Ida has left behind close to $100,000 in damages at a historical
landmark in New Rochelle.
Flash flooding
caused by Ida last week badly damaged the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum and
grounds near North Avenue in New Rochelle.
The cottage was built in 1770 and is part of the museum that was officially opened in
1910.
There was more than 4 feet of water in the
basement, and a bridge that was built over a creek on the property toppled
over. A car in the parking lot was under water, along with a shed.
By the end of the
night, the entire home looked like it was in the middle of a lake.
The museum is owned by the Huguenot and New
Rochelle Historical Association. They say they felt helpless during the storm,
plus the pandemic has had a devastating effect on them.
“We've had an awful year with COVID just like everyone else,” says Gary
Bush, of the historical association. “We live on donations and fundraisers, and
we haven't been able to have any for the past 2 years and basically we're
hoping for FEMA and donations.”
The association
says they will apply for grants and look to FEMA for help. They're also hoping
people will donate to their
Facebook
fundraiser to keep Thomas Paine and New Rochelle’s history alive.