Meaning of cornerstone???

[GoingDown]

Anyone have an idea how to interpret this cornerstone on an old colonial home in the Mid-Hudson Valley, NY

 

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[mojjax]

That is very interesting !
I've heard tales of people placing a silver or gold coin under a corner stone in the olden days for "good luck "

 

[Likely Guy]

From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerstone

"Over time a cornerstone became a ceremonial masonry stone, or replica, set in a prominent location on the outside of a building, with an inscription on the stone indicating the construction dates of the building and the names of architect, builder and other significant individuals. The rite of laying a cornerstone is an important cultural component of western architecture and metaphorically in sacred architecture generally.

Some cornerstones include time capsules from the time a particular building was built."

Another possibility is that the initials were those of the original owners of the house. Hmmm.... time capsule, eh?!

 

[relic lover]

They are often hollow

 

[Mackaydon]

If you could determine the owner's name in 1731, you might get closer to the answer.

 

[trikikiwi]

MDB SDB 1731, is what I see.

May I suggest, it's the initials of the original owner of the building and a close relative.
Like Likely Guy says
Mike

 

[IronSpike]

I concur with all.

Remove the drain pipe and check corner with your metal detector.

 

[IronSpike]

They are often hollow

Just don't mess with a sledge hammer

It's a pretty neat corner stone

 

[Mackaydon]

You may also wish to check with a local title company and inquire about getting a "Chain of Title" report for that property, noting the ownership in 1791. Another suggestion is to determine if census data is available for (say) 1790--and see if the initials correspond.
HH,
Don.......

 

[Tricia]

Commemorate wedding year and first home.

MDB and SDB. 1731

So MDB married SD who became SDB in 1731.