Port Henry, NY is a small hamlet along the southern shores of Lake Champlain. It’s close to the only bridge that crosses Lake Champlain into Vermont. While we were unexpectedly spending time in Vermont due to a much needed truck repair, we stumbled upon a derelict mansion.
The mansion, known as the Witherbee Mansion, is the relatively large house (which explains why it is a mansion) at the center of this 1889 map of Port Henry.
The Witherbee Mansion was originally constructed by Walter Witherbee, the son of the owner of a successful iron-mining company in Port Henry. After Walter graduated from college he followed in his father’s footsteps and helped run the iron mining company.
While away at college Walter fell in love and married Annie Gautier. Deciding that they needed a house large enough to fit their lifestyle of entertaining and raising a family, they built the Witherbee Mansion. This was in the late 1880s. The house was a grand site and the host of many social events.
Unfortunately, in 1922 Walter Witherbee died. Even though Annie continued to live in the house for several years, it’s condition began to decline and in the early 1940s the house was sold to the town. The house was later sold to the American Legion and from there it was sold to various other organizations. It eventually deteriorated into ruins.
Attempts have been made to restore the property but these attempts have failed. If you would like to purchases the mansion, it’s for sale. We found this mansion fascinating. Welcome to Witherbee Mansion as it appears today.
13,319 square feet. No bedrooms at the moment. No bathrooms either. 4.13 acre lot. A fixer upper.
The current owner was asking only $59 per square foot. All total that makes $795,000.
Here’s what the house looked like in the early 1900s.
Even today, much of the original interior remains. It’s still quite beautiful.
The exterior still had many of the original features too. Compare the following pictures to the map photo.
With vision and a little bit of money, this is what the mansion could look like.
Until next time.
Fifth Wheel Follies! 