If you love historic homes, then you’ll love the Phelps Mansion Museum in Binghamton. This three-floor, Second Empire-style home was built in 1870 as a private home for businessman Sherman David Phelps, founder of the Susquehanna Valley Bank and, later, mayor of the city. He lived in it until he died in 1878 and it stayed in the family until 1889. Since then, it changed hands several times, but today, you can tour this incredible historic home in New York to see how the very wealthy lived during this time period. Read on to learn more.
In 1868 and 1869, Phelps purchased three homes on Court Street. He tore them down to build his dream home. He hired local architect Isaac Gale Perry to design the home; later, Perry designed the New York State Capitol Building.
Management/Facebook
At the time, Court Street was where the wealthiest Binghamton residents built their homes. The Phelps Mansion was at the end of the block and is the only one that remains today.
Management/Facebook
This historic home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. From 1905 to 2006, it was owned and maintained by the Monday Afternoon Club, a local women’s civic organization.
Management/Facebook In 1986, the Monday Afternoon Club transferred ownership to the Phelps Mansion Museum with the agreement that it would be used as a museum on an ongoing basis. However, the club continued to meet at the house until it disbanded in 2006.
Although Phelps was a widower at the time he moved in, the home was designed for entertaining. Several parlors, a dining room, a formal waiting area, and solarium were on the first floor. A ballroom was added later. This photo was taken sometime before 1905.
Management/Facebook Judge Phelps didn’t live in the mansion alone, however. He had two teenaged sons from his second marriage, a widowed niece, two maids, and several carriage drivers and cooks who lived on the property with him.
The second floor had five bedrooms, a sitting room, and two bathrooms. The third floor had storage space, a billiard room, and servants’ quarters.
Management/Facebook
All of the rooms in this home are beautiful. This is the front parlor.
Management/Facebook
Look at the woodwork in this formal waiting room, also known as the reception room.
Management/Facebook
The formal parlor is also quite lovely.
Management/Facebook
There’s also a beautiful formal dining room.
Management/Facebook
Of course, the home of a businessman, judge, and mayor also has a library space.
Management/Facebook
The staff at the Phelps Mansion Museum take excellent care of the property. They do an especially wonderful job of decorating at Christmastime. The holiday season is the perfect time to visit.
Management/Facebook
You’ll love visiting the Phelps Mansion Museum. This historic home in New York is special and will give you a feeling of having stepped back in time. Plan a visit today.
Management/Facebook
The Phelps Mansion Museum is a beautiful example of a historic home in New York that has been well maintained for more than 150 years. If you love visiting homes from long ago, New York has many that you can tour. Check out this list for more: You’ll Want To Visit These 11 Houses In New York For Their Incredible Pasts
Management/Facebook
In 1986, the Monday Afternoon Club transferred ownership to the Phelps Mansion Museum with the agreement that it would be used as a museum on an ongoing basis. However, the club continued to meet at the house until it disbanded in 2006.
Judge Phelps didn’t live in the mansion alone, however. He had two teenaged sons from his second marriage, a widowed niece, two maids, and several carriage drivers and cooks who lived on the property with him.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Phelps Mansion Museum, 191 Court St, Binghamton, NY 13901, USA
