Rosemont Inn Utica (New York)

General Information

Construction on this lovely brick Italian Victorian home began in 1866-67 by Ambrose G. Howard, who resided across the st, on the corner of Noyes, for Charles and Jane Quait Millar. Mr. Howard was also a nurseryman, and after the cottage was completed, he planted a lot of uncommon plants, shrubs and trees on the premises. In 1870, the Millars went to Switzerland, taking their 3 daughters with them to enhance the girls education. It was during this time that the cottage was finally completed. Mr. Millar signed the significant papers to purchase the cottage at the Office of the American Minister in Italy. Mr. Millar was a highly rich Industrialist. He owned Lead Pipe Works on Main Street, Utica Pipe Foundry Company, Gas and Water Pipe Foundry on the corner of Gilbert Street and Hutchinson Avenue, Soil Pipe Foundry on Dwyer Avenue, and he also owned a cotton mill, which was later purchased by J.P. Stevens. Mr. Millar was also involved with Savage Arms. We have been told by Millar family members that one of Mr. Millars daughters was married to one of General Shermans sons, and that Vice President Sherman, Thomas Edison and President Taft have been customers here. The Millars took possession on February 27th, 1872. Prior to their moving to this cottage, they resided at 73 Blandina Street. An early description of this cottage The cottage is of brick, masonry construction, with a wooden wing or ell to the right and rear of the cottage. The general plan of the cottage is as follows the Front door and lounge in the heart of the structure, with an extensive living room on the right which runs almost the length of the brick section of the cottage. Beyond that was a music suite and 2 more suites, then 2 vast greenhouses, attached to the cottage. These 2 conservatories housed plenty of captivating and exotic plants and were one of Mr. Millar's absorbing interests.