White paint dazzles in the autumn sunlight
— Photo scan by John Elberfeld
Old homestead gets new paint: This undated photo of the Saddlemire Homestead in Knox, built in 1885, shows its original hip roof. The town of Knox recently painted the building, which houses the collection of the Knox Historical Society. The history of the Homestead is at the Society’s website, knoxhistoricalsociety.org/
To the Editor:
Have you driven by the Saddlemire Homestead on Route 156 in Knox lately? The overgrown shrubbery and dead tree have been removed. The house’s peeling patches are gone, and its new coat of white paint dazzles in the autumn sunlight.
The town of Knox maintains the homestead, which houses Knox Historical Society’s collection. The society sincerely thanks Mike Hammond, supervisor, and the town board for undertaking this project to improve and protect the building.
Lou Saddlemire recently spoke to the society about the history of the house, which was built in 1885 by William J. Crary. The house originally had a hip roof, and the land out back was a working farm.
On June 27, 1885, The Knowersville Enterprise noted: “William Crary has his house raised and when completed will be quite an ornament to the village.”
Austin Saddlemire Sr. bought the house in 1915, and the Town acquired the property in the 1970s.
Knox Historical Society’s new website details the chronology of the homestead. It also features a virtual room-by-room tour of the collection. The “Publications” section has information on ordering the 2014 re-issue of the Knox sesquicentennial history book. We invite readers to learn more about our projects at knoxhistoricalsociety.org/
The historical society will not meet on Election Day in November. On Dec. 2, we’ll host our annual holiday party at 7 p.m. at the town hall. All are invited to help us celebrate a very successful year and meet visitors from other historical societies.
Jane B. McLean, vice president
Knox Historical Society