Guestbook

We are so happy you are preserving this architectural and historical treasure!

My grandparents (the Touchettes) lived down the street from the manor on the corner of Wheeler and Mountain streets. My mother and father were married in 1949 at Notre Dame Church and had their wedding reception at Skene Manor. I have fond memories of the manor when visiting my grandparents in the 1950s and '60s.

My wife attended law school in Vt and I passed thru Whitehall on my way there. I oftened wondered about the large house high above the town as one could see it driving North towards Whitehall. Sometime about 1995 I stopped with my wife and we drove up to see Skene Manor. No one was there and we could see that the property looked abandoned. Now, I am glad to see that the place is being restored and used in some capacity. Someday we hope to return and tour the mansion thanks to your hard work and commitment. Sincerely, an old house lover Mark and Martha Colburn

Hello .I was one of the prospective buyers of the property when it was being sold by Mr Murphy. I believe it was around 1985ish. Unfortunately due diligence was performed on the property and there was insufficient income to support it as a thriving business. The third floor was also at the time unlivable due to no heat or electricity.
I took many photos (slides) at the time maybe I could come up and visit to share them with the group. I'm glad it fell into good hands as I also had heard about a buyer that wanted to move the building from its present site. It belongs where it is for many more generations to enjoy.
David Cvinar

Good morning.

I definitely would love to check out this great historic manor. I bet it's great inside. I do understand it's always treated as a museum. I actually grew up in Hudson Falls, just south of Whitehall. I do have at least a few family friends that live in Whitehall of course. I went to Hudson Falls School. I bet this manor has something to do with history of America especially both French And Indian War 1754-63 and the Revolution 1775-83. Now I wonder how much it would cost per admission. I thank you for your time when I visit this site.

I've never been to Skene Manor but plan on it in the near future. I've always admired this amazing home from road on our way in to VT. I've admired from a distance long enough and need to visit the Manor. See you soon.

My wife and I have been here a couple of times and it is always a perfect time. Lunch is the right touch for a Sunday drive and Whitehall is full of history things to see and do. Any Navy buffs out there ??
Highly recommended . Way to go "Volunteers" !!!

I had a great time there on the 12th. I will come up again, soon!

My wife is a descendant of Nathanial Potter and is a 5th cousin 4X removed of Judge Potter. I am a native of Whitehall. We had lunch there on October 18. We were also given a tour after lunch. Gail and I had been there before and wanted to see the ever changing and improving treasure that Whitehall has preserved. We also had seen a small portrait of a child in the upstairs bedroom (second floor, front room on the north side of the house). The child in the small portrait looked like one of our daughters so we wanted to see it again. It took us a while to locate it but we did finally just before we left. I asked for permission to look at the rear of the photo and saw that it was taken on July 16th, 1905 and that it was of Katie Kelly, age 17. The portrait was beautiful as was our daughter. I have since done additional research as my maternal grandmother's maiden name was Kelly. I am fairly convinced that the child in the photo is my grand aunt Mabel Catherine Kelly, b. 14 Oct 1887, d. 29 Jun 1956 both in Whitehall. There is a genetic reason why our daughter looked very much like this girl. I have one question now... does anyone know why this particular child's portrait is displayed in that bedroom of Skene Manor? Was it selected at random because of its beauty? Or is there a link to the heritage of the building? We'll be back next year. 🙂