Vintage Photo: Shumway House

Shumway House exterior and interior photo from a real estate posting. (Source: Geo Davis via Rosslyn Redux)

We invited you to play Vintage Essex Trivia when we posted this old photo on the Essex on Lake Champlain Facebook page last week. These photos are of the historic Dr. Samuel Shumway House in Essex, NY.

Unfortunately no one recognized the house–probably because the exterior photo was taken from an unusual angle that not many have seen. The house sits on the corner of Elm and Church street, so the two facades are the most identifiable, while this photo is taken from the back yard.

These photos were found in an old real estate listing from The National Real Estate Clearing House entitled, “One Block From Lake Champlain Historic Dutch Colonial House.” Thank you to Dianne Lansing who showed us that artifact!

The listing mentions the current owner is Dr. John R. E. Laiola, and the house is being offered at $35,000. Does anyone know when this listing would have been published?

Shumway House Description

Enjoy the transcription from The National Real Estate Clearing House listing (Previews Listing No 30223):

Back in 1797, Charles Platt, son of the founder of nearby Plattsburgh, started building this old stone house for his bride, Eliza Ross. Completed around 1804, the authentic Dutch Colonial is one of the loveliest sights in the picturesque lake village of Essex, as perfect for year-round living as it is for a summer place.

The gently sloping lawns are in excellent condition, dotted with huge shade trees and little planting boxes, a kitchen vegetable garden and flower gardens. And old stone well still stands, and old barn is now the garage, and the charming red brick schoolhouse on the property is a landmark in itself. The first school in the whole Champlain Valley, it dates back to 1787, and could be turned into a delightful guest cottage.

Regularly redecorated and painted, but fortunately never really remodeled, the eleven-room residence looks just the way it did more then 150 years ago. The exterior is entirely of stone, with a slate roof and recessed, shuttered windows. Indoors, there are wonderful old floors of birch and random-width pine, magnificent brass hardware and even curtain rods of brass. Numerous other details also date back to the turn of the nineteenth century and have a true Dutch Colonial look, such as the handsome center-hall stairwell and the living room and ding room fireplaces. In addition, the rooms are filled with antique furniture, which can be purchased with the property if the buyer desires.

In walking the distance from Lake Champlain and a shirt drive from Lake Placid, this unusual six-bedroom house accommodates any size family, and should be particular appeal to history buffs. Away from the world, yet near a host of outdoor recreational pleasures, the property is an excellent buy.

Vintage Stereoview: Essex Overlook (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Photo: Essex Waterfront (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Photo: Church Street, Essex, NY (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Adirondack Artists’ and Writers’ Retreat (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Photo: Essex Flintstone Float (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

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