The type of architecture for houses called "Dutch Colonial" to my knowledge always includes a pair of benches on either side of the front door which helped distinguish them from other "colonial" types of architecture. Albany, New York has this type of housing throughout the city I'm assuming from the original Dutch settler influence. Any historical research into Albany, New York would probably offer much information about these types of benches beside the front door of homes as the city, as well as New York City, was settled originally almost entirely by the Dutch. Nancy