Penn Yan in Yates County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
158 Main Street
William Morrison Oliver House
| | Penn Yan Historic Preservation District | |
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2022
1. 158 Main Street Marker
Built about 1820 in Greek Revival Style. Oliver was the 1st First Judge of Yates County, a NYS Senator, Lieut. Governor, a US Congressman & founder of the first bank in Penn Yan.
Erected by Penn Yan Historic Preservation Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.
Location. 42° 39.74′ N, 77° 3.301′ W. Marker is in Penn Yan, New York, in Yates County. It is on Main Street (State Highway 54) just north of Maiden Lane, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted directly on the subject house, on the left side of the northeast/front entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 158 Main Street, Penn Yan NY 14527, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Finger Lakes. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 130 Main Street (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 131 Main Street (about 400 feet away); 115 Main Street (about 500 feet away); 103 Main Street (about 600 feet away); 101 Main Street (about 600 feet away); Sampson Theatre
this page online
Regarding 158 Main Street. Contributing property Penn Yan Historic District, National Register of Historic Places № 85000591.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Larry E. Gobrecht, 9/1984:
The Penn Yan Historic District is significant both architecturally and historically as a chronicle of the villages development. The community remains surprisingly intact with few non-contributing elements. The nominated historic district is historically significant as a reflection of the growth of the village from its early beginnings as a trading community for the Finger Lakes region, through its emergence in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as the regional center for agricultural production. The architecture of Penn Yan spans a period of almost 200 years. There are excellent examples of the major styles as well as vernacular interpretations. The Penn Yan Historic District encompasses the historic core of the village on an area of 65 acres. The residential areas of the historic districtreflect the villages history with representative examples of major nineteenth and early twentieth century architectural styles. Each of the streets in the residential section of the historic district is lined with tall stately trees, the residences recessed on spacious lots.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 20222. 158 Main Street MarkerMounted on left side of northeast/front entrance.One of the more significant events that contributed to the growth and development of Penn Yan was its designation as county seat in 1823. As a result, population and commerce increased. Another was the completion of the Crooked Lake canal in 1833. The canal was a curious structure with 27 locks to compensate for its dramatic descent of 269 feet over its relatively short eight-mile length. With the canal nearing completion in 1832, William Oliver established the first bank. This Greek Revival style residence is one of the most prominent buildings in the district. It is a notable example of the Greek Revival style with its monumental fluted Ionic columns rising two stories to support a bold pediment.
158 Main Street, c.1820; Three-bay, two-story brick residence; Greek Revival; two-story portico; west addition 1936; one contributing carriage house, Italianate style.
Also see . . .
1. The Laurentide Inn.
Excerpt: Nestled between Seneca and Keuka Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region,(Submitted on April 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)The Laurentide Inn is the transformation of an over 200 year old private residence and carriage house barn into a 5 guest suite Inn and event space that delivers a memorable stay and one of a kind Finger Lakes experience in a stylishly appointed historic residence and property.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 20223. William Morrison Oliver House (northeast elevation)
2. William Morrison Oliver (US House of Representatives).
Excerpt: Representative from New York; born in Londonderry, N.H., October 15, 1792; received a limited schooling; moved to Cherry Valley, Otsego County, and thence to Penn Yan, Yates County, N.Y.; studied law; was admitted to the bar about 1812 and commenced practice in Penn Yan; first judge of the court of common pleas for Yates County 1823-1828; member of the State senate 1827-1830; Lieutenant Governor in 1830; again judge of the court of common pleas 1838-1845; elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-seventh Congress (March 4, 1841-March 3, 1843); clerk of the supreme court of New York about 1844; president of the Yates County Bank from the issuance of its charter until 1857; died in Penn Yan, N.Y., July 21, 1863; interment in Lake View Cemetery.(Submitted on April 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Penn Yan Historic District (Wikipedia).
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2022
4. William Morrison Oliver House (southeast elevation)
Today this elegant 19th century mansion is home to "The Laurentide Inn," a distinctive Penn Yan Bed & Breakfast property.
Excerpt: Penn Yan Historic District includes a broad range of architecturally significant resources that document the village's development from the 1820s to 1929. It includes representative examples of residential, commercial, industrial, civic, and ecclesiastical structures. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.(Submitted on April 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2026, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
