This 1800’s grand Greek Revival home is perfectly located in the historic Village of Angelica, set on West Main and Park Circle. You can sit on the lawn and almost feel the history of horse drawn carriages traveling down Main Street or a popular game of Bocci ball being played or watching a game of roque in the park on one of the few courts left in the country.
The history of 2 West Main Street as we know it goes a little like this: Built in the 19th century, it was once owned by Judge Andrew & Betsy Hull, later by Theodore Haight. Mary Chadwick of Boston and her husband Samuel Hartshorn sold it to his son, Frederick M Hartshorn in 1883. He was in the hotel business and also owned the first steam saw mill in Belvidere in Western NY. The original saw mill sign (found here in the attic) is 7’ long with 14kt gold lettering. It is now hung in the Carriage House. In the 1890’s the home was owned by Lewis T. Hooker who was one of Angelica’s “Most Prominent Citizens”. He built a tree house on the property corner facing Park Circle. Stories have surfaced of late that children would sit in the tree house and drop things on unsuspecting passersby. Sometime in the early 1900’s it became known as the “Blair House” owned by Frank Blair, an attorney, and his wife, LeMira. After Frank’s death in 1910, LeMira ran the home as a B&B known as “The Angelica Inn”. The original sign is currently hanging in the town’s market on East Main Street. In 1928 Judge Nelson P. Spencer Sr. married LeMira. After their deaths the house went to his son Nelson Spencer Jr., a teacher in Angelica. Then in 2000 was purchased by Russell & Mary Fitzgibbons.
In the fall of 2006 Hazel and her family, making the move from California, fell in love with the home and surrounding village when they were seen on a business website. Ending an exhaustive two-year search, they found the perfect spot for a new venture.
Hazel has been cooking and entertaining for over 40 years. Her mentors were her mother, aunts, and grandmother. Growing up with family-run restaurants, she used their techniques and tried-and-true recipes as a base to build on. In the 1970’s she opened her own restaurant in Buffalo. She finally made her way far west to Los Angeles where she worked for “Touch of Class Catering” on numerous movie locations, parties, and wedding events. Her late husband, CR, owned a business on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank, CA for 40 years. In honor of him, and her love for the flower, they decided to call their new place “The Magnolia House”.
Angelica’s Main Street has been designated as an “Historic District” with the National Registry. It has an atmosphere where locals are friendly and always say hello, and are happy to share the history of the area. You will be amazed at all the architecture, Victorian B&B’s, shops, antiques, churches, library, 100 year old post office and, most of all, the events here in town. Enjoy annual events like the Farmers’ Market, Lavender Festival, Music in the Park, Allegany County Fair, Heritage Days, Fall Festival and the ever growing Civil War Reenactment along with so much more!
While visiting, stop by the Magnolia House for homemade hot lunches, sandwiches, soups, desserts and more! You can plan private luncheons and gatherings of all sizes. Specializing in catering and wedding events, you can’t go wrong with the personal touches and great service they offer. The Magnolia House also offers a new line of BBQ sauces, seasonings, teas, chocolate confections and even a simmering potpourri! The list of speciality items is growing. You can check out our www.MagnoliaHouseNY.com for the latest updates. So come and enjoy, sit a while or spend a weekend and be sure to dine at The Magnolia House – or plan your next event here! Summer offers an outdoor garden setting to enjoy the “Town Where History Lives”.
No matter what your pleasure is, you will find your stay in Angelica a pleasant one with the most friendly people, great food and warm hospitality. That’s why The Magnolia House Family call it home! Your hosts, Hazel and her two daughters and sons-in-law, Dawn & Doug and Carli & Hugo, welcome you to the Magnolia House.