No kidding! This fine-looking structure can be found sitting atop College Hill Park in Poughkeepsie, NY. College Hill Park is set on the highest point in Poughkeepsie and has a fascinating history. The park has hosted several structures and area landmarks.
In 1870, the city reservoir was constructed below College Hill and became a popular spot for locals to picnic, unwind, and attend concerts. A hotel was once on the site, but it ultimately failed. Plans for an orphanage were on John Guy Vassar’s list for the location, but the orphanage never materialized.
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In 1893, local cough drop mogul W.W. Smith of Smith Brothers Cough Drops purchased the land and donated it to the city to build a park. And they did.
The Greek-style structure in the image stands on the park’s high point. Many assume incorrectly that this structure was built at the same time the park was developed. There have been several Greek-style structures in that location that, at some point, burned down. The existing structure replaced one that burned down in 1944.
College Hill Park has always interested me due to that central structure. It seems so out of place being in Poughkeepsie, but so in place being part of College Hill Park.
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