This is the Kilmer Mansion which is now owned by Temple Concord in Binghamton, not that far from where Rod Serling of Twilight Zone fame grew up. It was built in 1878 by a family who manufactured a patent medicine called Swamp Root and were hated and feared. For those interested in architecture, though, it is a gem.
There are several Kilmer properties in Binghamton, but this one has special meaning. If you are ever in our area in December, do visit. Admission is free to the Hanukkah House museum, although a donation to our local food pantry would be most welcome.
Beautiful building! I LOVE old mansions!
ReplyDeleteSwamp root. Intriguing!
I would like to know who or what was "hated and feared" and why? Guess I'll have to do a little research.
ReplyDeleteWhat was swamp root supposed to cure? Or was it a cure-all? Patent medicines were cure-alls, weren't they?
ReplyDeleteHated and feared piqued my interest. I am assuming he ran over people. I would love to visit the museum. I have this remote fantasy where I drive all over the United States just looking at everything. It will not happen. But the desire is there.
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