Building date: 1845
Original use:
Corner structures:
Mortar application and content:
Types and uses of stones:
Types and choice of windows:
Structures with similar masonry details:
Masons who worked on building:
Unique features:
Map views courtesy Google Maps. Address is Google Earth confirmed; 43°11'27.15"N 80°22'45.95"W.
City of Paris and Brant County Maps.
According to the 1855 census, Dr. Samuel Sowden, his wife Elizabeth and their three children were living here. The amazing feature of this building is it has no quoins and the corners are rounded. The door entered Sowden's dispensary in the center of the curve. This feature is unusual both here and in the New York State cobblestone districts. Under the eaves, the brackets end in round pendants accenting the shape of the cobblestones.
On February 11, 1852, The Paris Star listed Sowden as dispensing drugs, medicines, books and stationery. Thomas Hall, a customs inspector, was the next owner. His son, John M. Hall, owned the Irish Linen Shop which is still a major attraction in Paris. They lived in the house until the 1960's.
Richard Palmer blog.
Cobblestones of Paris, by Paris Museum and Historical Society. Portion of pamphlet that applies to the Sowden House.
County of Brant Heritage Driving Tour, page 16: Dr. Sowden House & Dispensary, 1845-1851.
Sowden House, County of Brant Public Library Digital Collections
- "Cobblestone Masonry", 1966, Carl Schmidt: Name reference, Sowden - Hall House
- Page 227
¹ Photography courtesy Martin and Sheila Wolfish.
² Photography courtesy Richard Palmer.
