Tower Homestead and Masonic Temple
Also known as: Harding Residence and Masonic Temple
Why it's listed
Two buildings face each other across open lawns on a knoll west of Waterville's commercial center. The Tower Homestead combines a Federal-period wing from about 1800, a Greek Revival center built in 1830 by Reuben Tower, and a west wing added about 1910 by Charlemagne Tower II, who also modernized the house. Its grounds hold an unaltered brick law office later used as a schoolhouse, a fine barn and horse barns. Across the street stands a church-like building raised in 1886 by Reuben Tower II as his law office and home, with a 103-foot clock and bell tower and a large brick fireplace inside. The Masons bought it after his death in 1899. The Tower family rose from modest beginnings through coal, iron and railroad investments. Charlemagne Tower II later served as Minister to Austria and Ambassador to Russia and Germany. The properties were listed for their architecture and family associations.
Significance in brief: The two buildings recall the Tower family, wealthy Waterville residents who rose to prominence in American industry and politics. The homestead was enlarged by four generations of the family and is described as an outstanding, well-integrated residence. The church-like Tower residence, with its clock and bell tower, is called an expression of a particular personality and a well-known local landmark.
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 77000968, listed October 5, 1977. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 210 Tower St. and Sanger St., Waterville |
|---|---|
| County | Oneida County |
| Listed | October 5, 1977 |
| Reference number | 77000968 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | c.1800-c.1923 |
| Architect / builder | Reuben Tower & Charlemagne Tower, Jr. & Reuben Tower, II |
| Areas of significance | Industry, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The homestead remains a private residence with outbuildings; the former Reuben Tower II residence is used as a Masonic lodge and has had minimal alteration. Condition is marked good. |
| Acreage | 6.3 |
| Coordinates | 42.93085, -75.38318 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
Religious properties are listed for their architectural or historical significance, not their religious use. Listing is honorary and does not restrict the congregation's use of the building. The federal rehabilitation credit is generally unavailable unless part of the building is income-producing; some state programmes and preservation grants do cover religious buildings. Federal funding or permits trigger Section 106 review.
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 77000968.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q14707499
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.