Save This Old Circa 1840s New York Fixer Upper $55K

While the exterior is impressive, even in its fixer upper state, the interior needs an enormous amount of work. Richfield Springs is a charming village on the northern end of Canadarago Lake. Population is 1,264.

 If interested in a property, please contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

181 Main St, Richfield Springs, NY 13439    $55,000

Built in the 1880s, this was the home of John D. Cary (1859-1938.)  Cary was married three times and was the father of two sons and a daughter. He was a Harvard-educated man and proprietor of the Cary Cottages, a thriving summer resort built by his father Edgar Cary. Much like the nearby and and better-known Sharon Springs, NY, Cary Cottages offered medicinal benefits of the local spring water. The large resort boasted several boarding houses, a large bathhouse, a roller rink and other recreational activities. Cary’s daughter Margery also attended Harvard.  Subsequent to working as a private school teacher and social worker, she inherited the home, resort and other properties after her father died of a heart attack in his bed.

“John Derthick Cary, proprietor of the Cary Cottages, was found dead in his bed, Friday morning, June 17th. Dr. H. V. Frink, coroner, said death was due to a heart attack. Mr. Cary, the son of Edgar and Harriet (Johnson) Cary was born in Richfield Springs, May 20, 1859. He was a graduate of Hamilton College and Harvard University. At the fiftieth anniversary of his class at Harvard three years ago, Mr. Cary and his daughter, Margery, who was receiving a degree that year walked in the same academic procession. Mr. Cary was a member of St. John’s Church and very active in the work of the church for many years, and contributed much of his time to church work in rural communities, organizing Sunday Schools and preaching. Mr. Cary was a Bible student and for a long time conducted weekly classes for prospective church school teachers … Mr. Cary was married three times. His first wife was Martha G. White, who died in 1896. Following her death he married Eva J. Wilse and in 1901 his marriage to Virginia Gould Blue took place. Surviving are two sons, Richard E. Cary, of Baldwinsville, Lucius G., of New York, and a daughter, Miss Margery Cary of this village, also two grandchildren, of Baldwinsville. The funeral was held at his home on East Main street, Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock, the Rev. Norman Adams officiating, and the interment was in Lake View cemetery.” [“The Otsego Farmer & Republican” (Cooperstown, NY), Fri., June 24, 1938, Page Nine]