Even into 1872, the blocks on both sides of Second Avenue (then named State Street) in the Fourth Ward of the Village of Lansingburgh from 121st Street to 126th Street (part of Adamsville) were relatively undeveloped, one notable exception being The Abbey. By 1876, that would change; as the city directory of that year would note, George A. Waters then occupied a home at 867 State Street. Son of paper box manufacturer Elisha Waters of Lansingburgh, George A. Waters invented in 1867 a process for making papers boats that proved very successful.Around 1906 it would become of the home of the Harold McIntyre Grout family, who frequently entertained there. Harold Grout was a former secretary and director of Cluett, Peabody & Co., a nearly thirty year member of the Lansingburgh school board, former president of the board of the Troy Public Library, and served as a leader of many other Lansingburgh and Troy organizations.Still later, in 1972, it would become the Troy Community Urban Home for youths.The Waters home is on the Designated Greenway Trail within the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and within the Hudson-Mohawk Urban Cultural Park ("RiverSpark"), directly on the proposed van tour and boat tour lines, and relevant to the park plan's shipbuilding theme for the northern district due to Waters' significance as an inventor, manufacturer, and employer.The area from 121st Street to 126th Street along the Hudson River had on a number of occasions proved to be a site of Native American burials.

A HURRICANE AT LANSINGBURGH.
The wind storm which preceded the heavy rain yesterday was perhaps the most violent in character that has visited Lansingburgh in years. All over town trees were blown down and limbs were scattered promiscuously about the streets. A large tree opposite the residence of A. E. Powers was prostrated, and in its descent demolished a portion of the fence surrounding the park owned by the Powers family. Large trees on Congress, Elizabeth and Richard streets, and in front of the residences of George A. Waters and J. K. P. Pine, succumbed to the force of the gale."The Storm." Troy Daily Times. July 29, 1882—The minuet club will hold a social at the residence of George A. Waters at Adamsville to-morrow evening.—A mile track for trotting purposes has been prepared on the river by George H. Allen."Lansingburgh." Troy Daily Times. December 13, 1882: 2 col 5.—J. K. P. Pine and George A. Waters will next winter erect a toboggan slide that will extend across the Hudson."Lansingburgh." Troy Daily Times. February 10, 1885: 2 col 4.—The ladies euchre club has reörganized for the season, and will hold their first meeting of the season at the residence of Mrs. George A. Waters Thursday evening."Lansingburgh." Troy Daily Times.November 4, 1886:—George A. Waters left last night for a trip to Philadelphia. [...] —The U. T. club was entertained at the residence of Mrs. George A. Waters, on Second avenue, last evening."Lansingburgh." Troy Daily Times.April 25, 1888:
Broke Through the Ice—A Narrow Escape.
Bessie and Antoinette McMurray, daughters of L. H. McMurray of Lansingburgh, had yesterday a narrow escape from drowning. They were skating on the river in rear of the residence of George A. Waters, when venturing on a spot where the ice was weak, both broke through. The children were in the water for more than five minutes before help could reach them, but both managed to hold their heads above the water by hanging to the edge of the ice. Mr. Waters in attempting to rescue the children broke through the ice at least a dozen times, but finally managed to grasp them and drag them ashore. They were thoroughly chilled, but no serious results are anticipated.Troy Daily Times. January 2, 1891:—This evening at the residence of Professor D. F. Thompson a number of gentlemen will meet to consider the formation of a club for social and athletic recreation, similar in management to the popular East Side club of Troy. The name "Riverside club" has been suggested as the title of the organization, whose club-house and grounds, in the event of the perfection of the plans proposed, will be in the northern part of the village and probably not a great distance from the Waterford bridge. The call for this evening's meeting bore the signatures of Professor Thompson, George A. Waters and George A. Daw. Many recognize the need of such an organization. One of the most urgent desires the young people of Lansingburgh have is a building which shall contain a pleasant dancing-hall, and to provide this is one of the aims of the promoters of the present plan."Lansingburgh." Troy Daily Times. November 26, 1892: 3 col 3.The river was thronged with skaters yesterday afternoon.—Monday from 6 to 10 p. m. at the residence of Mrs. George A. Waters, 867 Second avenue, Miss Brooker, Miss Colburn, Miss Comstock, Miss Gillespy, Miss Groesbeck, Miss Marian Ide, Miss Large, Miss Noble and Miss Waters will receive New Year's calls."Lansingburgh. Troy Daily Times. December 30, 1892: 2 col 5.—An interesting meeting of the New York Volunteer Life Saving Corps was held in the court house last evening under direction of Commodore C. B. Herrick. Surgeon H. E. DeFreest gave instruction in resuscitation and first aid to the injured, and the members of the crew showed proficiency in caring for emergency cases. Six new names were received and favorably acted upon. George A. Waters of Lansingburgh was present in the interest of forming a station at the Riverside Club in that place, and Commodore Herrick has considered the application favorably. Mr. Waters will hold the rank of captain. Mr. Waters was a member of the Life Saving Corps which was established under the direction of the late Commodore Weatherby. it was announced that a new squadron had been organized in the city south of Adams street. A general meeting has been called for Thursday evening."City Notes." Troy Daily Times. June 21, 1899:—The P. and I. Circle of Leonard Hospital Woman's Auxiliary will meet Monday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Harold McI. Grout, Second Avenue, when arrangements will be made for the circle's share in the annual fair and supper to be given November 19 at the Riverside Club for the benefit of the hospital."Lansingburgh; General Mention." Troy Times. October 15, 1913: 6 col 2.
Nurses Entertained.
About 15 junior and preliminary nurses of the Leonard Hospital were entertained at a tea yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. H. McI. Grout on Second Avenue, Lansingburgh. A number of the members of the Women's Association assisted during the afternoon, and Mrs. J. D. Shroeder presided at the tea tables. Mrs. Grout is Chairman of the Nurses' Committee of the Women's Association.Troy Times. December 8, 1925: 5 col 6.
Entertained in Lansingburgh.
The ladies of the Presbyterian Church were entertained this afternoon at the home of Mrs. H. M. Grout on Second Avenue, Lansingburgh."Waterford." Troy Times. October 10, 1933: 2 col 7.
Ladies Aid Meeting.
The Ladies Aid Society of the Presbyterian Church will hold their March meeting at the home of Mrs. Harold Grout, North Troy, next Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. The president, Mrs. James L. Gorham, will have charge. The hostesses will be Mrs. Harold Grout and Miss Mabel Gordon.Times Record. February 18, 1949: 13 col 5.Tuesday Club To Hear Speaker.Next week's meeting of the Tuesday Literary Club will take place at the home of Mrs. Harold M. Grout, 867 2nd Ave. Miss Ruth Miner will speak on "The Poverty of Riches."Hostesses for the afternoon will be Mrs. Harold Benedict, Mrs. Leon Lonsdale, Mrs. Raymond B. Sherman and Miss Ruth Greene.Times Record. April 9, 1959: 32 col 6.
The first step in an effort to improve the Heritage Trail is the prompt and rigorous enforcement of existing building and housing codes. This recommendation does not expand the role of the Building Inspector but merely suggests that the Heritage Trail move to a high priority in terms of an area of enforcement. [...]Remove all weeds and scrub trees from yard, especially where adjacent to building. Mulch garden areas with leaves, woodchips, sawdust, etc. to prevent regrowth of weeds. [...]demolition represents a loss of context and a defeat for the community. It should not be undertaken lightly.Hudson-Mohawk Urban Cultural Park Management Plan. Cohoes, NY: Hudson-Mohawk Urban Cultural Park Commission, 1994. https://riverspark.org/RiverSparkManagementPlan.Searchable.pdf (Archived by WebCite® at http://www.webcitation.org/71rMIWK5e)