127 Main Street

The original part of this house was built in the 1820’s by Andrew Stewart, an early merchant.  From 1839 to 1842 it was owned by William Bond, Jr., another early trader.  In 1842 it was purchased by Ephraim Cone who had come to Geneseo with Allen Ayrault (builder of the Big Tree Inn) in 1830 to assist him in the organization of the Livingston County Bank. 

Preservation architect Paul Malo called this an important building in the early Federal tradition. He said: “The entrance shows a distinctively Federal frame, the top of which has been cut off by the ceiling of the porch, indicating that this was an addition.  This would be suspected from its style, as the distinctive columns are Italianate with elaborate capitals and pedestals. The eaves are bracketed, and this ‘modernization’ probably was done concurrent with the building of the porch.  Old six-over-six sashes on the second floor remain, although the longer windows on the first floor probably were installed when the porch was built.  The entrance door itself seems to be somewhat modern, perhaps dating from the turn of the century.  The extent of the porch is notable, as it wraps around a complete side of the house as well as covering the front.”

His remarks were made prior to alterations made to the building by business owners of The Flower Cart.