Summary of Research
Zehr Estate
208 Chemung St. Waverly, NY 14892
Tioga County, New York
Restoring / Revitalizing a Piece of History and Architectural Art
We, Amy and Brad Zehr, are in the midst of restoring and or revitalizing this Victorian Eastlake style house, which we purchased in March 2010 ...see videos
Please subscribe to our youtube channel @victorianestate History of Zehr Estate Videos.
August 2025 by Amy Zehr - (summary of my research, as of this date) - Revitalization In Progress Of One Of Waverly's Victorian Homes.
We are the captivated owners of this Victorian, Eastlake style with a somewhat Gothic look, estate at 208 Chemung St. Waverly, NY.
The "Zehr Estate" property consists of the main house at 208 Chemung street; the possibly former stables with circa 1945 added on cinderblock garages at 208 1/2 Chemung street; the former carriage house at 9 Athens street, which was later used as an automobile garage, and then circa 1945 converted into two apartments; and the former sites of an octagon house which was originally built in the west yard of today's 208 Chemung street and in 1879 the octagon house was moved down to 7 Athens street , below the main house, where it was used as a two- family rental income for the Samuel Slaughter family who owned it and while living in the main house at 208 Chemung street. At some point after 1930, the octagon house was either destroyed by fire or taken down for some other reason. In 1950, a ranch home was built in its place, at 7 Athens street. This estate, in the later half of the 1800's, was once home to one of Waverly's successful businessmen and "leader in the commercial life of Waverly," Samuel Wickham Slaughter, whom the house was rebuilt for as a wedding gift from his father. Prior to the Slaughter family owning the estate, there was a blacksmith shop (built c. 1824) owned by Elder Aaron Jackson, on the current site of the main house. The land at 7 Athens street remained a part of the estate, until 1950, when Mrs. Mary Fralick sold off the land of 7 Athens street, to Mrs. Mary Alamo, who had the current home at 7 Athens street built in 1950. Then, 67 years later, in January of 2017, we, Amy and Brad Zehr, purchased 7 Athens street containing the 1950 ranch style home, rejoining the original Slaughter family's estate.
In between Aaron Jackson's blacksmith shop and Samuel Slaughter's Main house or Mansion of the time, was the beginning of the Slaughter residence, a much smaller rectangular shaped home, built and owned by Thomas Jefferson Brooks. In 1849, Thomas Jefferson Brooks purchased from Andrew S. Rice, the lot for $400, just where the main house at 208 Chemung street stands today, the current west yard was not included, for it had Andrew Rice’s octagon home on it, which was built circa 1846. Brooks then built a rectangular shaped home which he and his family lived in until he sold his home to Dewitt Slaughter in 1857.
1850 census - 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY - T. J. Brooks 33 yo., merchant, real estate $1,300; wife Cynthia 26 yo.; daughter Rosamond 3 yo.; Joseph Beers 13 yo.; Henry McCane 18 yo., clerk
By 1852, T. J. Brooks opened a general store on Broad Street. He previously had a store in Factoryville (East Waverly) on Cayuta Avenue.
April 2, 1852 The Luminary - on corners of Chemung and Waverly streets in 1852, were: southeast corner (202 Chemung Street), Joseph Chambers, dealer in cabinet furniture, chairs & c.; southwest corner (where now stands the Methodist Church), J. Reel, Waverley hotel.
1852 - Waverley - Its Business Men, & c. (notice the second "e" in Waverley). ... T. J. Brooks, dealer in dry goods, groceries, & c., in Spalding block (Broad street).
March 22, 1854 The Broome Republican - Paymaster - We learn that T. J. Brooks, of (208 Chemung street) Waverly, has been appointed paymaster on the New York and Erie Road. The Waverly Advocate speaks in high terms of the appointee.
April 5, 1854 The Broome Republican - T. J. Brooks also of Tioga County, but a few days since was appointed paymaster for the Susquehanna division ... (N. Y. & E. R. R.) (T. J. Brooks and family were living at 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY.)
In 1854 Waverly was incorporated. On April 25, 1853, a formal application to incorporate the village of Waverly was made by H. S. Davis, Owen Spalding, T. J. Brooks, W. A. Brooks, R. O. Crandall, Richard A. Elmer, Alvah Jarvis and others. On December 12, 1853, a notice for a call of election was made and on January 18, 1854, voters of the village cast a total of 158 votes; 114 for and 44 against. The election was held at the old hotel, run by James Whitaker, on the corner of Chemung and Waverly streets. {the hotel was at current day 159a Chemung Street, northwest corner of Waverly and Chemung streets. It was a previous building on that lot that was destroyed by fire in 1856.}
1855 census - 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY - T. J. Brooks 38 yo., born in Otsego county, agent New York & Erie railroad; wife Cynthia 30 yo., born in Chemung county; daughter Lilias Rosamond 8 yo., born in Tioga county
April 8, 1857, Thomas J. Brooks and Cynthia Lowman Brooks sold the house at 208 Chemung street to Dewitt Slaughter for $1,500, indicating a moderately sized dwelling was on the property. On an 1853 map of Waverly and Factoryville, there was a rectangular shaped house at 208 Chemung Street.
Sept. 29, 1857 - Thomas J. Brooks died, late of the town of Owego, NY. He is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, NY.
Samuel Slaughter came to Waverly in 1857 with his parents, Dewitt and Caroline Mills Slaughter, and sister, Antonette or "Nettie" as she was called. Dewitt Slaughter purchased the portion of the property where the main house stands and at that time, the home was much smaller and rectangular in shape, which was sold to them by Thomas J. Brooks who lived in the much smaller rectangular home with his family. Dewitt Slaughter was a retired wealthy farmer from Hamptonburg, Orange county, New York, who served Waverly as a trustee in 1864.
On November 9,1861, Mrs. Caroline Mills Slaughter died of apoplexy (stroke). She was born May 4,1812. She is buried in Scotchtown, Orange county, NY. Wife of Dewitt Slaughter of 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY.
1865 New York state census - at 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY. Framed wood home worth $1,500. Dewitt Slaughter, 61 yo., gentleman; son, Samuel W. 25 yo., merchant; daughter, Nettie, 17 yo.
March 21,1868 Waverly Advocate - Deaths. Slaughter - In Waverly, March 18, 1868 Nettie, only daughter of Dewitt Slaughter, aged 21 years and 8 months. (Antonette Slaughter) Living at 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY
1870 census - 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY - renting was the Lewis Family - Walter H. Lewis 58 yo., cooper, no real estate, personal $600; wife Esther M. 51 yo.; daughter Mary J. 21 yo., bookkeeper; son John E. 14 yo., telegrapher; daughter Annie L. 6 yo.; Family #2 Dewitt Slaughter 66 yo., retired farmer, real estate $2,500, personal $30,000; son Samuel W. 32 yo., drug merchant, real estate $5,000. Personal $5,000; Nathaniel Ackerly 31 yo., farm laborer. The Lewis family as well as Nathaniel Ackerly were friends of the Slaughter family.
Samuel Slaughter married Charlotte Wells in 1873 in Goshen, New York. The home was totally renovated into its "Eastlake" style and heavily ornamented design that remains today, except for an open back porch much like the front porch, which was taken off around 1945, after the property was sold off by the daughter of Samuel Slaughter, Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp. Local rumors and information handed down by previous owners is that Dewitt Slaughter had the home "rebuilt" in 1873 for his son, Samuel, as a wedding gift. A newspaper clipping verifies that the home was "rebuilt" in 1873, the year Samuel was married.
June 18, 1875 census - 208 Chemung street, Waverly, NY - Home worth $8,000, this was about 2 years after the re-build, S. W. Slaughter 37 yo., druggist; wife Mrs. C. Slaughter 24 yo.; father Dewitt Slaughter 72 yo.
Sept. 18, 1875 - Dewitt Slaughter, son of Isaac and Jane McBride Slaughter died. He was born Sept. 3, 1803.
Samuel and Charlotte Slaughter had one child, a daughter, Mary Gertrude Slaughter, born in 1890. Mary later went by her middle name, Gertrude. The Waverly Free Press - Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Slaughter, Chemung street, are rejoicing over the arrival at their home on Saturday, April 26, 1890, of a nine pound daughter. Wick's face has not been so wreathed in smiles in many a day.
August 25, 1894 Elmira Daily Gazette And Free Press - Waverly, N. Y. Aug. 25 - S. W. Slaughter, one of Waverly's foremost citizens, died at his home on (208) Chemung street last evening of Bright’s disease after a long illness. He leaves of his immediate family a wife and baby girl to mourn his loss. He was for years engaged in the drug business in this town, and was always ready with his influence and money to forward any movement for the public good and his private generosity to the needy is known to every one. In his death Waverly suffers a severe loss. He was at the time of his death vice president and also director of the Citizen's bank. He was also a director in the Waverly Water Works Company and the Hall & Lyons furniture company. His funeral will probably be held Monday afternoon, and his remains will be taken to Goshen for burial. He was a member of the Tioga hose company and probably the entire fire department will attend the funeral in a body. Rev. J. L. Taylor, of Cleveland, Ohio, the former pastor of the Presbyterian church at this place, will officiate at the service which will be held at the house. (In 1898, his remains were brought back to Waverly and buried in Glenwood cemetery.)
Aug. 30, 1894 The Goshen Democrat - From the Waverly Democrat of Aug. 29th. Obituary. Samuel Wickham Slaughter -
Earth’s transitory things decay; Its pomps, its pleasure pass away; But
the sweet memory of the good, Survives in the vicissitude, So through
the ocean-tide of years, The memory of the just appears; So through the
tempest and the gloom, The good man’s virtues light the tomb. Samuel Wickham Slaughter died at his home, corner of Chemung and Athens streets,
this village on Friday evening last at five minutes before seven, after
a week’s severe illness, although he had been in failing health for
nearly six months. In his death Waverly loses its wealthiest, as well as
one of its most prominent and public spirited men. In a quiet way, his
life work was devoted to doing good, and his open and liberal purse was
ever ready to aid those in need. His charity however, took on no
manifestations, and it was his little deeds, done in his private life
that made him the friend of the poor and the servant of the needy. Mr.
Slaughter was born in Hamptonburgh, Orange county, N. Y., November 8,
1837. He was the son of Dewitt Slaughter, and the second child of a
family of five. He received his education at the Chesterfield and
Middletown academies. In 1857 Mr. Slaughter, with his father and sister,
Nettie, came to Waverly to reside, the children attending the Waverly
high school. After having completed his education, he engaged in the
drug business on the spot where the Corner Drug Store now stands, the
firm name being Slaughter & Bosworth. At the end of a year H. H.
Hayes purchased the Bosworth interest, and the firm of Slaughter &
Hayes existed until 1873, when Mr. Slaughter was married to Miss
Charlotte Wells of Goshen. With Mrs. Slaughter to Waverly came a
brother, Eugene Wells, who bought out Mr. Hayes, and this partnership
existed till 1881, when Mr. Wells died. Mr. Slaughter then took in John
C. VanAtta as a partner, and a few years later himself retired from
active business life. When the Waverly Water Co., was organized Mr.
Slaughter was one of its principal projectors, and at the time of his
death he was one of the heaviest stockholders. He was also vice
president of the Citizens Bank and a director of the Hall & Lyon
Furniture company. In the Presbyterian church he was one of the most
active members, and principally through his energy and liberality was
the handsome new structure erected. Probably no man ever laid down
life’s burdens surrounded by more friends and associates. Quiet and
unassuming in his manner, he was never heard to speak disparagingly of
anyone and was alert to eke out the good qualities of whoever might be
discussed before him. In his liberality he used keen judgement and sound
mind. If a case of deserving poor or need came to his notice he was
quick to investigate its exact condition, and render aid as the
necessity of the case seem to dictate. Waverly will miss him publicly,
socially and financially. His death leaves a vacuum that will ever
remain vacant to the cherished memory of his good and kindly deeds. In
an elegant home he lived, having occupied himself years in its building
and here he died, surrounded by fond friends, a loving wife, and a
little daughter four years of age. Funeral services were conducted
on Monday at four o’clock by the Rev. Peter R. Ross, pastor of the First
Presbyterian church of this place assisted by John L. Taylor of
Cincinnati. The remains were taken to Middletown, N. Y. on train No. 12
Monday night, from whence they were conveyed to the little village of
Scotchtown, where they were interred Tuesday afternoon in the family
plot.
(In June of 1898, his remains, after resting in a vault in
Phillipsburg cemetery, were brought back to Waverly in Glenwood Cemetery
for burial.)
September 1, 1894 The Waverly Free Press - Samuel W. Slaughter. The death of Mr. Samuel W. Slaughter, whose serious illness was briefly mentioned in the Free Press last week, occurred at his home on Friday night, at about 7 o'clock. Mr. Slaughter was born November 8, 1837, and had lived in Waverly about forty years. He engaged in the drug business about thirty-five years ago, and has been for years closely identified with the best interests of the village. He was succeeded in the drug business by John C. VanAtta, a few years ago, but he was director in the Waverly Water Co., and also in the Hall & Lyon Furniture Co., and was vice president of the Citizens Bank, at the time of his death. He was a man of large wealth which he used conscientiously for the bettering of his fellowmen, and his integrity of character was unquestioned. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and his loss will be keenly felt by that society. His widow and one daughter, Gertrude, about four years old, survive him. The funeral was held at the late home on (208) Chemung street, Monday afternoon at four o'clock, and was attended by a large company of friends. Rev. P. R. Ross conducted the sad service, assisted by Rev. J. L. Taylor, of Wyoming, Ohio, a former pastor, and Rev. H. D. Jenkins, of Sioux City, Iowa, a friend of the boyhood days of the deceased. The remains were taken to Scotchtown, about 5 miles from Middletown, for burial. Rev. P. R. Ross accompanied them, and officiated at the last sad rites at the grave. (In June of 1898, his remains, after resting in a vault in Phillipsburg cemetery, were brought back to Waverly in Glenwood Cemetery for burial.)
June 3, 1898 Middletown Daily Argus - Sent To Waverly For Burial. The remains of Samuel Wickham Slaughter, which have rested in a vault in Phillipsburg cemetery, since 1894, were today sent to Waverly for burial. (Glenwood Cemetery)
July 15, 1899 The Waverly Free Press - Accidental Injuries. Wednesday morning, Dennis T. Nolan, of Corning, a lineman of the employ of the N. Y. & Pa. Tel. & Tel. Co., had the misfortune to break his leg while working on the residence (208 Chemung st.) of Mrs. S. W. Slaughter. He was putting a fuse box on the house and had completed the job. He discovered that he had left his knife laying on the box and went up the ladder again after it. The ladder broke just as he reached the top of it and he was precipitated to the ground, and his right leg was broken just above his ankle. Dr. Harnden was called and reduced the fracture and the injured man was removed to his room at the Warford House.
1900 census - 208 Chemung st. owned home free of mortgage - Charlotte W. Slaughter 49 yo. widow, daughter M. Gertrude 10 yo., servant Julia G. Sheehan 29 yo., white, born about 1870, parents born in Ireland.
July 19, 1907 The Waverly Free Press And Tioga County Record - MIRACULOUSE ESCAPE FROM DEATH. Lewis Westfall Fell from Roof to Stone Walk With Only Slight Injuries. A fall of thirty-five feet from a roof and landing on a stone sidewalk was the experience of Lewis Westfall, of Sayre, in this village Saturday, and he not only lives to tell of it, but except for a few bruises, is uninjured. Mr. Westfall was painting the Slaughter house in (208) Chemung street, and was on the extreme top of the roof painting the ridge. He maintained his position on the roof by clinging to an iron decoration fastened to the ridge. Suddenly this support gave way and he was precipitated down the steep roof. In his flight he struck a dormer the partially checked his fall and then bounded off onto a porch roof. Another bound and he landed prostrate on the stone sidewalk. Harold McGlenn, who lives across the street, had been a witness to the accident, and he hastened to the man's assistance. He found Westfall partially conscious, although he was badly dazed and short of breath. Dr. Johnson was summoned and on examination found no broken bones, although Westfall was suffering considerably from the concussion and had a number of bruises. He was taken to his home and so far has suffered no serious consequences from his experience. (A George S. McGlenn was listed at 209 Chemung street in 1908 directory).
August 28, 1908 Waverly Free Press - Among the Waverly young people who are planning to attend out of town colleges are Blanche Robinson and Alice Westfall, Geneseo Normal School; Gertrude Slaughter (208 Chemung st. Waverly, NY) and Dorothy Atwater, "The Elms," Springfield, Mass.; Margaret Grafft, Albany Normal College, and Barbara Lawrence, Sweet Briar Seminary, Sweet Briar, Virginia.
In 1911, Gertrude Slaughter graduated from Emma Willard School in Troy, NY; general courses for college preparatory. In the fall of 1911, she returned to take a post graduate course.
July 27, 1912 - Mrs. Charlotte Wells Slaughter died.
July 29, 1912 Elmira Star Gazette - Charlotte Slaughter Dies Of Apoplexy. Waverly, July 29. - Mrs. Charlotte Slaughter, widow of the late S. W. Slaughter, died at her late home on (208) Chemung street Saturday evening at 9:30 o'clock. For the last year she had been in ill health and a week ago suffered a stroke of apoplexy. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and was for many years a leader in church and social circles. One daughter Miss Gertrude Slaughter survives her, also two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Slaughter of Crystal Run, N. Y. and Mrs. A. F. Coleman of Goshen; two brothers, Moses Welles of Chicago and Charles Welles of Goshen. The funeral will be held at the home on Chemung street Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Parke Richards will officiate and the interment will be in Glenwood cemetery.
Charlotte Wells Slaughter, of Waverly, N. Y., a member of Tioga Chapter, D. A. R., of Athens, Pa., died July 27, 1912. Mrs. Slaughter was a descendant of several prominent Orange County, N.Y. pioneers and will be greatly missed, not only in Daughters of the American Revolution circles, but in the Presbyterian Church and other organizations having as an object the uplifting of her home town. Taken from page 21 of The American monthly magazine, Volume 42 By Daughters of the American Revolution.
August 2, 1912 Waverly Free Press - Charlotte Welles (Wells) Slaughter- By the death of Mrs. Charlotte Welles (Wells) Slaughter, which occurred Saturday evening, our village is called to mourn one of its most influential women and one whose passing will bring sorrow to a large circle of friends. Mrs. Slaughter had been in ill health for the past year and a week before her death suffered a stroke of apoplexy. She was born in Orange County in 1850 and coming here 39 years ago with her husband, the late S.W. Slaughter, has since been most active in social and religious circles. A devout member of the Presbyterian Church, she was interested in all the branches of its work, taking a particularly active interest in the Ladies' Benevolent and Missionary societies. She was also a liberal giver to all of the church's charities. Mrs. Slaughter was descended from well known Revolutionary stock and was a member of Tioga Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Her hospitality was unbounded and she was never happier than when entertaining for friends and relatives at her beautiful home on Chemung street. Surviving relatives are a daughter, Miss Gertrude of this place; two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Slaughter of Crystal Run, N.Y.; Mrs. A.F. Coleman, Goshen, and two brothers Moses Welles (Wells) of Chicago, and Charles Welles (Wells) of Goshen. Funeral services were conducted at the family home (208 Chemung st. Waverly, NY) Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock by her pastor, the Rev. Parke Richards and burial was made at Glenwood. The bearers were L. D. Atwater, J. C. VanAtta, F. E. Munn, P. L. Lang, E. D. Sebring, and F. W. Merriam
Mrs. F. A. Sawyer entertained at an elaborate four course luncheon at 1 o'clock Wednesday at her home on (416) Chemung street. The function was given to announce the engagement of Miss Gertrude Slaughter to George Knapp and was one of the prettiest ever given in town. The color scheme was in pink, the centre piece being of lilies of the valley and pink honeysuckle, while bouquets of pink carnations at each end of the table added to the beauty of the decorations. The place cards were pink butterflies, which had the appearance of flying as they, rested on the glasses at each plate. On one side of the cards were the guests' names while on the other were the names of the guest of honor and her fiance. The ice cream, cakes and bonbons carried out the pink scheme of decoration. As soon as the announcement was made the guest of honor was heartily congratulated for both she and Mr. Knapp are among the most popular of Waverly's young people.
Following the luncheon bridge was played: The guests were Miss Dorothy Atwater (112 Park place), Miss Elizabeth Moore (431 Park ave.), Miss Agnes Moore (431 Park ave.), Miss Margaret Tew (313 Chemung st.), Miss Barbara Lawrence (25 Ithaca st.), Miss Maria Case (162 Providence st.), Miss Flora Milne, Miss Eleanor Crum, Mrs. E. D. Sebring (300 Chemung st.), Mrs. F. H. Spencer (423 Park ave.), Mrs. W. S. Hall (8 Orchard st.), Mrs. Robert Fish (10 Lincoln ave.), Mrs.Franklin Pierce (424 Pennsylvania ave.), and Miss Clara Bolich of Sayre.
February 2, 1915 - George Brinker Knapp, 29 years old, and Mary Gertrude Slaughter, 24 years old, were married. Parke Richards officiating. H. W. Knapp and J. W. Knapp, Jr. were witnesses. Place of marriage, Waverly, Tioga Co., NY.
On Feb. 2, 1915, Mary Gertrude Slaughter married George Brinker Knapp, son of Joseph Warren Knapp and Frances E. Durkee Knapp, proprietors of J. W. Knapp & Son Store on the corner of Broad and Fulton streets in Waverly.
Feb. 3, 1915 Elmira Star Gazette - Beautiful Is Their Wedding. Miss Mary Gertrude Slaughter and George Brinker Knapp Are United in Marriage in Presence of Two Hundred Guests. Waverly - About two hundred relatives and friends witnessed the marriage of Miss Mary Gertrude Slaughter and George Brinker Knapp, which took place last evening at the home of the bride. The house was beautifully decorated with smilax and a profusion of red white and pink roses. At 7:30 o’clock the bridal party entered the library where the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Park Richards, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. The ushers were H. W. Knapp, Phillips Knapp, H. C. Watrous and Philip Finch. The groom had his bother, J. W. Knapp, Jr., for he best man. The bridesmaids, Miss Katherine Smith of Goshen, Miss Frances Knapp, Miss Dorothy Atwater and Miss Hazel Johnson were gowned in blue and wore short tulle veils and carried bouquets of pink roses. The maid of honor was Miss Florence Mapes, of Goshen, and wore pink messaline and carried white roses. The bride was beautifully gowned in white satin and lace with court train. She wore a long tulle veil caught with orange blossoms, and carried a shower bouquet of bride roses and lillies of the valley. The ring bearer was Joseph Warren Knapp. The bride was given in marriage by Mr. Fred A. Sawyer. An orchestra of four pieces played throughout the wedding. After congratulations to the bride and groom, a four course supper was served by Alberger, of Ithaca. The bride’s table was decorated with pink roses, smilax and pink favors. The bride received many beautiful gifts of silver, china, cut glass and linen. The bride’s gifts to her attendants were strings of pearls. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp left on a late train for a bridal trip of three months through the south and far west. The bride is the only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Slaughter, while the groom is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Knapp, Sr., of this village. Guests were present from Goshen, Middletown, Elmira, Towanda, Sayre and Athens.
February 5, 1915 Waverly Free Press And Tioga County Record - KNAPP-SLAUGHTER WEDDING IS BRILLIANT AFFAIR
The prettiest and most elaborate wedding of the season occurred on Tuesday evening, when Miss
Gertrude Slaughter was united in marriage to George Brinker Knapp at
the Chemung street house (208 Chemung street Waverly, NY) of the bride. The
prominence of the families and the popularity of both the young people
made the occasion a notable one. The ceremony was performed by the Rev.
Parke Richards, pastor of the Presbyterian church.
The bride was
given in marriage by F. A. Sawyer. She was exquisitely gowned in white
satin made with court train, trimmed with hand-run Chantilly lace seeded
with pearls. Her tulle veil was fastened with a band of pearls and
orange blossoms, and she carried a shower bouquet of roses, lilies of
the valley and smilax. Her ornaments were a diamond LaValliere, the gift
of the groom, and a sunburst of diamonds, a family heirloom. She was
attended by her maid of honor, Miss Florence Mapes of Goshen, who wore
pink messaline and carried white roses. Her bridesmaids, Miss Dorothy
Atwater, Miss Frances Knapp, Miss Hazel Johnson, and Miss Katherine
Smith of Middletown, N. Y., were charmingly gowned in pale blue silk,
with short tulle veils. They carried pink roses. Joseph W. Knapp, 3rd,
acted as ring bearer, and the ribbon bearers were Miss Gertrude
Slaughter Smith of Middletown and Miss Helen Knapp. Joseph W. Knapp,
Jr., officiated as best man. The ushers were Harry W. Knapp, Harold
Watrous, Philip Finch.
The house was beautifully decorated with cut
flowers and greenery, roses predominating. The ceremony was performed in
the library, before a bank of white roses and smilax. The drawing room
was decorated with Jacqueminot roses, while the dining room was a
symphony in pink, white, and green. The bride's table was decorated in
pink and white roses and pink favors, while Japanese lilies and
carnations were used about the room with charming effect. Coleman's
orchestra of Ithaca played throughout the evening, and Alberger of
Ithaca served the four course wedding breakfast.
The bride's gift to
her maid of honor was a pearl and sapphire brooch, and to her
bridesmaids strings of pearls. To the little ribbon bearers she gave
forget-me-not pins and to the ring bearer a signet ring. Her gift to the
groom was a watch. The groom's gifts to his best man and ushers were
gold cuff links.
The ceremony was performed in the presence of about
two hundred guests. Among those from outside Waverly were Mrs. David
Munson of Rochester; Mrs. Eugene Smith, Harry and Eugene Smith, Miss
Katherine Smith, and Miss Gertrude Smith of Middletown; Miss Edna
Slaughter of Middletown, Mrs. James Haggerty and Miss Florence Mapes of
Goshen, Miss Edna Day of Canandaigua, Mr. and Mrs. George Dayton of
Towanda, Miss Marion Freestone of Tacoma, Washington; Miss Mary Millard
of Elmira, Dr. and Mrs. Knapp and the Misses Knapp of Newark Valley.
The gifts were many and beautiful.
The
bride's going-away gown was of sand colored gabardine trimmed with fur,
with duvetyne hat to match, trimmed with fur and flowers.
Mr.
and Mrs. Knapp left for Palm Beach and other southern points. Upon
their return they will be at home to their friends at 208 Chemung
street.
March 13, 1915 The Morning Sentinel, Florida - Drennen, Fla, March 10. - ... Mr. and Mrs. George Knapp, of Waverly, N. Y., who were visitors here last week, have gone to Daytona and will spend another month in the South before returning home (208 Chemung street Waverly, NY).
1915 New York census - 208 Chemung street - George B. Knapp salesman for Dry Goods; Mary Gertrude Knapp housework, and servant Margret Kane general housework
On March 24, 1916, Charlotte Slaughter Knapp was born to Gertrude and George Knapp. Charlotte Knapp was named after her late maternal grandmother, Charlotte Wells Slaughter, who died in 1912.
1917 from Farm Journal Rural Directory - 208 Chemung street - George B. Knapp (wife Gertrude) 1 child, clerk, owns home & lot, 2 autos, land line, (Interesting is that, the house and the rental properties such as the octagon home at 7 Athens street, and the "Corner Drug Store" at 337 Broad street, remained in Gertrude's name, even after her marriage to George Knapp)
1920 census - 208 Chemung street - George B. Knapp (head of household, 34 yo.) with wife, Gertrude Knapp (29 yo.), daughter, Charlotte (3 yo.), and servant Margret Kane (60 yo.) {same servant as from 1910 census. George and Gertrude both had "none" listed for occupation}
March 31, 1924 Elmira Star Gazette - Waverly, March 31. ... Mr. and Mrs. George Knapp and daughter, Charlotte, returned home Saturday after spending the winter in Orlando, Florida.
April 22, 1924 Elmira Star Gazette - Joseph W. Knapp. Waverly, April 22. - The funeral of the late Joseph W. Knapp will be held from the home of his son, Harry W. Knapp, Waverly street, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Albert O. Caldwell, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate. Interment will be in Glenwood cemetery. The remains arrived from Passadena, Calif., this morning. The sad trip across the continent was made by his widow and his son, George Knapp. {George's mother, Frances Knapp, then lived with George and Gertrude Knapp at 208 Chemung St. Waverly from 1924 to around 1934 when Frances went to live with another son, Harry Knapp, where Frances died and her funeral was held at 455 Waverly St., the home of Harry Knapp.}
1924 Directory - has Frances E. Knapp (George's mother) living with George, Gertrude, and Charlotte Knapp at 208 Chemung street {George's father, Joseph Warren Knapp, died in April of 1924}
September 26, 1924 Elmira Star-Gazette - Wanted: Girl for general housework; washing out. Mrs. Geo. B. Knapp, 208 Chemung St., Waverly, N. Y.
1925 New York state census - 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY - Gertrude 35 yrs. old, with husband, George B. Knapp 39 yrs., no occupation for George, Gertrude listed as housework, daughter, Charlotte S. Knapp 9 yo., mother-in-law Frances E. Knapp 79 yo.
August 11, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette - Wanted - Woman for general housework. Good wages. Washing out. Mrs. George B. Knapp 208 Chemung Street Waverly, N. Y. Telephone 413 aug.11-12-13.
October 8, 1927 - George B. Knapp Killed by Charge from Shotgun, accidentally discharged at home. He had been ill for several weeks and had recently returned from Glen Springs Sanitarium, Watkins Glen, where he had been receiving treatments.
George B. Knapp Killed By Charge from Shotgun. Prominent Waverly Man Dies Instantly When Gun Is Accidentally Discharged At Home Here. George Brinker Knapp, accidentally shot himself at 5:30 Saturday afternoon in his bedroom at his home, 208 Chemung street. Mr. Knapp has been ill for several weeks and had only recently returned from Glen Springs Sanitarium, Watkins Glen where he had been receiving treatments. He was much improved in health, however, and was making plans to start on a brief squirrel hunting trip with friends this week. Mr. Knapp had just taken a bath and returned to his room to dress. Mrs. Knapp, his wife, was on the first floor of the home and was making preparations to take Mr. Knapp for a short automobile ride before dinner. Hearing a noise as if someone had fallen, Mrs. Knapp hastened to her husband's room and found him lying upon his back on the floor with a large wardrobe trunk, which stood in the room, over turned and lying partially on Mr. Knapp. A shotgun, which had been lying across the top of the trunk and which Mr. Knapp had been cleaning in readiness for the hunting trip, had been fired, probably as the trunk had fallen and the charge had entered the body of her husband, passing through his chest. Dr. F. H. Spencer, the family physician, was summoned and found that life was extinct. He called Coroner J. T. Tucker who made an examination and decided that death was accidental. The decedent was born in Waverly in November, 1885, and had resided in this village all his life. He was engaged for a short time in the dry goods business with his father but had retired from active business life some years ago. Mr. Knapp, while not taking an active part in the civic life of the village on account of ill-health, was one of the best known citizens of this community. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Waverly; a member of Tioga Hose company and a charter member of the Shepard Hills Country club. In the latter organization, Mr. Knapp always had taken a very active part. Being an ardent golf enthusiast, he had played in most of the tournaments of the past few years and for a time was chairman of the tournament committee and also of the greens committee. He was a director of the Citizen's National Bank. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp; one daughter, Charlotte at home; his mother, Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp Sr., who resided with her son, and three brothers, Harry and Joseph of Waverly and Ralph, at present in Warsaw, Poland. Funeral services will be held at the late home Tuesday at 2:30 and will be private. Rev. Albert O. Caldwell, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate and interment will be in Glenwood cemetery. (sanitariums were medical facilities for long-term illness, most typically associated with treatment of tuberculosis, no cure or treatment until 1946, except for sanitariums or surgery)
October 10, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette - GEORGE B. KNAPP FUNERAL TUESDAY; Shock to Valley. Waverly, Oct. 10. - The funeral of George Brinker Knapp, whose tragic death occurred Saturday afternoon at his home, 208 Chemung Street, will be held at the home Tuesday at 2:30 p. m. The Rev. Albert O. Caldwell, minister of the Waverly Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp were preparing to go for an automobile ride, and Mr. Knapp had gone upstairs to prepare for it. Mr. Knapp had been preparing to go hunting and had his shot gun out getting it ready. In some manner it exploded. Mrs. Knapp, hearing a noise as if something had fallen, rushed upstairs to find her husband's body lifeless. Dr. F. Hallett Spencer was called but life was extinct and he immediately notified Coroner John T. Tucker who pronounced death due to accidental shooting. Mr. Knapp was 41 years of age and is survived by his widow; one daughter, Charlotte; his mother, Mrs. Joseph W. Knapp, sr., and three brothers, Harry W. and Joseph W., of Waverly, and Ralph W. Knapp, who is in Poland. Mr. Knapp took an active part in the Shepard Hills Country Club, holding several offices in that club, at the time of his death being vice president. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Tioga Hose Company and Loyal Order of Moose. He was not in active business, but was a director of the Citizens' National Bank. Mr. Knapp had a pleasing personality and had a host of friends.
October 13, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette - George B. Knapp.
Waverly, Oct. 12. - Funeral of the late George B. Knapp was held from
the home on Chemung Street, Tuesday afternoon. The Rev. Albert O.
Caldwell officiated. The bearers were Philip Finch, Robert Fish and
Edgar Sebring, of Elmira, Cecil Berry, Wilton Hall and Harold Watrous,
of Waverly. Burial was in Glenwood cemetery.
George Brinker Knapp at one time; managed a farm and milk business, was
an engineer at Wellington near Seattle, Washington, was a member of the
Valley View Country Club and the Shepard Hill's Country Club, was a
stock holder of the Citizens' Bank in Waverly, and was
secretary-treasurer of the Finger Lakes Golf Association in 1924.
October 14, 1927 Elmira Star-Gazette - Directors Take Action On Death Of Geo. B. Knapp. Waverly, Oct. 14. - The board of directors of the Citizens' National Bank Thursday adopted resolutions on the death of the late George Brinker Knapp, a member of the board up to the time of his death. The resolutions: "Whereas, God, in his wise providence has seen fit to remove from our midst our associate and fellow director, George B. Knapp, therefore, be it. "Resolved, that we, the Directors of the Citizens' National Bank of Waverly, New York, express our profound and sincere appreciation that in the death of Mr. Knapp this Bank and the Community have lost one who was true in the fulfillment of all his obligations, earnest in every duty, valued for his ready co-operation, admired for his sterling qualities, and beloved as a genial and loyal friend and associate, leaving a void difficult to fill, and be it further "Resolved, that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Citizen's National Bank of Waverly, New York, and copies thereof be sent to the widow and mother of the late Mr. Knapp expressing our great sympathy for them in their bereavement.
1928 Directory - 208 Chemung street - Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp; Frances E. Knapp, widow of Joseph W. Knapp; Ronald C. Van Atta (After George's death, Gertrude started renting out part of her house. Ronald Van Atta was a grandson to the designer and builder of the home.)
(1929 - Wall Street Crash and Great Depression 1929-1940's)
1930 census - 208 Chemung street - Gertrude Knapp (head of household, no occupation, 39 yrs.); daughter, Charlotte Knapp (14 yrs.); mother-in-law, Frances Knapp (84 yrs.); Ronald VanAtta (33 yrs. salesman) and his wife, Ethel VanAtta (26 yrs., no occupation)
1931 Directory - 208 Chemung street - Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp and vacant, Frances E., widow of Joseph W. Knapp, r (This implies, there was now one apartment in the home that was listed as vacant, but by October of 1931, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Knapp were renting the apartment in the home of Gertrude Knapp.)
May 31, 1934 Elmira Star-Gazette - Rites for Waverly Woman Held Today. Waverly, May 31 - Mrs.
Frances E. Knapp, widow of Joseph W. Knapp and devoted mother of Harry,
Joseph, Robert, Ralph and the late George Knapp, died at the home of
her eldest son, Harry W. Knapp, May 29. Mrs. Knapp was born in
Waverly Nov. 2, 1844. She married when young and lived her entire life
here. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church,
president of its missionary society and a teacher in its Sunday school
for many years. She was one of the oldest members of the WCTU and was
active in all things that would improve the welfare of Waverly. She was a
scholarly woman with a thoughtful mind and lovable character, a leader
of her generation. Besides her sons who survive her she leaves nine
grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held
at the home of Harry W. Knapp today at 2:30 p. m. The Rev. Thomas Tighe
of the Waverly Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial was in the
Glenwood Cemetery. (Gertrude Slaughter Knapp's mother-in-law and
Charlotte Knapp's paternal grandmother)
1936 Directory - 208 Chemung street - Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp; Edgar D. Sebring ; Charlotte S. Knapp student
Edgar Sebring was a lawyer and friend of the family. Edgar Sebring's wife and son, Edgar, also were living in the house with Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp and Charlotte Knapp.
1938 Directory - 208 Chemung street - Knapp Charlotte S. student r, Knapp Gertrude S. wid George B. h, Edgar D. Sebring
1940 Directory - 208 Chemung street - Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp and Edgar D. Sebring
1940 census - 208 Chemung street - Gertrude Knapp, widow, 49 yo., owns, worth $12,000, completed highschool 4 years. Renting were Edgar Sebring 59 yo. and his wife, Carolyn 57 yo., and their son, Edgar Sebring, Jr. 25 yo.; renting were also, Edward Renton and his wife, Alberta Renton, both 64 yo. {Edgar Sebring, senior, was at one time, Waverly's village lawyer. Edward Renton was a Theater Operator and died in Waverly in June 1941, "Alberta," Bertha went to Canada to live with her son.} According to this 1940 census, that by 1940, Gertrude Slaughter had two apartments in her home, besides her living quarters.
1942 Directory - Mrs. Gertrude Knapp and Edgar D. Sebring, also, Charlotte S. Knapp, emp NYC
January 7, 1943 The Evening Times - Engagements. Knapp Flynn. Mrs. George B. Knapp of 208 Chemung street, Waverly announces the engagement of her daughter, Miss Charlotte Knapp, to D. Harold Flynn, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Flynn of (426) Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly. No date for the wedding has been set. (This marriage never happened. Charlotte Knapp remained single her entire life.)
September 13, 1945 The Waverly Sun-Recorder - Mrs. Ralph Fralick of the Ellistown road, owner of the Marilorn Cabins, has purchased the home of Mrs. Gertrude Knapp on Chemung Street. (The abstract date is Nov. 15, 1945.)
Oct. 1, 1945 The Evening Times - Wanted: Two persons to clean apartment. 208 Chemung, Waverly. Phone 270-J Mrs. Gertrude Knapp.
Oct. 8, 1945 The Evening Times - For Sale. Gas Stove - Kitchen Cabinet - 2 Hat Racks - Rocker - Chairs - Mrs. George Knapp 208 Chemung St. - Waverly Phone 413.
October 25, 1945 - Mrs. Gertrude Knapp who recently sold her Chemung Street home, is now living at 470 Pennsylvania avenue. (She lived at 470 Pennsylvania ave. temporarily and then returned to one of the apartments in her former home at 208 Chemung street owned by Mrs. Mary Fralick.)
In the 1940's in and around the area of Waverly, New York, several large homes were listed for sale, advertising as good for converting to: apartments, commercial use, doctor offices, tea room, tourists houses, rooming house, and club houses.
Mary I. Fralick (Mrs. Ralph W. Fralick) shortly after purchasing the 208 Chemung
street property, turned the former carriage house at 9 Athens street
into two apartments, the former outbuilding at 208 1/2 Chemung street
was turned into an apartment and 3 garages were added on the upper level
and 4 garages on the lower level, being that of cinderblock
construction. The main house was divided up into 6 apartments, with two apartments on each of the three floors, taking
away the third floor ballroom. In 1950, Mary Fralick sold the empty lot at 7 Athens street, where the former Octagon rental home once stood, as a building lot and the ranch style home was built for
Mrs. Mary Alamo. Actually, 7 Athens street was planned as two lots, but Mrs. Mary Alamo wanted both lots and her ranch house was built in the center of the two lots.
November 27, 1945 The Binghamton Press - In the slowest week in several months only 17 pieces of Tioga County property changed hands in the week ended Nov. 24. Included in the deeds filed in the county clerk's office are: ... Gertrude Slaughter Knapp of Waverly to Mary I. Fralick, property located in Waverly.
Nov. 28, 1945 The Evening Times - Only one Waverly property
transfer was listed among seventeen Tioga County deeds recorded in the
office of Tioga County Clerk, Mrs. Florence J. Tilbury, for the week
ending Nov. 24. It was Gertrude Slaughter Knapp to Mary I. Fralick.
Mrs. Gertrude Slaughter Knapp lived at 470 Pennsylvania avenue
for a short while, during the transition of her recently sold home being
converted into six apartments, she then came back and rented an apartment in her former home from Mrs. Mary Fralick. Both Mrs. Gertrude Knapp and her
daughter, Charlotte Knapp, also after renting an apartment in their
former home, rented an apartment on the first floor of their former
carriage house, which had been converted to two apartments, with one being on the first floor and the second being on the second floor.
The home at 208 Chemung street was occupied by four generations of the Slaughter - Knapp family for about 88 years. Then in 1945, Gertrude Slaughter Knapp sold it to Mary I. Fralick who turned the estate into an apartment complex. Mary Fralick and her first husband, Loren Pierce, had operated the Marilorn Motel (named after parts of each of their names) in Waverly for several years. Mary Fralick later moved to Florida with her second husband, Ralph Fralick.
After being sold in 1945, the estate had been used as apartments for 65 years, until 2010 when Amy and Brad Zehr purchased it from Amy's Dad, Richard Morris, who had owned it for about 40 years. We, Amy and Brad, are asked quite frequently what we plan to do with the property when we are finished with the restoration. We are considering numerous possibilities such as guided tours, rental space for small-scale special events, gatherings and meetings, special theme educational/hobby getaways, teas, and short term rental stays. At this point in time, the future of Zehr Estate's possibilities are endless. And with all that being said, maybe we will just continue to use the Estate for our own personal use. For now and the next several years, we will continue to enjoy this "Labor of Love" restoration/revitalization process.
Gertrude Slaughter Knapp also loved to entertain and did so frequently in the home, hosting parties and dances, and assisting her friends when they entertained. She too, was involved in the community. She was active with; the Waverly Presbyterian church, a dancing club, People's Hospital (treasurer), raising money for the Tioga General Hospital, Girl Scouts (president of committee meeting in 1933 and Scout Commissioner in 1934), the Tioga Health Unit (Executive Committee member in 1944 and elected director for 3 years in 1950), and Shepard Hills Country Club, being a member. She passed away in 1956.
June 23, 1956, Mary Gertrude Slaughter Knapp died. Former owner of the 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY estate, which she sold in 1945.
June 25, 1956 The Evening Times: Gertrude Knapp Dies, Lifelong Waverly Resident. Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp, 66, of 436 Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly and a lifelong resident died Saturday night at 10 o'clock in the Robert Packer Hospital after an extended illness. She was the widow of George B. Knapp. Born in Waverly, she was the daughter of Samuel W. and Charlotte W. Slaughter. Mrs. Knapp was a member of the Waverly First Presbyterian Church and of Carantouan chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Surviving are one daughter, Miss Charlotte Knapp of Ithaca; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The body is in the Russell funeral home, 462 Fulton street Waverly, where friends may call tonight from 7 to 9 o'clock. Funeral service will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock with Rev. Frederick Homrighouse, pastor of the Waverly Presbyterian church officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood cemetery.
June 27, 1956 The Evening Times: Gertrude Knapp Funeral Is Held. Largely attended funeral services for Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp of 436 Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly, were held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at Russell funeral home. Rev. Frederick Homrighouse, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Waverly, officiated. The Carantouan chapter of the Waverly DAR attended the services. Pallbearers were: Wilton S. Hall, Harold C. Watrous, H. Slade Palmer, Victor L. Buley, Francis L. R. Gibbs and Herbert H. Smith. Burial was in Glenwood cemetery.
June 28, 1956 Waverly Sun: Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp Succumbs to Illness. Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon, June 26, at Russell Funeral home in Waverly for Mrs. Gertrude S. Knapp, 66, of 436 Pennsylvania avenue, Waverly, who died Saturday night in Robert Packer hospital after an extended illness. The Rev. Frederick M. Homrighouse, pastor of the Waverly Presbyterian church, officiated with burial in Glenwood cemetery. Mrs. Knapp was the widow of George B. Knapp. She was the daughter of Samuel W. and Charlotte W. Slaughter, a lifelong resident of Waverly, a member of Waverly First Presbyterian church and Carantouan chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Survivors include one daughter, Miss Charlotte Knapp of Ithaca, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. (Russell Funeral Home, 462 Fulton St., Waverly, NY, then later McKee Memorial Chapel)
Charlotte Slaughter Knapp graduated from Cornell University in 1938. She passed away in 1985 in Los Angeles, CA.
1984 summer, 50th Class reunion for Waverly class of 1934: Miss Charlotte Knapp 5162 E. Florence No. 2 Bell , California 90201 Graduate of Cornell University in 1938. Worked for College of Engineering (Cornell University) as secretary. Moved to California in late 1950's - did secretarial work. Retired - "I am still single, and like the rest of us getting old."
Charlotte
Knapp stopped by her former family's estate at 208 Chemung street in 1984 and saw Brad Zehr painting on the main house in
that summer of 1984. It was her last visit. Brad and I, Amy, were living on
the third floor east apartment at that time, while I was attending Robert Packer Hospital
school of Nursing. Brad just happened to be doing odd jobs on the side for my father, Richard Morris,
who owned the estate. It was very unfortunate that at that time in 1984, Brad and I had no idea of the history of the house or property. How we wish we had known for if we had, Brad could have asked Charlotte Knapp many questions about the history of her family's estate. She had told Brad that she once lived in the house and Brad asked which apartment did she live in, she answered by saying the whole house. Brad didn't know who she was at that time, that she was
Samuel Slaughter's granddaughter, who was born and raised on the estate,
and he definitely didn't think that someday, 26 years later in 2010, that we would own the estate. Only if he knew, if we knew, wow, just to think that we could have seen pictures of the estate inside and out, pictures of the family, learned so much more from Charlotte, only if we knew.
The designer and builder of 208 Chemung street was Azariah J. VanAtta. He was an active person in Waverly for many years. He was a carpenter, architect, and contractor. A. J. VanAtta also designed and built other Waverly buildings; the Shipman building at 327 - 331 Broad street, a downtown business building, which was destroyed by fire and no longer standing; the Merriam block at 337 - 341 Broad street, on the corner of Waverly and Broad streets, a business block that is still standing; the building at 319 Broad street that is still standing; the town clock block which burned in March of 1980 and is no longer standing; the Methodist Episcopal Church which is no longer standing; the old Baptist Church, which is now contained in the rear part of the current Baptist church; and the Water Works plant. Azariah VanAtta was also said to have built some of Waverly's finest homes. He also was superintendent of the Waverly Water Works. In 1871, he was master of the Waverly Lodge, No. 407, F. & A. M. Mr. VanAtta was a member of St. Omer's Commandery Knights Templar, of Elmira. He passed away in 1913.
The house according to public records is 5,092 square feet. Under the ground level is a field stone foundation basement with brick on top of the field stone starting at ground level, with the brick having a concrete veneer. The house is clad with clapboard wood siding. It has a slate roof expect for the porch roofs and the almost flat area on the top of the roof. It has a hip roof with a mansard like appearance, with dormer windows projecting from the roof, some being single pitched and some being jerkin-headed. There are also 4 main gables, one on each side of the house, all having single pitched roofs and adorned with turned open stick work with pendants of a floral motif, patterned flush board siding or carved patterns applied over flush boards and a saw-tooth frieze. The house is asymmetrical on all sides. It is considered a 2 1/2 story home, vs. 3 story, due to its roof. The roof ridge surrounding the very top almost flat roof and under the former iron cresting has a frieze with an applied saw-tooth pattern and carved rosettes.
Under the eaves is a frieze of flush board herringbone pattern. Several pendants can be seen all around the home, on the front porch, the dormers and gables. Eastlake style detailing and patterned wood ornamentation can be seen. Some of the Eastlake style detailing on the outside of the home is also found inside the home. The front porch has elaborately carved capitals on the posts. The Zehr’s are using 10 paint colors on the exterior of the house as they continue with its revitalization and restoration. This home at 208 Chemung street Waverly, NY is a splendid example of Victorian Architecture!
We ask that anyone with; knowledge, pictures, or any type of additional information on the estate, former octagon home, architect/builder and VanAtta family, or Slaughter/Knapp family, to contact us. by email amy@zehr.net
