Kelsey-Davey Farm
Why it's listed
Four miles northeast of Skaneateles, this farm sits on the north side of the Old Seneca Turnpike, once an important route to western New York. Nathan Kelsey, Jr. (1762-1844), an early settler of the area then called West Hill, established it about 1810. The nominated property covers 79 acres of the original farm and includes a one-and-one-half-story timber-framed farmhouse with weatherboard siding, an attached shop and woodshed, a privy, and two frame barns built around 1860. Inside, the house keeps its original plan, wide plank wainscoting, beaded moldings, four-panel doors and corner fireplace mantels. The farm was listed for its architecture and its role in the settlement of the region. Its simple, well-crafted buildings show the skill of rural artisans in the early nineteenth century, and the complex has survived intact despite development pressure around Syracuse. Only three families have owned it: the Kelseys, the Bisbees and, from 1853, the Davey family.
Significance in brief: The farm is described as a remarkably intact early nineteenth century complex and a fine example of Federal period rural vernacular architecture. It keeps a high degree of integrity of design, materials and workmanship. It survives in its original setting despite land-use pressures near Syracuse, and reflects the life of central New York's earliest agrarian settlers.
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 80004277, listed April 16, 1980. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | NE of Skaneateles on Old Seneca Tpke., Skaneateles |
|---|---|
| County | Onondaga County |
| Listed | April 16, 1980 |
| Reference number | 80004277 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architectural style | Federal period rural vernacular |
| Areas of significance | Exploration/Settlement, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Occupied; condition rated excellent to good, with the farmhouse retaining its original layout and historic fabric to a remarkable degree. |
| Acreage | 79 |
| Coordinates | 42.98303, -76.38955 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
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 80004277.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6386468
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.