**Ephraim B. Potter House**
**Definition:**
The Ephraim B. Potter House is a historic residential building located in Glens Falls, New York, recognized for its distinctive architectural style and its significance in the local heritage. Constructed in the early 20th century, the house exemplifies the work of architect Ephraim B. Potter and reflects the design trends of its era.
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# Ephraim B. Potter House
## Introduction
The Ephraim B. Potter House is a notable historic home situated in Glens Falls, Warren County, New York. Built in the early 1900s, the house is an important example of residential architecture from that period and is associated with Ephraim B. Potter, a prominent local architect. The house has been preserved as a representation of the architectural and cultural history of the region.
## Location and Setting
The house is located in Glens Falls, a city in northeastern New York State, known for its rich history and well-preserved historic districts. Glens Falls developed as a center of industry and commerce in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and many of its historic homes reflect the prosperity of that era. The Ephraim B. Potter House is situated in a residential neighborhood that features a variety of architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
## Historical Background
Ephraim B. Potter, the architect and original owner of the house, was an influential figure in the architectural development of Glens Falls and the surrounding region. Potter’s work contributed to the architectural landscape of the area, blending popular styles with local building traditions. The house was constructed during a period of growth and modernization in Glens Falls, reflecting the aspirations and tastes of the city’s middle and upper-middle-class residents.
## Architectural Description
### Style and Design
The Ephraim B. Potter House is primarily designed in the Colonial Revival style, a popular architectural movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style sought to revive elements of American colonial architecture, emphasizing symmetry, classical details, and a sense of order and proportion.
The house features a symmetrical façade, with a central entrance flanked by evenly spaced windows. The use of classical elements such as columns, pilasters, and pediments is evident in the design. The roofline is typically hipped or gabled, often with dormer windows that add to the aesthetic appeal and provide additional light to the upper floors.
### Materials and Construction
Constructed primarily of wood framing with clapboard siding, the house reflects common building practices of its time. The foundation is likely made of stone or concrete, providing stability and durability. Windows are double-hung sash types, often with multiple panes in the upper sash, consistent with Colonial Revival detailing.
Interior features, while not extensively documented, are presumed to include traditional woodwork, built-in cabinetry, and other period-appropriate finishes that complement the exterior style.
## Significance
### Architectural Importance
The Ephraim B. Potter House is significant as a well-preserved example of Colonial Revival residential architecture in Glens Falls. It demonstrates the adaptation of national architectural trends to a local context and showcases the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of its architect and builder.
### Cultural and Historical Value
Beyond its architectural merits, the house holds cultural value as a representation of early 20th-century life in Glens Falls. It reflects the social and economic conditions of the time, illustrating the lifestyle of a professional class in a growing small city. The association with Ephraim B. Potter further enhances its historical importance, linking the property to a figure who contributed to the architectural heritage of the region.
## Preservation and Current Status
The Ephraim B. Potter House has been recognized for its historical and architectural significance through its inclusion on local or national historic registers. Preservation efforts have aimed to maintain the integrity of the building’s design and materials, ensuring that it remains a tangible link to Glens Falls’ past.
The house may currently serve as a private residence or be used for other purposes consistent with historic preservation guidelines. Its continued maintenance and protection are important for educational and heritage reasons, allowing future generations to appreciate the architectural and historical context of the early 20th century.
## Related Architectural Works
Ephraim B. Potter’s architectural portfolio includes other residential and possibly commercial buildings in the Glens Falls area. His work is characterized by attention to detail, adherence to popular styles of the time, and sensitivity to the local environment. The Ephraim B. Potter House stands as a representative example of his contributions to the built environment.
## Conclusion
The Ephraim B. Potter House remains a significant historic property in Glens Falls, New York. Its architectural style, historical associations, and preservation status make it an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. As an enduring example of Colonial Revival architecture and the work of a notable local architect, the house continues to offer insights into the architectural and social history of the early 20th century in upstate New York.
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**Meta Description:**
The Ephraim B. Potter House in Glens Falls, New York, is a historic Colonial Revival residence notable for its architectural significance and association with local architect Ephraim B. Potter. It represents early 20th-century design and cultural heritage in the region.