written.

PREPARED: December 17, 1999

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12/17/99