The Cotting Family Collection
This collection captures a view of the Cotting Family and The Palatine Farmstead, the historic property they called home. Built before the American Revolution, The Palatine Farmstead still stands in honor of the ancestors of the many Palatine descendants who have remained in the Rhinebeck area and those descendants who have travelled far afield throughout America and other countries around the world.
The well house sits to the right of the house and the addition on the right side was built to accommodate Aunt May (Mabel Cotting). The card is signed by Mother and May.
Background: Grass and trees on the Farmstead.
The names of the six women, a child, and a dog are identified on the back of the photo. Individuals from top row to bottom: Mom ( Louise Knowles), May (Mabel Cotting), Grandma Cotting, Grandma Knowles, Babe (Mary Cotting), Ann (Anna Cotting), Don’t know little one, and Lassie.
Background: Natural scene with trees and grass.
Note that Mother and Aunt May who signed the Christmas card above are pictured at the top of the photo.
Background: table decorated with Halloween pumpkin and a birdhouse in the window.
Findagrave Memorial Page for Anna Louise Cotting reports that Anna, a retired teacher, was born in Rhinebeck on February 26, 1895 and died at Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck on February 13, 1994. She was the aunt of Katherine Losee of Rhinebeck.
Background: View of a porch and window at The Palatine Farmstead and a partial view of a man at the side of the photo.
Findagrave Memorial Page for Katherine Louise Losee (1932-2000) reports that “Katherine was born in Poughkeepsie to Harvey Rea Losee (1884-1962) and Mary E. Cotting Losee (1898-1988).”
Background: View of a porch and window at The Palatine Farmstead, flowers, a fence, and a field beyond.
Findagrave Memorial Page for Eugene Addison Losee (1924-1987) reports that “Eugene was born in Rhinebeck to Harvey Rea Losee (1884-1962) and Mary E. Cotting Losee (1898-1988).”
His military rank and service is reported as:
“SSGT Eugene A. Losee
334th Bomb Squadron
95th Bomb Group (H)
8th United States AAF
World War II
Position: Togglier
Missions: 34
Aircraft: B-17G”
“Katherine and Eugene at The Palatine Farmstead”; Photographer: unknown; undated- in late 1930s; COT.09.
Background: Two sides of The Palatine Farmstead with windows, porch and railings, with fence and field beyond.
A precious glimpse into the “Living Room at The Palatine Farmstead” before it became a living history museum; Photographer: unknown; undated; Man giving a treat to a dog in front of the fireplace with Christmas cards on the mantle.
Many thanks to the Cotting family for donating mementos from their family and historic home.
Discover more Rhinebeck history in the May issue of “From the Archives”.
Researcher,
Bonnie Wood
April 2026