I came here to the Homestead as a bride in 1983. This year, 2025, marks my 42nd Anniversary as owner and caretaker of the Lent-Riker-Smith Homestead, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places. My husband, Michael, has been gone 15 years.

I have enjoyed my journey of discovery, adventure, restoration and the privilege of owning a piece of New York history. Together, we have survived many hurdles and setbacks. Hurricanes Gloria and Sandy took down a 4-ton tree leaving devastation that took a year to clean up. Debris still remains. The pandemic created a loss of income ending tours and the opportunity of additional income from location shoots. My longtime gardener and my handyman also decided it was time to retire.

The latest unexpected flooding almost two weeks ago (Sept 28-29, 2023) severely damaged the roof causing water to pour into the living room and other areas, threatening the loss of valuable artifacts. I'm reaching out for funds to restore the roof before further damage makes it beyond repair.

Thank you to all those who have visited in the past and enjoyed my tours. Perhaps with some much needed help and support the Homestead can return to its former glory, and the sun will come out tomorrow.

For the Homestead,

Marion Duckworth Smith