When the contents of the Steele/Bolger House in Pittsford, NY are auctioned August 19, the connection to history, preservation and antiques will be strong.
For the past several decades the Pittsford landmark had been the home of the late Stuart Bolger, co-creator of the Genesee Country Museum in Mumford; his wife Nancy and their family. Nancy Bolger, a long-time journalist, was editor for several years of the New York – Pennsylvania Collector.
Bolger Carriage House
In 1810-12, a modest Federal home was built near the four corners of a hamlet that later, with the opening of the Erie Canal, eventually became Pittsford. As the fortunes of the home’s owner flourished, so did the size of the house, with several additions in the Greek Revival style.
One of the early owners became (briefly) the first president of Western Union; years later the family of Rochester lawyer John M. Steele used the house as a summer home before moving permanently to Pittsford. During the early years of the 20th Century, son Fletcher Steele, working out of Boston, became one of the best-known landscape designers for millionaire clients eager to showcase their vast estates.
For the past several decades the Pittsford landmark had been home to the late Stuart Bolger, his wife, Nancy and their family.
On Saturday, Aug. 19, Reynolds Auction Company of Palmyra will hold a one-day auction on the Steele-Bolger house grounds at 20 Monroe Ave., Pittsford (adjacent to the village fire department). Contents of the four-story home include 19th century furniture, early lighting and glassware, prints, stoneware, silver, Oriental rugs, early coverlets, and household goods.
Michael Haskins, an antiques dealer associated with Reynolds Auction Co., who several years ago appraised the collections said, “Most of the auctions offerings have a long association with the Bolger family, and many document the history of Monroe County, including a rare outzsized map of early Rochester.”
