Campbell-Whittlesey House

Built in 1835-1836 by Benjamin Campbell, a pioneer merchant and miller, this two-story brick mansion in Rochester's historic third ward is a notable example of Greek Revival design. A two-story pedimented Ionic portico with four columns spans the four-bay front, and the gabled roofs, wooden cornice and brick bearing walls complete a rectangular plan with a one-story rear section. The plans were either inspired or furnished by Minard Lafever, whose 1835 builder's guide, The Beauties of Modern Architecture, relates to the interior trim. The house recalls Rochester's flour milling industry, which relied on the Genesee River and its falls. In 1852 it passed to Frederick Whittlesey, a prominent lawyer and Vice Chancellor of the New York State Court of Chancery, and stayed in his family until 1937, when The Landmark Society of Western New York acquired it. The society restored the interior using original paint colors, furnished it in Greek Revival style, and planted period herbs and shrubs.