Wilson in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Lake Street and Young Street

By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 13, 2013

1. Lake Street and Young Street Marker

Inscription. Young Street and Lake Street. This large cobblestone building was built in 1844 as the home of Luther Wilson. Luther was the eldest child of Reuben Wilson, the founder of our town. In 1890, the families of Luther Wilson and his son Reuben F. Wilson held a double funeral in the parlor of this home, as the father and son had died five days apart. The home became the Wilsonian Club in the 1920's and later, a restaurant following World War II.

Location. 43° 18.593′ N, 78° 49.563′ W. Marker is in Wilson, New York, in Niagara County. Marker is at the intersection of 300 Lake Street (New York State Route 425) and Young Street, on the right when traveling north on 300 Lake Street. Touch for map. Both markers for this site are just before the traffic light. The other marker is First School House. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Lake Street, Wilson NY 14172, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First School House (here, next to this marker); Pettit Street and Chestnut Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilson Collegiate Institute 1845 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tabor Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away);

Wide Eastward View image. Click for full size.

By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 30, 2013

2. Wide Eastward View

The Lake Street and Young Street marker, covered with snow, is to the left of the post that holds the traffic light cable. The First School House marker is immediately next to the tree on the right.

Site of Log House Built in 1818 by Reuben Wilson (approx. ¼ mile away); Corner of Pettit and Bay Street (approx. ¼ mile away); Greenwood Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Greenwood (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilson.

Regarding Lake Street and Young Street. Luther Wilson was elected to the State Assembly the same year that this house was built. While residing here, he engaged in many local enterprises. He built the first piers at Wilson Harbor, dredged the harbor for 20 years, and established a shipyard and a warehouse there for for trading in fruit and grain. He was the first President (now Mayor) of the Village of Wilson in 1858 and served as a Captain in the state militia. He donated land for several churches and for Greenwood Cemetery where he was interned at age 92.

While the "Wilsonian Club" until 1947, the house featured dances and bowling. It is currently a restaurant and inn.

Reference: Croop, Donald W., Wilson Sketchbook, Wilson Historical Society, 1994

Also see . . .
1. Wilson House Restaurant and Inn. (Submitted on December 2, 2013, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Corner view of Wilson House Restaurant and Inn image. Click for full size.

By Anton Schwarzmueller, November 29, 2013

3. Corner view of Wilson House Restaurant and Inn

Note repairs to this corner of the building; was struck by a truck many years ago. The foundation appears to be newer. The stone blocks for the corners (quoins), windows and watertable are cut limestone.

2. Wilson Historical Society. (Submitted on December 2, 2013, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
3. Cobblestone Society Museum. Has information about cobblestone masonry. (Submitted on December 2, 2013, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Additional keywords. cobblestone

Categories. • Notable Buildings •

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on December 2, 2013, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2013, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.