John's Farm
xx Rt 403, South Westerlo

(from Theresa Mistler Barrowman - 2016)

Built in the 1790s, the 12 bedroom boarding was/is accompanied by four additional buildings (ten bedrooms), an outdoor building for communal toilets and shower, a barn, and 200 acres.

My grandparents (from the Bronx, both born in Germany) bought the Boarding House/Farm/Land in 1944.  They took boarders until the late 1960's. At capacity the buildings could hold up to 50 guests. They served 3 meals a day.  The only swimming was in ponds. They did have a shuffle board. For many years hayrides were the highlight after dinner. They circled up rt 403, through Pine Woods Road and down Rt 405 to the village & then back up rt 403.  

The barn is still owned by my brother John Mistler.  The South Westerlo historian from the 1960's, 1970's said that this barn is the oldest barn still standing in Albany County. (some of So Westerlo is in Albany County)