791 North Broadway

Saratoga Springs, NY

History of 791 North Broadway – Built in 1895, this property was home to Lucy Skidmore Scribner, founder of Skidmore College.
Lucy Scribner was the wife of publisher John Blair Scribner and upon his death in 1879 she utilized her fortune to make a difference in the lives of countless women.

In 1903 Scribner formed the Young Women’s Industrial Club. Its constitution promoted “the cultivation of such knowledge and arts as may promote (members’) well -being, physical, mental, spiritual and the ability to become self- supporting.” In 1911 she acquired the former Temple Grove Seminary and started the Skidmore School of Arts which evolved into the Skidmore College for Women by 1915 and chartered by the State of New York in 1922.

In the early 1900s, Lucy Scribner added the porte-cochere to this classic colonial revival, an inviting feature to the placid grounds. Upon her death in 1931, the property was given to Skidmore College. In 1987, it became the official residence of the College President.

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.