|
|
|
Among the jewel-like historical museums of the Finger Lakes, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum of Canandaigua must be counted as one of the diamonds. An equal to the best houses of the same period in Boston and New York, this stately Federal mansion was constructed in the years 1814-1816 by Lawyer Gideon Granger for himself and his wife, Mindwell, after stepping down as the third and longest serving Postmaster General of the United States under Presidents Jefferson and Madison.
It was to be their home and that of four generations of Grangers until 1930. The house is in such a state of preservation and restoration, with Georgian crystal chandeliers, an exceptionally rare and functional Clementi pianoforte, and numerous pieces of the original furnishings and art, that one can imagine any member of that illustrious family having just stepped out of the rooms they inhabited so long ago.
The charming and knowledgeable volunteer docents guide tours throughout the rooms and history of this grand home, which has served other functions as well.
The 1860 addition included a law office for Gideon Granger II. From 1876-1906 the house served as the Granger Place School for girls, after which Miss Isafine and Miss Antoinette Granger returned to make it their home.
Donated at her death by Miss Antoinette to the Congregational Church for the support of retired ministers, the homestead was rescued from the wrecking ball in 1946 by the enthusiasm and perseverance of Judge Joseph Cribb.
Judge Cribb’s interest in 19th century life also led to the creation of the Carriage Museum, which along with the Agricultural Museum shares the estate.
The Carriage Museum houses one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of horse-drawn vehicles in the nation, including a completely original Crabtree hearse on loan from the Culver family of Yates County. Not merely a static display, on Fridays and Sundays a number of the carriages are brought out for visitors to ride around the grounds and, with advance reservation, even the historic streets ofCanandaigua or the historic and beautifully landscaped Woodlawn Cemetery. In the winter months, weather permitting, sleighs are substituted to experience what is usually only remembered in song.
Carriages are also available to hire, especially for weddings. It is this sort of working vitality which distinguishes the Granger Homestead.
Children are a particular focus for the Granger. Their enthusiasm to see how things were done in days past is encouraged by interaction and even summer day camps scheduled for July 13-17 and Aug. 10-14 (reservations required).
Among the jewel-like historical museums of the Finger Lakes, the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum of Canandaigua must be counted as one of the diamonds. An equal to the best houses of the same period in Boston and New York, this stately Federal mansion was constructed in the years 1814-1816 by Lawyer Gideon Granger for himself and his wife, Mindwell, after stepping down as the third and longest serving Postmaster General of the United States under Presidents Jefferson and Madison.
It was to be their home and that of four generations of Grangers until 1930. The house is in such a state of preservation and restoration, with Georgian crystal chandeliers, an exceptionally rare and functional Clementi pianoforte, and numerous pieces of the original furnishings and art, that one can imagine any member of that illustrious family having just stepped out of the rooms they inhabited so long ago.
The charming and knowledgeable volunteer docents guide tours throughout the rooms and history of this grand home, which has served other functions as well.
The 1860 addition included a law office for Gideon Granger II. From 1876-1906 the house served as the Granger Place School for girls, after which Miss Isafine and Miss Antoinette Granger returned to make it their home.
Donated at her death by Miss Antoinette to the Congregational Church for the support of retired ministers, the homestead was rescued from the wrecking ball in 1946 by the enthusiasm and perseverance of Judge Joseph Cribb.
Judge Cribb’s interest in 19th century life also led to the creation of the Carriage Museum, which along with the Agricultural Museum shares the estate.
The Carriage Museum houses one of the most extensive and comprehensive collections of horse-drawn vehicles in the nation, including a completely original Crabtree hearse on loan from the Culver family of Yates County. Not merely a static display, on Fridays and Sundays a number of the carriages are brought out for visitors to ride around the grounds and, with advance reservation, even the historic streets ofCanandaigua or the historic and beautifully landscaped Woodlawn Cemetery. In the winter months, weather permitting, sleighs are substituted to experience what is usually only remembered in song.
Carriages are also available to hire, especially for weddings. It is this sort of working vitality which distinguishes the Granger Homestead.
Children are a particular focus for the Granger. Their enthusiasm to see how things were done in days past is encouraged by interaction and even summer day camps scheduled for July 13-17 and Aug. 10-14 (reservations required).
Even the ordinary task of laundry is made fascinating by the sheer physical exertion it required. Aug. 30 the Granger will host their Country Fair with food, music and activities for all ages.
Oct. 2-3 will see an authentic Civil War Encampment on the grounds co-sponsored by the renowned Reynolds’ Battery L. In the holiday season, the Christkindl Market offers arts, crafts, and gourmet delights from Nov. 13-15, and the Festival of Trees displays decorated trees and wreaths for sale by silent auction until Dec. 6.
The Granger Homestead also lends its grace to private parties as well. With beautifully appointed rooms, fine china and silver, a commercial grade kitchen, broad lawns, and ample parking, it can host elegant parties for family and friends as well as large weddings and charity or corporate functions.
A dedicated social director and a list of pre-approved caterers will facilitate smooth planning for any sized event.
Granger Homestead and
Carriage Museum
295 North Main St.
Canandaigua
585-394-1472
www.grangerhomestead.org
info@grangerhomestead.org
Open May 19 - Oct. 23, 2009, Tuesday and Wednesday 1 - 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.. Weekends June - Oct. 23, 1 - 5 p.m. Last complete tour begins at 3 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Guided tours Tuesday and Wednesday 1 - 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and weekends 1-4 p.m. June through October. Group tours available by appointment.
The gift shop is open during all regular hours. Visitors can expect that a complete tour of both the mansion and carriage museum will take approximately two hours.
Admission: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $2 Students, Preschoolers Free
