Parker Farmhouse
Why it's listed
Set on a 44.13-acre farm along East Road, about half a mile south of Cazenovia village, this farmhouse dates to around 1820. It is a one and one-half story rectangular frame building with a gable roof and a rear lean-to that gives it the traditional salt-box profile. The three-bay facade has a central entrance, six-over-six windows and simple wood trim. In the 1860s the house was updated with a center cross gable, exposed rafters and a Gothic-inspired front verandah. Inside, two front parlors flank a steep staircase around a central chimney, an arrangement more typical of New England than central New York. The farm retains a cattle barn, a horse and carriage barn, a corn crib and a wagon shed from the late nineteenth century. Together they illustrate local farming, including the shift toward dairying. The builder and first owner are unknown; the name comes from J. A. Parker, listed on an 1875 atlas.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is a rare, intact early nineteenth century salt-box farmhouse, a form unique in Cazenovia and unusual in the region, recalling New England building traditions. Its 1860s Picturesque additions show the common practice of updating older, modest buildings. The surviving late nineteenth century farm outbuildings and much of the original acreage reflect the town's agricultural history.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 87001872, listed November 2, 1987. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 3981 East Rd., Cazenovia |
|---|---|
| County | Madison County |
| Listed | November 2, 1987 |
| Reference number | 87001872 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Vernacular New England "salt-box" farmhouse with 1860s Picturesque/Gothic Revival-inspired ornament |
| Areas of significance | Agriculture, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition and in residential use, the same as its original use; no threats to the building are known. |
| Acreage | 44.1 |
| Coordinates | 42.91583, -75.85124 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 87001872.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7138300
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.