Roosevelt Hall (Skaneateles, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roosevelt Hall |
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December 2006
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Location | Skaneateles, New York |
| Address | West Lake Road |
| Completed | 1839 |
| Owner | Samuel M. Roosevelt Mary and Peter Drescher |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Ithiel Town |
Roosevelt Hall (also known as the Richard DeZeng House or Lakota) is a historic home in Skaneateles, New York. It is a beautiful old building with a special design. Many interesting people have lived here or visited, including famous politicians and leaders.
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History of Roosevelt Hall
In 1838, a man named Richard Lawrence DeZeng bought a large piece of land in Skaneateles. He was a retired engineer. In 1839, he started building a big house with 25 rooms. It was designed in the Greek Revival style, which was popular back then. The house cost a lot of money to build and furnish. The DeZeng family called their new home "Lake Home."
Some people believe that Ithiel Town, a famous architect, might have designed Roosevelt Hall. He also designed another important house nearby.
Who Owned Roosevelt Hall?
After Richard DeZeng passed away in 1848, his house was sold. Over the years, several different families owned Roosevelt Hall. Each owner added their own story to the house's history.
In 1858, a wealthy leather trader named Anson H. Lapham bought the home. He was part of a big and well-known family. His aunt was the grandmother of Susan B. Anthony, a very famous leader who fought for women's right to vote (a suffragist). Susan B. Anthony often visited Roosevelt Hall with her friend, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, another important suffragist.
After Lapham died, his wife sold the house to her son. Later, in 1892, Edward Macomber Padelford bought the home. He called it "Lakota." Padelford traveled a lot, so he sold the house a few years later.
The Roosevelt Family and the Hall
In 1899, the artist Samuel Montgomery Roosevelt bought the house. He was a relative of President Theodore Roosevelt. Samuel used Roosevelt Hall as his summer home. His main house was in New York City.
In 1906, Samuel Roosevelt hired architects to update the house. They added beautiful wooden panels and a new staircase. He loved to entertain guests at the home.
Famous Visitors to Roosevelt Hall
Samuel Roosevelt's cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt, visited the house in 1915. This made the home even more special.
When Samuel Roosevelt passed away in 1920, he left the house to his nephew, Henry Latrobe "Harry" Roosevelt. Harry continued the tradition of hosting important guests.
In 1923, the Spanish Ambassador to the U.S. visited Roosevelt Hall. In 1930, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was the Governor of New York at the time, visited with his wife Eleanor Roosevelt and son John. They stopped for lunch at the Hall. Franklin visited again in 1932 while he was running for president. After he became president, he appointed Harry Roosevelt to an important role in the Navy.
Recent Owners
After Harry Roosevelt's death, the house was passed to his son, William Morrow Roosevelt. William sold the home in 1944.
In 1961, Kenneth M. Dunning bought the house. There were even rumors that Robert F. Kennedy thought about buying the house in 1964.
Later, in 1967, Dennis Owen bought Roosevelt Hall. He eventually donated the mansion to a religious group. The home changed hands again in 2001 and then returned to Owen in 2007. Today, Mary and Peter Drescher own Roosevelt Hall and use it as their summer home.
