46 Circular Street
The Clarke House
This magnificent Greek Revival was built in 1832 for John Clarke, who had a significant impact on development in the early years of the village of Saratoga. Clarke opened the first soda fountain in New York City in 1819. Four years later, he came to Saratoga to purchase the Congress Spring – land that is currently Congress Park and parcels east. By 1825, Clarke had started bottling the spring water and selling it nationally and in Europe, making Saratoga known to the world.
Mapping out the lands to the east of Congress Park and designing Circular Street to circle the springs and park, 46 Circular Street was built for Clarke by John Hodgman. The most popular architectural style of the early 19th century, Greek Revival was thought to represent the spirit of democracy and was identified by its symmetrical shape and entry porch with large columns.
At the time of John Clarke’s death in 1847, he reportedly owned nearly 1,000 acres of property in Saratoga. The home remained in his family until 1871 and his descendants owned homes on nearby Regent and Union Avenue into the 20th century.
From 1940-1972, the property was owned by Skidmore College and home to its President. Found in the Saratoga Room:
“The house was so identified with Skidmore College that serious consideration was given to cutting it in half, lifting it by cargo helicopter and moving it to the new campus in 1965. But it was cost prohibitive.”
The current owners of 46 Circular Street acquired the property in 2001, when it was listed with: 10 bedrooms, 5 ½ baths, 4 fireplaces, 50’ front to back center hallway, 11′ ceilings, and a total of 7,300 square feet of living space. Today they continue to embrace the preservation of its 183 year old history.
Check back next Thursday for another Centennial Series featured property!
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The Centennial Series
The city of Saratoga Springs was chartered on April 7, 1915. In celebration of our 100 years this summer, Roohan Realty brings you “The Centennial Series,” featuring the history of local properties – from origin to what we see today.
Do you own a historic property or know one you’d like to see featured? Submit an inquiry and our contributing writer will contact you.
