Buttles-Pinney-Brown House

12 E. Stafford Ave.

Images: (1) 12 East Stafford/High Road Gallery; (2) Sidney Brown, c. 1860; (3) Anna Hart Brown, c. 1860; 9$) Brown/Weaver family c. 1890 on north side of home

The Federal style five bay brick residence was built by brick mason Arora Buttles as a “spec” house, ca. 1818. Unable to sell it due to the 1819 depression, he chose to live in it from 1821 – 1823 following his marriage to Harriet Kilbourn Case, a widowed daughter of James Kilbourn. In 1823 the property was purchased by an out-of-state owner who rented it out.

Albert Henry Pinney, the owner of a store just north of this house and a trustee of the village, purchased the house in the 1830. He lived there until 1839, when it was bought by Sidney Brown, a cooper by trade, who operated a grocery store to the north of his home. He also had a shop for making and repairing barrels to the rear of the house.

The structure retains much of its original character. It is an excellent example of the combined residential/commercial architecture popular during the early 19th century. Even though it has been converted from residential to office use, visitors who enter the original family quarters will find built-in cupboards flanking the fireplace very similar to those in the Orange Johnson House.

The Buttles-Pinney-Brown House has most recently been the site of the High Road Gallery, featuring monthly art exhibitions.