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| Madison Cty octagonal building from S.U.'s Landmarks book |
| Octagonal building, Rt 20, Madison, NY |
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| Photo D. Bogosian |
"The vogue for building octagonal houses swept across the state,
and the country, about the same time as the vogue for building cobblestone houses. Orson Squire Fowler popularized the octagonal
house through writings and lectures. The corners of this house are formed with limestone quoins. The entrance is Greek Revival,
with two complete diminutive Doric columns at each side of the door. Molding profiles are Greek Revival. If the roof projection,
with its brackets, is original it foretells the coming of the Italianate style. The house is supposed to have been built in
1840, and it is also reputed to have an air space in the walls for added insulation."
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| Coolidge building from S.U.'s Landmarks book |
| Coolidge Building, Rt 20, Bouckville, NY |
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| Photo D. Bogosian |
| Rear wall of Coolidge Building |
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| Photo D. Bogosian |
"Built in 1847, this structure originally served as stores and residences. The manner in which the
building turns the corner is unique. The cupola, with its diamond shaped windows looks like a great masked head staring out
over a road and village. The limestone quoins, alternately long and short, are unusual. The owner, James E. Coolidge, (who
introduced hop growing in New York State), chose his site carefully for a commercial block - it stands at the crossing of
the north-south Chenango Valley Canal and U.S. Route 20, the Cherry Valley Turnpike"
Today this building is "Ye Olde Landmark Tavern", an inn and restaurant with three dining rooms and
a classy curved bar.
Quoted material from Shelgren, et al. (See Ex Libris page for full credit).
July 2005
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