Worthy of description filling an entire volume in itself, the prodigal home of the second Mayor of Syracuse belongs to fame and history. Its owner is already thus honored.

Born in Caanan, Leavenworth studied law with William Oullen Bryant, coming to Syracuse in November 1827 where he married the daughter of Judge Joshua Forman (see page 38). Lawyer, Brigadier General of the 7th Brigade of Artillery, Secretary of State at Albany, 44th Congressman, Elias Leavenworth was the leading citizen. In 1837 a village trustee, 1838, 39, and 40 and again in 1846 and 47 President of the village, and finally in 1849 the second Mayor of Svracuse following Harvey Baldwin, he was known for his wisdom and intense joy in city beautification. It was he who established Fayette Park and forced the railroad to plant trees along Washington Street.

It is needless to point out the position occupied by his home; that it be the epitome of the Greek Revival was obviously compulsory. The task for its building fell to Deacon Elijah Hayden, one of the first architects here, and William B. Cogswell, a draftsman in the year 1839. Built on the first lot sold in James Street, it was completed in 1842 after three years of labor. Here came as guests Secretary William H. Seward, Gerritt Smith and Henry Clay who was tendered a brilliant reception. "But perhans the most notable gathering was on the evening of May 31st, 1852 when the General gave a reception for the Patriot hero Kossuth. * I recall the look of the dark-eyed eloquent pleader against his country's wrongs as he stood in the center of the wst parlor, by the side of his host, receiving those who came to do him honor." **

It is trite and unnecessary to attempt a description of the exterior of the house, for its details are self evident features with which we are already well acquainted. In every instance these have been carried to the highest point of perfection in the Greek Revival. The window grilles and iron ornaments scattered about are especially exquisite creations. It is perhaps the very perfection that leads to any criticism, for the structure is almost over burdened with "perfect details".

There are new features to be noted, however. Of primary importance is the expansion of the cella or main box beyond the limits of the colonnade. Here is an unusual transition being neither pure temple form nor pure "four-square" box type; imagination easily cancels one or the other to achieve the more familiar profiles. This was the architect's answer to a confining four columned colonnade minus the narrow restrictions that it necessarily imposes. Prominent also is the large balustrade encircling the roof, fitted with carved panels of anthemions but of apparently no utilitarian value. On the west elevation *** is another functional absurdity in the form of false windows added to balance the composition. The fence is, of course, thoroughly Greek Revival not only in its design but tremendous cost of upkeep which eventually led to its removal. Despite all perfection, however, Benjamin points an accusing finger at the main entrance (figure 5). "Where there is sufficient room, and the expense is not regarded, I would always recommend more than two columns, as a single column on each side of a door has but a naked appearance." Lafever felt otherwise, for his plate 80 (page 142) illustrates a single columned entrance. In combination with the accompanying entrance plan, the two produce the Leavenworth entrance. The main column capitals are the height of refinement and are close copies of those on the Erectheum. The plain Doric columns on the rear wing are unusual features also worthy of note. ****

The "four-square" plan and interiors necessitate little discussion for they are so typical that the text is in itself a description of them. Figure 12 displays the tremendous open area possible with sliding doors; at the end is the east parlor or "Red Room" with original Duncan Phyfe sofa and red draperies reflected in the tremendous gilt mirror, also original. In the middle distance is the main entrance hall with the door to the street at the right and the stairs at the left. In the immediate foreground are seen the green damasks of the west parlor or "Green Room" in whose center stood the hero Kossuth (figure 11). The noteworthy features are endless and are duplicated in each parlor. Figure 11 might well symbolize the interior magnificence of the Leavenworth Mansion with 101 year old draperies, sparkling crystal girondals and elaborate gilt frame reflecting a by-gone life, a period of formality midst mud caked boots, but at the same time, one of real culture and a naive genuineness.

Note 1: "Lajos Kossuth - in 1844 he founded a national league in opposition to the Viennese government. In 1847 he secured the appointment to the responsible Hungarian ministry of finance. During the Hungarian war for liberty he was chosen dictator, but was doomed to failure when Russia interfered. Kossuth resigned and was subsequently interned in Turkey. He was released through the intervention of the United States and Britain; visited these countries and met with an enthusiastic reception. He died in 1894 in Italy." - from "Winston's Encyclopedia"

Note 2: From reminisces in the Syracuse Herald for July 31, 1910

Note 3: See plate 5, page 140

Note 4: See figures 6 and 7