Pam Hawley Marlin October 2021
From 1825 to just before the Civil War, many cobblestone structures were erected within close proximity of Rochester, New York. One of these structures, located in LeRoy, New York, was the home of my husband's great-great uncle, Angelo Barone. It was in this house that Angelo, who worked at the local Belmont Salt Brick Co., lived and raised a family from 1925 until his death in 1977. Built between 1832 and 1836, this story and a half house was built in the Greek Revival design. Time has brought little change to the house other than a replacement of the original small square portico - enhanced by its Doric columns and a wide frieze which matched the architectural trim of the house - with a 20th century porch extending across the front.1
Cobblestone masonry originated as a form of construction in Upstate New York. Local masons, some of whom may have worked on building the Erie Canal, developed this new skill to perfection. Many early cobblestone buildings were constructed from the seemingly endless supply of glacial field stones, while later structures used water-washed stones (cobbles) gathered along Lake Ontario. Ninety percent of the cobblestone buildings in America can be found within a 75-mile radius of Rochester, N.Y. By 1865 this form of building became too expensive for the Industrial age and the art diminished. It is estimated that about 900 cobblestone buildings were built in New York State. 2
Historic photo of the house provided by current owners.
Historic photo of the cobblestone with the porch (now gone). Source
The Barone cobblestone house. P Marlin June 2021
The Barone cobblestone. P Marlin June 2021
A side view of the Barone cobblestone. P Marlin June 2021
A glimpse of the beautiful interior. P Marlin 2021
The Barone cobblestone. P Marlin June 2021
Angelo Barone, an immigrant from Falcone, Sicily.