The Development of Rosendale Estates

Newspaper advertisement for lots in the Rosendale Estates development.
From the Godfrey Collection.

Fernwood Drive, circa 1950.
Photograph from the Godfrey Collection

Clark Godfrey, father of Dorothea Godfrey and one of the co-creators of the Godfrey Collection, was instrumental in the development of the Rosendale Estates suburban development in Niskayuna. Godfrey developed and subdivided the land around his family's farmhouse on Rosendale Road.

The collection includes photographs, correspondence, deeds, blueprints, and other records pertaining to Godfrey's role in the development of Rosendale Estates from the mid-1940s through the 1950s.

Clark Henry Godfrey was born December 9, 1891 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He first moved to Schenectady in 1906 and began studying engineering and drafting at ALCO in 1914. He was later associated with the engineering departments of the American Arch. Co., Alco Super Heater Company, and Franklin Railway Supply Company, all of New York City. After serving overseas in World War I, he married Marguerite Furman on October 23, 1920. The Godfreys and their daughter lived in Cleveland, Ohio, until 1927, when Godfrey was appointed as engineer of sales for the Franklin Railway Supply Company in Schenectady. Godfrey continued to work for the company until his retirement in 1948. He also served as manager for the Furman Estate from 1948 until his death. Godfrey also served as president of the Ingersoll Memorial Home and developed the Rosendale Estates, both in Niskayuna. Godfrey was a member of the Corlaer Lodge No. 932 of the Free and Accepted Masons, director of the Schenectady Rotary Club, and vice-president of the Vale Cemetery Association. He was also a member of the Community Chest Budget Committee, Campaign Control Council, Mohawk Club, and the board of the Girls’ Club of Schenectady. He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Schenectady and served as a church elder from 1958-1961. Godfrey died October 12, 1968 in Schenectady. He is buried in Vale Cemetery.

Godfrey Lane, circa 1950.
Photograph from the Godfrey Collection.

In addition to the papers and blueprints related to Rosendale Estates, the Godfrey Collection also includes the personal photographs and scrapbooks of Dorothea Godfrey, photographs and genealogical information about the Godfrey, Furman, Dillenback, Van Guysling, Visscher, De Groot, and Beck families, and papers and blueprints related to the Godfrey family home in Niskayuna and the Furman Building at 207 State Street in Schenectady.

A finding aid for the Godfrey Collection can be found here.