Photo Gallery

Design Notes: It is believed that the designer, Azariah J. VanAtta, of the 208 Chemung Street residence (constructed sometime around 1853 and then re-built in 1873) was heavily influenced by the Eastlake Design movement, a variation of the Victorian Design. The Eastlake Design combines elements of Victorian and Craftsman style and philosophy with a Middle Eastern and Japanese influence that was popular in the 19th century. The Eastlake Design was also said to be indirectly influenced by Gothic design elements.

The Eastlake Movement was a popular late nineteenth century architectural and household design reform movement started by architect and writer Charles Locke Eastlake (1836-1906). "His book Hints on Household Taste in Furniture, Upholstery, and Other Details posited that furniture and decor in people's homes should be made by hand or machine workers who took personal pride in their work. Manufacturers in the United States used the drawings and ideas in the book to create mass-produced Eastlake Style or Cottage furniture. The geometric ornaments, spindles, low relief carvings and incised lines were designed to be affordable and easy to clean; nevertheless, many of the designs resulted in being artistically complex. The movement is generally considered part of the late Victorian period in terms of broad antique furniture designations." (wikipedia.org)

Although Charles Eastlake, never made furniture himself, his designs and essence was, and is still held close to the hearts of many craftsmen. One would also wonder if the crown wrought iron railing at the roof top, paid homage to the original blacksmith shop and the craftsman that operated at this very location in the heart of Waverly, prior to construction of this magnificent masterpiece.