This property was formerly occupied by the Hunt family, for nearly one hundred and sixty years, having passed into their hands by the marriage of Thomas Hunt with Elizabeth Jessup, daughter of Edward Jessup, one of the first patentees. In 1688, Thomas Hunt, of the Grove farm, granted to his son, Thomas Hunt, one hundred acres, lying on the south side of Gabriel Leggett's land, bounded eastwardly and southerly by Bronck's river. The old Grange erected in 16S8, occupies a beautiful situation near the termination of the point overlooking the East river and Flushing bay.
This place was for many years the residence of Rodman "Drake the poet, and it was here that he wTote his well known hues on the Bronx, on the neighboring banks of which he often wandered :
I sat me down upon a green bank side.
Skirting the smooth edge of a gentle river, Whose waters seemed unwillingly to glide,
Like parting friends, who linger while they sever ; Enforced to go, yet seeming still unready, Backward they wind their way in many a wistful eddy.
Gray o'er my head the yellow-vested willow
RutHed its hoary top in the fresh breezes, Glancing in light, like spray on a green billow.
Or the fine frost work which young winter freezes, When first his power in infant pastime trying, Congeals sad autunm's tears on the dead branches lyinj.
From rocks aroiuid hung the loose ivy danglin"-,
And la the clefts sumach of liveliest green, Bright rising-stars the little beach was spangling.