323 E Seneca St Ithaca (as of 1907)

“The unfinished, four-story residence of Thomas J Stephens, at 323 East Seneca street, is of an interesting composition. In its structure are the combined materials of two churches, a hotel and a tannery. Another interesting feature of this house is the fact that it has been five years in construction and most of the labor has been performed by the owner in his leisure moments.

The cornices on this unusual edifice are those taken from the old Congregational Church; its joists and sills once supported the old Esty tannery; many of the doors once swung to and fro in the old Ithaca Hotel; the ceilings of the porches were taken from the old Presbyterian Church the arches on the porch and pillar supports were also obtained from that church.

The hard maple wood floors and the back porch are composed of lumber trodden upon by the Presbyterian people in the old session house and many of the doors are also from that source.

Mr. Stephens secured 80,000 feet of lumber from the old tannery at prices which would now throw a lumber dealer into bankruptcy if he were to sell at the figures. Every wall in the house is lined on either side with heavy boards instead of the usual lath of which the modern house is constructed.

A large amount of spikes was also obtained from the old tannery and yesterday Mr. Stephens sold 1,800 pounds which he could not use for old iron. Besides the lumber from these various buildings Mr. Stephens has received a large amount from private individuals. He has had to purchase only a small amount of new lumber. The new lumber in the whole house does not exceed the value of $150. A large amount of slate was also obtained from the old session house at a nominal figure.

Mr. Stephens and his wife are now living in the lower rear part of the house, which is completed. He started about five years ago to build the residence and would have had it completed except for the fact that he moved to a farm near Trumansburg, where he lived for some time. He returned to this city about one year ago, is employed at the trade of a marble cutter, and works on his house when he can find the time.

The front is galvanized steel in imitation of stone. The house will contain thirty-six rooms and is equipped with a steam plant and gas fittings.”

“‘Tom’s ‘ House Is Heterodox: Two Churches Contribute to Its Construction,” Ithaca Daily Journal, March 20, 1907, 6, https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=idj19070320-01.1.6

"In addition to two buildings on E. Seneca St. listed in Saturday's Journal, a third has been razed to make way for the 'tuning fork.' This is an apartment house at 323 E. Seneca St."

"Third Seneca Street Building Goes," Ithaca Journal, November 18, 1955, 2.