Knox Mansion facts for kids
The Knox Mansion is a beautiful old house located in Johnstown, New York. It was built a long time ago, in 1889, for a very successful businessman named Charles Knox. He was famous for his company, Knox Gelatine, which made gelatin products. This mansion is special because of its amazing design and interesting history.
Quick facts for kids |
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Knox Mansion
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(2020)
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 104 W. 2nd Avebue Johnstown, New York |
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| Built | 1889 |
| Architect | Peabody & Beauley; Linn Kinne |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 08000101 |
| Added to NRHP | February 28, 2008 |
Contents
The Amazing Knox Mansion
The Knox Mansion is a grand house found in Johnstown, Fulton County, New York. It was built in 1889 for Charles Knox. He was a very successful businessman who owned Knox Gelatine. His company had a factory right there in Johnstown.
Design and Features
The mansion was designed in a style called Classical Revival. This means it looks like ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Two architects, Peabody & Beauley and Linn Kane, helped design it.
The house is huge, with 42 rooms inside! It even has its own elevator, which was very fancy for the time. There's also a beautiful grand staircase. One of the most unique features is a fireplace made from solid lava ash. This special fireplace was brought all the way from a castle in Italy. Building this amazing house cost about $1.2 million back in 1889.
A New Chapter
After Rose Knox, Charles's wife, passed away in 1950, the house was sold. Over time, the mansion started to show its age and needed a lot of repairs. Many of its original items were sold off by antique dealers.
In 1993, a person named Marty Quinn bought the house. He worked hard to fix it up and bring it back to life. After the renovations, the mansion was used in many ways. It was a museum, a bed and breakfast, and even a place for a limousine service. It was also a private home.
Hidden Secrets
The Knox Mansion has some fun secrets hidden within its walls. There is a room off the attic that has no windows at all. Also, in the billiard room, there's a secret panel. It's hidden behind a built-in shelf!
A Historic Landmark
In 2008, the Knox Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the mansion. Today, the mansion is a not-for-profit organization and works as a museum. This means people can visit and learn about its history.
Is It Haunted?
Some people say that the Knox Mansion is haunted! Stories about ghosts and strange happenings have been told about the old house.
