Old Photo Album Batavia's Richmond Mansion
By Ryan Duffy
Photos Courtesy of the Holland Purchase Historical Society unless otherwise noted.
The central part of the stately house that was located on East Main Street in Batavia was built in 1838 by Colonel William Davis, a dry goods merchant, board member of the first local bank and defender of the Holland Land Office during the 1836 “Land Office War.” Judge Edgar Dibble, a leader of the Genesee County Agricultural Society purchased the home in 1846 and made extensive modifications before it was sold to Dean and Mary Richmond in 1854.
Richmond, a railroad magnate for the Utica & Buffalo Railroad and then the New York Central, continuously renovated and enlarged the home. The modifications made the Greek Revival-style house into the preeminent residence of the area. The portico and columns that became synonymous with the structure were added by the Richmond, as was a building-wide balcony. The home was so large that entire horse drawn carriages laden with supplies were driven into the basement. The same access was used to deliver the enormous quantity of coal needed to fuel the three furnaces.
THE EXTERIOR
The Richmond Mansion circa 1960, operating as the Genesee County Children’s Home, from East Main Street. The columns and wrought iron fence were added by Richmond and his wife Mary.
A view of the rose arbor in the gardens at the rear of the house. The balcony can be seen on the roof.
THE INTERIOR
The interior matched the exterior in its lavishness. The rooms were decorated with rosewood and mahogany, and included plastered moldings and ceiling medallions. The dining room was famous for its yellow damasked wall and yellow velvet carpets. The master bathroom had solid silver fittings with Tiffany marks.
The front entryway of the mansion looking into the front parlor. The mirror on the right side of the room is a seven-foot-high pier glass example made of gilded plaster and marble that is also displayed at the museum.
One of the smaller dining rooms within the mansion, for more intimate and informal meals.
The music room of the Richmond Mansion wouldn’t be complete without a piano and elaborate decor.
THE GARDENS
Mary Richmond created a series of beautiful gardens around the home with rare and imported plants and flowers. These were accompanied by a large greenhouse, which was fronted by a wrought iron fence and sunken Italian gardens.
A bird’s-eye view of the geometric outlay of the magnificent gardens surrounding the mansion, all designed by Mary Richmond.
A view looking east from behind the Richmond Mansion of the rose arbor and gardens. In the background, the neighboring house can be seen.
The main walkway through the gardens ran below the rose arbor. Pictured in the rear are a decorative sundial and pagoda.
A perennial border in full bloom.
One of the many rare, imported flowers that were featured in the mansion’s full-sized greenhouse.
This photo provides a closer view of the seating areas and walkways in the gardens behind the home, just off the back the entrance.
NEW LIFE… AND A DEATH
In 1928, the building was sold and operated as the Genesee County Children’s Home until 1967. It was then purchased by the Batavia City School District for $75,000. After three years of disputes with the local Landmark Society, the Richmond Mansion was demolished by the school district’s Board of Education. The plot where the mansion once stood is now a parking lot located between the Richmond Memorial Library (also built by Mary Richmond) and St. Joseph’s Church. Aside from the few furnishings located in the Holland Land Office Museum, the only remnant of this once-stately mansion is the small stretch of original wrought iron fence.
About the Author
Ryan Duffy has been the Executive Director of the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia, NY since 2017. He is also a member of the City of Batavia Historic Preservation Commission.