Historic Walking Tour
When you are in the Village of Homer, take a leisurely stroll through the Historic District. You can almost imagine David Harum or Amelia Jenks Bloomer passing you on the way to the bank or a concert on the Village Green. Although like most older communities the Village of Homer has a variety of architectural styles, the most common in the Homer Historic District are Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne.
Our virtual walking tour is available in two formats, so choose the one most convenient for you!
Let David Harum take you on a tour of all nine stops, OR
View only the photos you wish to see:
STOP 1: This Salt Box style house, built c. 1803, is located on North Main Street. Its small frieze windows have one way shutters.
STOP 2: This Main Street Italianate style home was once owned by Joseph Schermerhorn, son-in-law of Jedediah Barber, prominent Homer Businessman of the early 1800′s. Below is a photo of the portico of this house.
STOP 3: This 1826 Greek Revival house was built by Jedediah Barber, prominent early resident and business owner of the early 1800′s.
STOP 4: This brick Federal house c.1820 in the historic district of Homer has a Palladian doorway and overwindows. The interior woodwork is beautiful, featuring acanthus leaf motifs, Adam garlands, and circular stairs.
STOP 5: This home is a fine example of the Queen Anne style. It was built in 1881 for the William Kellogg family and was designed by Archimedes Russell, a well-known architect from Syracuse. His fondness for the sunflower symbol, typical of the 1880′s, is prominently featured on the gables of the house, the side entry door, the main staircase, and even the weathervane. Many original features still exist including beautiful stained glass windows, parquet floors, fantastic woodwork, five working fireplaces, and two indoor “inhouses” (as opposed to “outhouses”).
STOP 6: The Dame School (Elementary School) c.1830 on North Main Street became a residence in 1877.
STOP 7: This is the earliest extant frame house in Homer, built in 1799 by Asa White. Located on Clinton Street.
STOP 8: This 1888 Romanesque building, which now houses the Cortland Savings Bank and several other businesses, has 12 chimneys along the length of the roof. Each originally led to a wood stove. The arched entrance has very decorative floriated designs picked out in gold leaf. Located at 12 South Main Street.
STOP 9: This lenticular truss bridge, built in 1881, is one of three in Homer. They have all been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as of October 1977. Two are still used for vehicular traffic. The Water Street Bridge has been converted to a pedestrian bridge.
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