The Wilbor House, in Chatham, New York
The Wilbor House is a historic residence in Old Chatham, New York, built around 1811 and known for its plain, sturdy construction. The two-story wooden structure with simple siding and modest windows displays typical features of early 19th-century homes in this region.
The house was founded by Samuel Wilbor, whose family had migrated from Rhode Island to New York before his time. Later, Wilbor's grandson added eastern and rear extensions, preserving the original simple form of the structure.
The house carries the name of the Wilbor family, who lived in this area for generations and shaped the local community. Visitors can still see hand-carved details created by a local craftsman named Mr. Lay that add warmth and character to the interior spaces.
The house sits in a quiet setting surrounded by trees and fields, making it easy to explore on foot. Visitors should take time to observe the exterior structure and surrounding landscape, which convey a sense of rural life from that era.
The house was documented by photographers in the 1930s, who donated their images to the Library of Congress, creating a visual record of early architecture. These photographs allow visitors today to trace the building's details and form across the decades.
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