History | The Marvin House (original) (raw)

Elizabeth Warner married Robert Marvin October 7, 1889. Their engagement caused quite a stir in society circles. He was Jamestown’s most eligible bachelor. He was 45, his bride was 24.

The bride and groom resided at a downtown hotel while a proper house location was identified, obtained and an architect selected. Hence began the planning, designing, reviewing, and construction of the Marvin House. In 1898 the couple moved into their home located at the corner of N Main and W. Fifth Streets, Jamestown, NY.

The watercolor perspective drawing from 1896 and plans published in 1897 survive. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin took advantage of every resource available to them – materials, craftsmen, finances, and time to create a well-thought out, comfortable and beautiful home.

The Queen Anne, shingle style architecture seamlessly blends elements from the Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Eastlake styles. When completed it was one of the most handsome houses in Western New York State. No expense was spared in the use of rare wood in the various rooms.
Mrs. Marvin feared the fate of her beautiful home. She took the steps to preserve her legacy and home through a bequest in her will.

Following her death, in 1950, the women of Jamestown signed a Charter creating the Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House – the Marvin’s legacy lives on.