Old Line
House
Text Source: Syracuse and
Its
Environs, by
Franklin H. Chase, Lewis Historical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL, 1924, pp.
311-312
The railroads pushed the old stage
line houses out of business. The
"Old Line" House on South Salina Street that faced the junction of
Salina, West Onondaga and Harrison streets, was typical. Two
stories,
basement and attic, high brick walls at the ends with step effects
above the roof, high steps, porch the whole length and center hall,
with great stables in the rear - that was the type. Thomas S.
Truair,
in telling his reminiscences to friends, said that it was built in
1836, and it was the end of the Cortland stage line. This was a
distinction, for the other stage lines ended at the city borders and
there were many difficulties in reaching the business center.
Christian Cook purchased the building in 1865, and then it was razed to
make way for the more modern Cook Block. Next south was the
property
which was to become the Mowry Hotel, which later burned.
The "Old Line House" was designated in the early days as a
"man-and-beast" tavern, and its reputation lined up well in the current
gathering place for politicians. In 1860 it passed out of use as
a
hotel and was purchased by Olmsted & Jones, who converted it into a
saddlery and harness factory. In addition, upon the north side of
the
building, H. J. Edwards conducted a carriage factory. When the
building was sold in 1865, Mr. Edwards removed to Chicago. After
that
the stables were long used by J. W. Cronin as an annex for his livery
business.
Submitted 3 April 2006 by Pamela
Priest