Preservation Matters: A North Broadway treat – Gage residence featured on the Candlelight House Tour
This unusual facade with the Flemish gable, decorative chimney and the tile roof as well as the south addition, includes a gazebo that was designed by local architect Tom Frost of Frost Hurff Architects. Photos provided
Originally printed in The Saratogian. Reprinted here with permission
By Samantha Bosshart
William B. Gage built a magnificent hotel, The United States Hotel, so it was only fitting he that he would build himself a magnificent house, 779 North Broadway. This year this stunning home will be featured on the 25th Anniversary Candlelight House Tour being held Friday, Dec. 12.
In 1873, Gage became a member of the firm Tompkins, Gage and Perry in Saratoga Springs. The following year his firm built the United States Hotel, replacing its predecessor that burned in 1865. Gage owned and operated the United States Hotel for 43 years. When the United States Hotel was built it was considered one of the most elegant hotels in the world. The monumental hotel was built to accommodate 2,000 guests in 900 guest rooms and 65 suites. It had frescoed ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and decorative mirrors. For a period of time it boasted that it was the only hotel in Saratoga with running water in all of the guest rooms.
The year after the United States Hotel was built Gage married Caroline Marvin, the daughter of local resident US Congressman James Marvin. The couple resided with her family at their home on Franklin Square until he built his home on North Broadway. Gage purchased the vacant property at 779 North Broadway on November 1, 1880. He retained New York City architect, J.C. Cade to design the home. Construction started in 1881 and was completed the following year. The brick Queen Anne with Elizabethan and Jacobean details was referred to as “Park Edge” because of its proximity to Woodlawn Park (the site of Skidmore College campus).
According to an April 29, 1882, Saratogian article, the house had commanding views of Saratoga Lake and the surrounding country with the Vermont hills in the distance. Much like the United States Hotel, it was lavishly appointed. A variety of woods were used throughout the home including: cherry, pine, red oak, black walnut, and butternut treated to resemble mahogany. The unique entry hall features a fireplace with tile that was made to order from the architect’s own design, a seat in the chimney corner, and a beautiful stained glass window. The cherry staircase features a small balcony that looks from the landing down into the entry hall. The dining room was described as a “gem” in The Saratogian article and today that description remains accurate. It features a beautiful fireplace and wood work along with a delicate decorative plaster ceiling.
Historic Postcard – Date Unknown. Historic postcard showing the original facade which has changed over the years.
Gage and his wife lived in the home for 44 years, raising their four children in the home. Mrs. Gage passed away in 1924 and Gage passed away the following year. In 1926, James A. Leary purchased the property. Leary was a prominent attorney, who in planning for his marriage to F. Madeline Lang reportedly spent thousands of dollars preparing the house where they would reside. Joining them in their residence was Leary’s niece, Ruth Wallace, who was left an orphan following the death of her parents. One year prior to their marriage ending in divorce James and Madeline Leary conveyed the property to Ruth in 1933. Leary never remarried and remained living in the house until 1964. Ruth passed away in 1967 and the property was conveyed to well-known local physician and surgeon James Dorsey and his wife Patricia the following year.
The Dorseys resided in the home for nearly twenty years until they sold the property to Robert E. Brennan in 1987. Brennan was a business man from New Jersey who owned Due Process Stables and summered in Saratoga Springs during the racing season. The home was renovated under Brennan’s ownership, including a significant addition with a gazebo-like open porch designed by architect Tom Frost.
Brennan built an infamous penny stock brokerage firm, First Jersey Securities, which specialized in promoting “pump and dump” penny stocks to unsuspecting investors, many of whom were elderly and lost their entire savings when the stocks crashed. In 2001, Brennan was found guilty of money laundering and bankruptcy fraud and was sentenced to a prison term of nine years.
In 1999, the current owners Don and Donna Adam from Bryan, Texas purchased the house. They have lovingly cared for the home and last year received a Preservation Landscape Initiative Award from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for replanting elms and restoring the slate sidewalk. The Foundation is fortunate that they are graciously opening their beautiful home which has been festively decorated with the help of Innovative Plant Design.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see this unique home by joining us for the Candlelight House Tour this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. In addition to this spectacular home, the following will be on the tour: 605 N. Broadway, 649 North Broadway, 688 North Broadway, 722 North Broadway, 101 Bryan Street, and 45 Greenfield Avenue, the former Home of the Good Shepherd.
Following the tour there is an after-party from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the exclusive Saratoga Golf and Polo Club at 301 Church Street. The after-party will feature a silent auction, food, holiday music, and a cash bar. This year’s auction is packed with great holiday gift ideas – a box seat and the naming of a race during the 2015 Saratoga Race Course Season, a two night stay at Great Camp Sagamore, two tickets to Glimmerglass in Cooperstown, $500 spa gift certificate from Spa City Spa, a one-night stay at the Holiday Inn, two tickets to the New York City Ballet compliments of SPAC, gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses, and much more.
The Foundation thanks our honorary chairs Judy Harrigan, Carol Kurto, and Alexandra Willard as well as our generous Gold Sponsors: New York Racing Association, Old Saratoga Restorations, Saratoga Builders Association, Saratoga Living Magazine, Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union, Spa City Spa, Teakwood Builders, and WMHT.
Tour-Only Tickets are $40 for Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation members and $50 non-members. Tour & After-Party Tickets are $75 for Preservation Foundation members and $85 non-members. Tour & Reception Tickets are limited so order soon. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030. Funds raised support the Foundation’s ongoing educational programs and efforts to preserve the unique architectural, landscaped, and cultural heritage of Saratoga Springs.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit membership-based organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
Recent Comments