The Geneva Historical Society Tour of Homes

Balmanno Cottage, circa 1831, is one of the earliest introductions of the Gothic Revival style in Geneva. This fanciful interpretation of medieval architecture features a steeply pitched roof, trefoil-motif vergeboards, and pointed gables and arches. The east side of South Main Street was originally laid out to be landscaped for the pleasure of the west side residents, but these terraced garden lots were built on as Geneva became a choice location. Robert Balmanno did maintain his own backyard as when he decided to sell in 1850 he advertised “…a Hanging Garden, on half a dozen Terraces, that extends from the Cottage door to the Beach.”

The cottage was enlarged in 1851 but not extensively modernized until 1926. Blanchard Bartlett Walker bequeathed the property and a collection of magnificent 18^th and 19^th Century furnishings to The Geneva Historical Society. Mrs. Walker’s father was Rev. Murray Bartlett, President of the Colleges from 1919-1936, and her childhood years were spent in The President’s House. During her forty years in Balmanno Cottage, Mrs. Walker was an ardent supporter of the Colleges, the Geneva Historical Society, and the community as a whole.

Take time to smell the roses: In 2008 rosebushes were given and planted to recreate the rose garden that was Mrs. Walker’s pride and joy in the 1960’s. The ten named cultivars are favorites from Jackson & Perkins, such as Queen Elizabeth, Peace, John F. Kennedy, and Mr. Lincoln. While in the gardens check out the fish pond.