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Christmas in the Village
By Margaret M. Toohey and Vicki G. Marshall
The first weekend in December (December 5–7) will once again feature the now-classic Lewiston Tour of Homes sponsored by the Historic Association of Lewiston. This year’s event offers six extraordinary historic and charming private residences. The homes date from the early 1800s and feature a broad range of architectural styles—from early saltbox to Federal and Greek revival mansions. These spectacular properties will be decked out for the holiday season by noted area designers and will for the first time include a Candle Light Tour on Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m.. The tour also includes a “Fabulous Holiday Dessert Design Competition,” with pastry chefs in every kitchen creating unique holiday desserts. Proceeds benefit the Historic Association. Tickets are $20 per person and are available by calling the Lewiston Historical Museum at 754-4214 or toll free 866-754-4214; the Barton Hill Hotel, 754-9070; Orange Cat Coffee Shop, 754-2888; and the Village Bake Shoppe, 754-2300. Additionally, tickets can be ordered on line at www.historiclewiston.org.
The featured homes include:
The Captain Van Cleve House, circa 1838
401 Cayuga
This structure may very well have been built prior to the War of 1812 and survived the burning of Lewiston by the British. It was originally a barn and is one of the earliest surviving structures in the county. Renovated as a private residence in 1838, its most famous owner was Captain James Van Cleve, a renowned nineteenth century landscape painter.
The Peter House, circa 1838
175 South Fourth
This lovely home is a mix of Greek Revival and Federal styles with six for six windows, textured plaster walls, original moldings, and the rich patina of the original wood floors. The home is beautifully situated on an acre with a charming white fence following the graceful curve of the Village lane.
The Gordon Fleming House, circa 1855
445 Plain
This cottage has recently been completely renovated with much of its original detail preserved. Now an elegant residence, it blends scale and simple beauty with stylish interior design.
The Shepard House, circa 1820
451 Plain
This is a classic beauty in miniature. The simple but elegant saltbox was built prior to 1829 and moved to its present location sometime in 1829. (In the Village of Lewiston, houses were often moved when owners changed hands.)
The Manse, circa 1875
605 Center
The original home was built by the Lewiston Presbyterian Church for its minister. The style is stately, with Italianate overtones, wraparound porch, and classic design. Original wood moldings and staircase grace the charming double-door entry.
Barton Hill, 1815
Barton Hill is an 8,000-square-foot Greek Revival mansion that sits on a hill with a commanding view of the Niagara gorge. This home welcomed such historic individuals as the Marquis De Lafayette, John Jacob Astor, and James Fenimore Cooper. Barton Hill features a circular flying staircase, majestic windows, original floors, and original fireplaces. This beloved landmark has not been open to the public in two years.
Christmas in the Village will feature the artistic talents of our region’s most gifted interior and floral designers. Each home will be decked out with all the joy and charm of the season with both classic and innovative holiday décor. Among the talented designers featured: The Garden Gate, 257 Young Street, Wilson; Ethan Allen, 3875 Sheridan Drive, Amherst; Flower-a-Day, 1879 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island; and Space Innovations, Lewiston.
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