Llenroc facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Llenroc
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Llenroc House
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ithaca, New York |
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| Built | 1865 |
| Architect | Nichols & Brown |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002781 |
| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1980 |
Llenroc is a beautiful old house in Ithaca, New York, United States. It was built for Ezra Cornell, who founded Cornell University. The house is designed in a style called Gothic Revival, which makes it look like a grand old castle. Today, Llenroc is home to the Cornell chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity.
A Historic Home
Llenroc is a special name because it's "Cornell" spelled backward! Ezra Cornell, the founder of Cornell University, had this amazing house built. Construction started in 1865 and finished around 1875. It's a wonderful example of Gothic Revival architecture, which was popular for its grand, castle-like look.
The house was built using a special stone called "Llenroc limestone." This stone came from a quarry right near the house. Many skilled workers from around the world helped build Llenroc. Woodcarvers from England created detailed designs inside. Stonemasons from Germany worked on the outside walls. Craftsmen from Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and India also helped. Even eight fancy marble fireplaces were brought in from Europe!
Andrew Dickson White, who helped Ezra Cornell start the university, suggested a special phrase. The words "True and Firm" were carved right above the main entrance of the house.
Ezra Cornell passed away in 1874, just as Llenroc was almost finished. His wife and children lived there for 32 years. However, the house was very large, so they moved out in the early 1900s. In 1911, Ezra's daughters, Mary and Emma, sold the house to the Delta Phi fraternity.
Llenroc was recognized as an important historical building in 1980. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Building Llenroc
Construction on Llenroc officially began in 1867. Ezra Cornell hired an architecture firm from Albany, Nichols and Brown, to design the house. They used ideas from different Gothic styles to create its unique look.
To get the right building materials, Ezra Cornell had to open a rock quarry. This quarry provided the grey limestone used for the house, which became known as "Llenroc limestone."
German artisans were hired to carve detailed designs into the limestone. English artisans were brought in to carve the beautiful wooden parts inside the house. Many laborers, including immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and India, worked hard on the construction project.
The house is quite large, with 17 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Up to 26 people can live there at one time.
Over the years, Llenroc has had some updates. In 1946, the basement was changed into a living area. A garage was built next to the house in 1955, but it was later taken down. The upstairs bathroom was updated in 1967, and the kitchen was renovated in 2007.
Cool Features of the Property
Besides the main house, Llenroc has other interesting features. In 1925, the Delta Phi Memorial Staircase was added. It was a gift from Arthur Baldwin to remember his son, Morgan Smiley Baldwin, who died in World War I.
The property also has tennis and basketball courts. The entire area covers about 2.34 acres. Inside the house, you can see beautiful, hand-made chandeliers. These twin chandeliers hang in the living and music rooms downstairs.
The Delta Phi Fraternity
The Pi chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity started at Cornell University in 1891. They first lived in downtown Ithaca. Then, they moved to 515 Stewart Avenue. Finally, in 1911, the fraternity moved into its current home at Llenroc. You can learn more about them at llenroc.org.
