An Electronic Tour of Oswego's Historic Franklin Square District
| Under the direction of state surveyor Simeon DeWitt, the Village of Oswego was laid out with Franklin Square at it center on the west side of the Oswego River in 1797. In the 19th century, this typical new England green became the focal point for fine residences of the city's merchants, ship builders and captains, bankers, millers, and lumbermen. As a result of the subdivision of original estates, most of the major architectural styles are represented in the Franklin Square Historic District. |
The Salisbury House: Architect Claude Bragdon of
Rochester designed the Salisbury House in the Classic Revival Style. The Palladian
window to the left of the doorway and the fluted pilasters at the corners are
noteworthy. |
The Emerick-Sullivan House: Architect W.B. Reid
of Holyoke Mass. designed this house in the Classic Revival Style. Note the gambrel
roof line, corner pilasters with Ionic capitals, and the portico with its double
columns at the corners and its graceful garland frieze. |
The Perez House: was rebuilt in the last half of
the 19th century in the Second French Empire style characterized by the mansard
roof and ornate window and door treatments. |
The Pardee-Oliver House: Built by William J. Pardee
in the Federal style, this house exhibits a centrally placed door balanced by
two windows on either side. The half globe window in the gable is a rare architectural
feature in Oswego. The Robert Oliver family, well known in the abolition movement,
purchased the house in 1853. Upon his return from the Civil War, a son cut "R.
Oliver '65" into the window pane of the east parlor. |
The Kogan House: The Basic Federal style of the
right side of the Kogan House (note the arched pilasters against the facade) is
overshadowed by the Italianate south wing and changed roof line. Inside woodcarving
by Oswego craftsman Louis Lavonier is found on on the newel post, staircase, fireplace
mantels, and door and window casings. |
The Bronson-Poucher-Culkin House: The Bronson-Poucher-Culkin
House (1836) is a late Federal house, considered as a variation of the Greek Revival
Style. The house was built by Alvin Bronson who played a prominent part in the
War of 1812 as a U.S. government agent in charge of supplies bound for the military-naval
base at Sacketts Harbor. Bronson later became a state senator and helped to organize
the Oswego & Syracuse Railroad. He lived in the house until his death at the
age of 98. |
The Churchill House: The Churchill House exhibits
a Greek Revival shape, but window hoods, decorative bargeboards, and a Victorian
porch indicate late 19th century renovation. It was formerly the home of John
Churchill who served as Oswego County District Attorney, County Judge, and US
Congressman, 1866-71, but who is best known for his famous history published in
1895 Landmarks of Oswego County. |
| * For more information on the history of architecture of Oswego, Contact the Heritage Foundation of Oswego at (315) 342-3354. |
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