For many years the very ornate Victorian home of Garett V. Dillenback on New Scotland Avenue was in need of restoration. Being both a bit dilapidated and intriguing served it well. After combing the Albany area for the perfect property to suit the rather bleak but dramatic setting for a film version of William Kennedy's novel, Ironweed, movie producers chose the Dillenback home. Long before its national debut on film the home's showy appearance made it stand out from the time it was built in 1876 for Charles D. Hammond, superintendent of the Delaware and Hudson Railway. Unusual for its day, the house had a piped water supply and furnace. The stairs on the second floor led to a generous attic which in turn led to the tower and bedroom for the housemaid.

Mr. Hammond had a very special task to perform in history. When President McKinley was shot and took a turn for the worst, Vice-President Teddy Roosevelt was camping in the Adirondacks. Mr. Hammond was charged with going by train to hand deliver the telegram that announced McKinley's death to the Vice-President.

The house, now blue with white trim, has been renovated and is owned by Eileen and Marc Tryon.