Frederick Philipse II came of age and into the title of Lord of the Manor in 1716. As Commissioner of Roads for the colonial government of New York, Frederick II established the Albany Post Road (from New York City to Albany), which would later become Broadway. He also designed New York’s first public park, Bowling Green, and represented British royal authority at the famous “freedom of press” trial of John Peter Zenger. The Manor Hall served as his family’s summer residence. When his Uncle Adolph died in 1750, Frederick II inherited the plantation at the Upper Mills, bringing the entire Manor of Philipsburg together once again, and allowing Frederick II’s son, Frederick III, to inherit the Manor intact. Generally known as Colonel Philipse, Frederick Philipse III appears to have had little interest in either the mercantile, political, or legal endeavors of his forebears. Instead, he seemed more inclined towards enjoying the rewards of gracious country living. A man of refined taste, he was determined to make the Yonkers mansion a showcase of English gentility and the principal family seat. See details of the rococo-style papier mache ceiling