TOURING BINGHAMTON'S HISTORIC HOMES
During Binghamton’s manufacturing boom in the 1800s, wealth was expressed through the construction of beautiful commercial, religious, public, and private buildings, many designed by noted architects. The name “Parlor City” resulted from the abundance of ostentatious homes built in the grand styles of the era. On Saturday, May 9th, between 1 and 4pm, members of the public will have an opportunity to tour five such architectural gems during the Historic Homes Tour sponsored by PAST (Preservation Association of the Southern Tier).
“The event will feature interior views of five wonderful examples of Binghamton Architecture,” says officer manager Julia Adams. “The homes have been specifically chosen to highlight aspects of unique architectural history and styles, and have been lovingly restored and kept by their current occupants.”
Isaac Perry and C. Edward Vosbury were two of the noted architects whose contributions grace our city. Perry, known for his work as the chief architect of the state capital building, designed and built the Perry Building, J. Stuart Wells House, Phelps Mansion, and the inebriate asylum, among others. Vosbury, after being trained in New York City, Boston, and Paris, went on to design many of the region’s mansions, particularly in the Front Street-Riverside Drive corridor. The Rose and Roberson Mansions are two examples of his work. Many of these buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings in styles ranging from the late 19th-early 20th century revivals (Gothic, Georgian, Greek, Federal, and Romanesque) to Queen Anne, Tudor, and Art Deco.
While we view these homes from the outside on a daily basis, it is rare to be given the opportunity to experience them from the inside, and to learn more of their history. Attendees at the 2015 tour have the opportunity to view:
- The Bartoo House, designed by Binghamton architect Elfred Bartoo, which was commissioned in 1891 by grain merchant Grainger H. Comstock. It features the architect’s signature diamond-shaped shingles, accented in contrasting colors; it also boasts a Romanesque arched entry.
- The Bennett Historic House located in the Abel Bennett Historic District. This gambrel-roofed shingle-style home was built in 1910 and affects a beautiful full-width front porch with a flared roof.
- An 1861 brick home with Italianate features built by Hezekiah Lee, saved from destruction by the Restore New York Program. One of the bedrooms of this home is said to be the site of “unexplained incidents.”
- The H. Chester Larrabee Queen Anne home. Larrabee, a noted manufacturer of carriages and sleighs, commissioned architect Audley W. Reynolds to design this home for him in 1892.
- The W.H. Carson Tudor home. This striking home with its steep pitched rooflines was commissioned c.1928 for the then president of ANSCO, a large Binghamton photographic company.
Whether you are interested in architecture, history, interior décor, or merely curious, this is a great event.
The tour commences on the front porch of the Roberson Museum at 3o Front Street in Binghamton. Tickets are $25 for PAST members and $30 for non-members, and may be purchased online at pastny.org, by calling (607) 237-0887, or by mailing PAST at 21 N. Depot St., Unit 1E, Binghamton, NY 13901. Tickets are also available on the day of the event between 11:30am-1:30pm at the Roberson Museum. Please be aware that no photographs may be taken inside any of the buildings. All proceeds from the tour go to benefit PAST in its mission to “preserve the heritage of the Southern Tier by promoting and protecting places of historic, architectural, and cultural significance.”
