History of the Silas Wright House

Silas Wright House 1878

Moses Whitcomb built the house in 1833-1834 as a two-room cottage. In 1834, Senator Wright and his new bridge, Clarissa Moody Wright, purchased the house and several acres of land extending southwestward to the Grasse River.

The immediate property was made up of a large vegetable garden, orchard, and pasture. Over the next ten years, they enlarged the house in the popular Greek Revival style in order to accommodate the Senators’ important station in life.

The Wright House Through the Years

1833-1834

The house was built by Moses Whitcome, an early settler of the area.

1834

Silas Wright purchased the house and several acres of neighboring land.

1834-1844

The Wrights expanded the house by adding a kitchen, entryway, parlors, and second story bedrooms.

1870

Clarissa Moody Wright died. Silas predeceased her in 1847. Silas Wright’s brother, Pliny, continued to live in the house.

1890

Pliny Wright died and the house was sold to the Universalist Church. A second floor was added to the original house and porches were added to both wings.

1930s

The house was leased to Lillian Sholette, who operated a boarding house and restaurant called the “Tea Cozy.”

1950s-1960s

The house served as the Universalist Church parsonage and later became the residence of Anthony Zasa, who operated a pizza parlor in the old livery.

1973-1974

The house and property were purchased by the St. Lawrence County Historical Association (SLCHA).

1976-1978

The Silas Wright House was restored and opened as a museum.

1986-1987

A new wing was added to the rear of the house for office and exhibit space.

2000-2001

The Red Barn Addition was built onto the rear of the house, and the 1986-87 wing was renovated. The project made the museum completely accessible for the first time, and provided additional space for a public research room and archives, collection storage, exhibits, and offices.