Pete's House

Originally published in the Troy’s Treasures column of the Record Newspapers

Troy’s architecture is a big part of what makes Troy TROY. This example at 132 Second Street is the home of Peter D. Shaver, and is currently undergoing a façade restoration. It was built about 1827 by a prosperous local harness maker by the name of Frederick Stowitts.

The lintels over the windows and door are just some of the clues that identify this house as of the Federal style of architecture. These lintels were a common feature on brick façades built after 1780 to about 1830, which is roughly known as the Federal period in American architecture. Next time you are strolling around town, look to see how many of these lintels you can identify -there are a number of them scattered throughout the city. These particular lintels are made of cut sandstone, and, yes, some deterioration is taking place. But that will soon be history, as they are due to be replaced. The new ones, the last step in this important façade restoration, will be cast in a concrete mix with original markings carved into the mold.

Many of the building’s original details still exist. The kitchen and dining room were originally located in the basement, complete with a large cooking fireplace including an iron crane to hold the iron cooking pots. These are still intact though no longer used for their original purposes. Also, much of the original fabric, such as doors and door framing are still just as they were in 1827.

Indoor plumbing did not exist at that time, so we can presume the existence of an outhouse. The kitchen was relocated on the first floor and indoor plumbing was added long ago. There is, however, a persistent story about the old days of outhouses and chamber pots. It seems the ladies of those days preferred not to walk in the alleys because that’s where the contents of the chamber pots got tossed first thing every morning.

The house originally featured a wood shingle roof which has been replaced with asphalt shingles. Heating was provided by six Rumford fireplaces, still intact but not needed for heat today due to the innovation of central heat. Also, there was another small house at the back of the lot just off the alley. It was demolished a while ago, but served as home to people through the mid 20th century and well after WWI. The complex is rumored to have housed as many as 20 people in those days with three apartments in the main house and two in the back.

Number 132 Second Street was the proud icon of a successful merchant in the very early days of the city. It is one of many surviving architectural treasures of Troy.

N.B. It’s a good bet that there were other houses of the same Federal style built about the same time in Troy, but as the city became prosperous in the later part of the century, they became victims of demolition and were replaced by newer, grander upscale Greek Revival, Victorian, or high style Queen Anne dwellings, many of which are still standing today. The Shaver residence may be one of the few remaining Federal style houses in Troy today. See if you can identify others around town and let me know at my e-mail address: jrpattison@yahoo.com