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Glenholme: A Historic Estate’s Evolution & Enduring Charm

Barons of Broadway #19

In this episode of Barons of Broadway, we explore Glenholme at 501 North Broadway, one of Nyack’s most iconic Victorian buildings, and the setting for several movies, including Stepmom. James Crumbie, a wealthy New York City pharmacist, began spending summers with his family in Upper Nyack around 1858 in a house on the old Palmer farm. His son, Frank, later became a long-time mayor of Upper Nyack and was a founder and president of the Nyack YMCA. The Crumbie family’s legacy includes the estate house Glenholme as well as Crumbie’s Glen, and the charming cottage known as the Doll House, both of which enhance the estate’s beauty.

Glenholme

James Crumbie (1809-1879)

James Crumbie, the son of Westchester’s first newspaper publisher, built his fortune through a successful New York City drugstore at 4th and Broadway. After retiring in 1860, he focused on managing his real estate holdings in Manhattan and Upper Nyack. In 1857, he purchased riverfront property that was once part of the Palmer farm, possibly building or renovating a house there. In 1874, Crumbie expanded his estate by purchasing an adjacent plot from Peter Voorhis.

By 1875, Crumbie and his family lived on North Broadway, along with a coachman and two servants. His impressive barouche, likely one of the few in Nyack, made local headlines. A semicircular driveway connected the two homes on the property. Crumbie passed away in 1879 at age 60 at the Glenham Hotel in Manhattan, likely contracting pneumonia after riding in his barouche.

A typical barouche driven by two hourses seated four, two facing forward and two behind the coachman. It is possible that one of the local carriage and sleigh makers, the Wrights or the Christies, made Crumbie’s barouche. Only the wealthy could afford such a luxurious carriage.

Frank Resler Crumbie (1863-1960)

Frank Crumbie was born in Manhattan in 1863 and spent many summers at the family’s Upper Nyack home. He enjoyed summer church picnics on their spacious grounds. Educated in New York public schools, he graduated from Columbia Law School in 1884 and went on to practice law in Manhattan.

In 1897, Frank married Annie E. Towt, the granddaughter of prominent Nyack resident John W. Towt. Annie’s sister married another Baron of Broadway, LeRoy Frost, and both Frost and Crumbie served on the commuter committee of 1903. The newlyweds restored a house across North Broadway from the family home, though this was not the house that would become famous as Glenholme.

Crumbie and neighbor Leroy Frost served together on the Commuters’ Committee. They made an appearance before the Erie Railroad to express commuter grievances.

“Mr. Upper Nyack”

Frank Crumbie’s civic contributions were significant. He served as Upper Nyack’s mayor from 1912 to 1937, became the oldest living member of Upper Nyack’s Empire Hook and Ladder Company, and was president of the Rockland County Trust Company for 18 years. Additionally, he played a vital role in the Nyack Presbyterian Church and was celebrated for his work with the Nyack YMCA.

Crumbie, Nyack YMCA President

Already an officer at Manhattan’s East Side YMCA, Crumbie enthusiastically helped establish the Nyack YMCA. In 1888, he joined a group of twenty men, including Edward Hopper’s father, Garrett Hopper, in planning its foundation. By early 1889, the organization had formed, and Crumbie was elected president in 1894. Under his leadership, the YMCA grew from 20 members to over 1,000.

The Nyack YMCA once had an entrance on Main Street when they occupied the old St. Nicholas Hotel building. Courtesy of the Nyack Library.

Crumbie successfully orchestrated two moves for the YMCA, including one to Burd Street, where a new gym was built. The YMCA even showed movies there before Nyack had a movie theater. On a ferry commute, Crumbie discussed the need for YMCA expansion with philanthropist Edwin H. Gould, who later donated $126,000, funding much of the new YMCA building on South Broadway.

The laying of the cornerstone at the new YMCA on South Broadway in 1927. An audience is seated within the new structure. The view is looking south on Broadway. Courtesy of the Nyack Library.

The End of an Era

Frank Crumbie passed away in 1948 at age 97 in St. Petersburg, Florida. He, his wife, and three of their children are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. Frank Jr., one of his children, held several government positions, including customs inspector of Haiti during the U.S. occupation, and donated numerous indigenous artifacts to the National Museum of the American Indian. After Frank Sr.’s death, the family estate was sold.

The Newlyweds Renovate a House

The Garrett Green house renovated by the Crumbie’s

While the history of the Crumbie homesteads isn’t well documented, the Rockland County Journal described Frank and Annie Crumbie’s renovation of a nearby home in 1897. They moved the house, once owned by Garrett Green, back from North Broadway and made significant architectural updates, including dormers, porches, and modern windows. It’s unclear if they ever lived in this house.

An interesting view of the intersection of North Broadway and Old Mountain Road in 1895. The driveway leading from the intersection leads to the Garrett Green house that the young Crumbies moved back from the intersection. The Crumbie houses are unseen to the right. Courtesy of the Nyack Library.

The Horton Foote House

An aerial map of the Crumbie land today. Glenholme is located at 501 N. Broadway. The two contemporary houses below it replaced the residence that Horton lived in. The Doll’s House is just above (north) of 501. Crumbie’s Glen and Upper Nayck Brook exit at the beach shown at the upper right. A contemporary house occupies this part of the property.

The southernmost Crumbie home later became the residence of Oscar-winning playwright Horton Foote from 1955 to the mid-1960s. During his time there, he wrote The Chase and the screenplay for To Kill a Mockingbird, which earned him his first Oscar. The house was demolished many years ago, and two contemporary homes now stand in its place.

Playwright Horton Foote

Glenholme

In 1907, the Crumbies hired Nyack architect James Simonson to renovate their family home, Glenholme. Simonson split the original house in two, moving the sections apart to create a spacious atrium with ornate woodwork and a floating staircase. The home’s eclectic mix of French Second Empire and Victorian design, along with its river views, contributed to its charm. Over time, the house underwent several renovations, expanding its space while preserving its historic features.

Aerial view of Glenholme

Glenholme: A Story of Historic Preservation

The preservation of Glenholme stands as a testament to the dedication of its various owners over the years. In 1980, the Grudzinski family embarked on a meticulous renovation, carefully maintaining the home’s historic integrity. They preserved the original parquet floors by painstakingly removing layers of black paint and retained period bathroom fixtures that matched the home’s Victorian character. The family also reopened the back porch, replacing railings and stairs with designs created by Nyack architect John Colgan to reflect the original style. The chimneys, which had deteriorated over time, were completely rebuilt in 1986, ensuring the safety and authenticity of the structure. Additionally, the large wraparound porch, a defining feature of the home, was restored using detailed period elements, further enhancing the house’s Victorian charm. Their renovation earned the Historic Preservation Merit Award from the Historical Society of Rockland County in 1993.

Glenholme details from real estate ads

In 1993, the Stambovsky family continued the tradition of preservation while updating the home with modern conveniences. They installed heated bathroom floors, a new kitchen, and a new roof, blending these contemporary upgrades with the house’s historical aesthetic. The family replaced clapboards on the first two floors, further maintaining the home’s appearance in line with its original design. These extensive efforts ensured that Glenholme remained not only functional for modern living but also an excellent example of Victorian architecture preserved with great care and respect for its historical significance.

A view of Glenholme during fall.

Today, according to real estate ads, Glenholme resides on 1.5 acres of picturesque lawns amidst perennial gardens, a cascading waterfall and charming footbridge. The house boasts over 5200 square feet of living space with 6-bedrooms, 3.5-baths, 7 fireplaces, a generator, 2 Sub-Zero refrigerators, 11 heating zones and countless other amenities.

Movies at Glenholme

Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts in Stepmom.

Glenholme’s charm made it an ideal filming location for several movies, the most famous being Stepmom in 1998, starring Julia Roberts and Susan Sarandon. The house was featured prominently in the film, and its real-life interiors inspired the movie’s set design. It also appeared in The Bounty Hunter and the TV series Lipstick Jungle.

Image of Glenholme from the movie Stepmom.

Crumbie’s Glen

Early postcard showing Crumbie’s Glen viewing the waterfalls from the river.

Upper Nyack Brook runs through the estate, creating a picturesque glen that became known as Crumbie’s Glen around 1899. Though now partially obscured by modern developments, postcards from the era highlight the beauty of the waterfalls and the surrounding landscape.

Postcard circa 1920s showing Crumbie’s Glen, Glenholme, and to the left the Doll House
Photo of Upper Nyack Brook as it exits Crumbie’s Glen where it meets the Hudson River. Photo courtesy of Thomas Perry.

The Doll House

View of part of the Doll House today at 505 North Broadway. The house was expanded in 1929 and a a garage was added to the north side.

Across Upper Nyack Brook from Glenholme lies the Doll House, originally a smaller cottage dating back to the 19th century. Built by the Crumbies, possibly for their daughters, it became a summer rental by 1891. Over time, the Doll House was expanded and restored, with its sandstone foundation reused in one of Upper Nyack’s most attractive stone walls.

Foundation stones from the Doll House removed during a renovation were recycled to create this lovely stone wall on North Broadway.. The stones were probably quarried from nearby. quarry.

Glenholme Legacy

Glenholme’s legacy endures, not only for its historic architecture but also for its cinematic connections. Its prominent location and rich history continue to captivate those who stroll along North Broadway.

A view of the Glenholme gatepost with the estate house in the background.

Barons of Broadway Series

#1 The Magnificent Saga Of Larchdell

#2 Revisiting Underclyffe–A Lost, Gilded Age Mansion

#3 The Adriance Era At Underclyffe Manor

#4 The Flying Dutchman Lands at Underclyffe Manor

#5 The Saga of Rivercliff”s Storied Residents

#6 The Winding Saga of River Hook

#7 Unveiling Water Crest

#8 The Legacy of Belle Crest: From Clockmakers to Tennis Champions

#9 Greenland In Upper Nyack

#10 The Wonders of Widewater

#11 The Dynamite Baron- Wilson P. Foss Legacy at Under Elms

#12 Atlas Acres – The Botanist in Under Elms’ Garage

#13 The Baroness of Shadowcliff

#14 The Peace Room at Shadowcliff – The Story of the Fellowship of Reconciliation

#15 The Troubled Legacy of Williamson Manor

#16 The Moorings: A Confederate General & the Cottages

#17 The Moorings: A Glimpse into the Clarkstown Country Club Era

#18 The Legacy of Henry Palmer – Nyacks First Baron of Broadway


Mike Hays lived in the Nyacks for 38-years. He worked for McGraw-Hill Education in New York City for many years. Hays serves as President of the Historical Society of the Nyacks, and Vice-President of the Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center. Married to Bernie Richey, he enjoys cycling and winters in Florida. You can follow him on Instagram as UpperNyackMike.


Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Sun River Health and Ellis Sotheby’s International RealtySun River Health is a network of 43 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 245,000 patients annually. Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty is the lower Hudson Valley’s Leader in Luxury. Located in the charming Hudson River village of Nyack, approximately 22 miles from New York City. Our agents are passionate about listing and selling extraordinary properties in the Lower Hudson Valley, including Rockland and Orange Counties, New York. 


Nyack People & Places, a weekly series that features photos and profiles of citizens and scenes near Nyack, NY, is sponsored by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty.


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