Smith-Ely Mansion facts for kids
The Smith-Ely Mansion is a beautiful old house located in Clyde, New York, which is in Wayne County, New York. It's a large, two-and-a-half-story building made of brick. This mansion shows off a special building style called Classical Revival.
Over the years, this historic home has been known by a few names. Today, it's called The Erie Mansion and has been turned into a cozy bed and breakfast.
What is the Smith-Ely Mansion?
The Smith-Ely Mansion is a very old and important house. It was first built around the year 1850. Imagine how much history this house has seen! It's a great example of how buildings can change over time.
A Look at Its Style
The house has a style called Classical Revival. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. Think of grand columns and balanced designs.
- Original Design: When it was first built in 1850, it had a certain look.
- First Big Change: Between 1875 and 1877, the house was changed a lot. During this time, a large verandah was added. A verandah is like a long, open porch, often with a roof, where people can relax outdoors. A three-story tower was also added, making the house even taller.
- Second Big Change: Then, from 1908 to 1911, the house got another big update. This is when a huge front porch, called a portico, was added. This portico has four giant columns, making the front of the house look very grand and impressive.
From Home to Hotel
The Smith-Ely Mansion has had an interesting journey. For many years, it was a private home. Now, it has a new life as The Erie Mansion, a bed and breakfast. This means people can stay there overnight, enjoying its history and beautiful features.
Why is it Important?
The Smith-Ely Mansion is considered very special. In 1992, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. Being on this list helps protect the mansion and makes sure its history is remembered.