Bemis Eye Sanitarium Complex
Also known as: See Also: Sherman House
Why it's listed
Eight buildings near Glen Street in Glens Falls once formed the Bemis Eye Sanitarium, a resident clinic that operated from 1893 to 1902. Dr. Edward H. Bemis, an optician, advertised an "absorption" method of treating eye disorders without surgery. Patients were housed in five boarding houses built around 1895 to designs by local architect Ephraim B. Potter. The clinic also took over the Italianate Sherman House, its carriage house (renamed Sunshine Cottage) and the Queen Anne style Allen House, which served as offices, treatment rooms and lodging. In 1896 the clinic gave some 58,000 treatments to patients from twenty-three states and three foreign countries. Local physicians criticized Bemis's methods, yet the clinic was highly profitable until his death. The boarding houses share mansard roofs, galleries and bay windows meant for patient comfort. Today the buildings keep their 1890s appearance and are used as a senior center and as apartments.
Significance in brief: The complex is significant as a prominent but controversial medical institution in Glens Falls between 1893 and 1902. Dr. Edward H. Bemis advertised eye treatment without surgery, and the clinic drew patients from many states and abroad. The buildings retain their 1890s appearance and reflect the institution as it operated then.
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 84003243, listed September 29, 1984. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Glen St., Glens Falls |
|---|---|
| County | Warren County |
| Listed | September 29, 1984 |
| Reference number | 84003243 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1893-1902 |
| Architect / builder | Ephraim B. Potter, local architect (designed the boarding houses and the renovations of the Sherman buildings) |
| Architectural style | Italianate and Queen Anne residences, with mansard-roofed late nineteenth century boarding houses |
| Areas of significance | Health/Medicine, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The Sherman House is used as a senior citizen center; the other structures continue in use as multiple residences or apartments. |
| Acreage | 3 |
| Coordinates | 43.31214, -73.64983 (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 84003243.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4885122
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.