Home > HistoryFinger Lakes ArchitectureCOBBLESTONEThe architecture of the Finger Lakes is as varied as the people who live here. But one type of architecture better represents the Finger Lakes than any other. Cobblestone masonry construction was used between 1825 and 1860, employing the water-rounded, fist-sized stones found mostly along the shore of Lake Ontario.
It is thought (but not known for certain) that cobblestone construction was brought to this area by English laborers who came to work on the Erie Canal. Cobblestone construction has been used in England since the Norman invasion in 1066 but has also been used in Italy and other countries.
Since 1825, more than 700 cobblestone structures were built in the Finger Lakes and nearby regions of New York State, and not all of them were houses. Barns, churches, schools, stores, a Quaker meeting house, a pump house, and even a vault and a mausoleum were constructed of these sturdy stones, and examples of each are still standing intact today. The majority can be found in the counties that border Lake Ontario especially along Ridge Road (Rt. 104), but some are located in Bath, Elmira, and further east and west.
Cobblestone MuseumThe Cobblestone Society was established in 1960 to preserve the First Universalist Church on Ridge Road in Childs, Orleans County. The oldest cobblestone church in North America, it was built in 1834. It now houses the Cobblestone Society Museum.
Cobblestone B & BsCaptain Throop Bed & Breakfast 4184 Washington St. Pultneyville, NY 14538 315-589-8595 Built in 1832, this house is on the Seaway Trail in Wayne County. Throop was known to be involved in the Underground Railroad, and it's likely that this house was a last stop for many former slaves before they made their was across Lake Ontario (in Captain Throop's boat?) to Canada.
Maxwell Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast 7563 Lake Rd. Sodus, NY 14551 315-483-2222 This 1846 Wayne County inn sits on six acres on Maxwell Bay, Lake Ontario. Like many other homes along the lake, it too played a part in the Underground Railroad.
Peppermint Cottage & Jackson Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast 336 Pleasant Valley Rd. Lyons, NY 14489 888-997-1998 Enjoy two for the price of one--a cobblestone house and a cobblestone school, both on the same property. Located in Wayne County near the Erie Canal.
Cobblestone RestaurantPasta Only's Cobblestone Restaurant Hamilton St. (Rts. 5 & 20) at Preemption Rd. Geneva, NY 14456 315-789-8498 This 1880s former stage coach inn and tavern is owned by Susan Cohen and former lieutenant governor Mary Anne Krupsak.
Cobblestone FarmCobblestone Farm Winery & Vineyard 5102 Rt. 89 Romulus, NY 14541 315-549-8797 Early July is their annual cherry festival with hay rides, food, wine tastings, and entertainment. Sweet and sour cherries available, both picked and U-pick. OCTAGONThere are approximately 1,000 octagon structures in the United States with New York State leading all others with about 180. Onondaga County is way ahead of all the other counties in the Finger Lakes with a recorded 14.
Octagon structures, whether they are houses or schoolhouses, seem to have been more of a fad than a long-term architectural style as few are being built today. They do have some advantages over four-sided structures. First, having more sides and, consequently, more windows facing more directions, they tend to have better air circulation and are cooler in the summer. Second, they are known for retaining their warmth in the winter.
New York State's octagon structures are listed on http://www.octagon.bobanna.com/, which has photos of a number of these structures. Many of the octagon structures listed on this Web site are schoolhouses or homes of historical societies and are open to the public at certain times of the year. You can also find mention of some of the octagon structures in the Finger Lakes by searching this Web site using the key word "octagon."
Although many octagon structures have been lost over time, many still exist, and at least one has just been built. It's a beautiful house on a lovely rural road called Marshland Road in the Town of Owego in Tioga County. Why not take a drive and see it for yourself.
Realted Articles and Web Siteshttp://www.northeastjournal.com/LeadingStories/july05/-octagon.htm http://www.northeastjournal.com/LeadingStories/aug05/-octagon.htm http://www.northeastjournal.com/LeadingStories/sept05/-octagon.htm
From Federal to Post-ModernAn excellent overview of the architectural styles that can be found throughout the Finger Lakes with photographic examples is provided by the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County.
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