Historic Name

Sturgeon House

Address

4302 Avonia Drive

Municipality

Fairview Township

Tax Parcel

21080023001200

Historic District

Classification

Class 1 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

858

Historic Function

Domestic - single dwelling

Style

Federal

Built

1838

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

7/18/2016

In 1797, William and Jeremiah Sturgeon journeyed west of Erie in search of flooding streams and fertile soil. There, they acquired land from the Pennsylvania Population Company to plant crops. These two brothers established the settlement of Sturgeonville, now known as Fairview. This land was located around a natural geographical ridge that was used as a pathway for the first road, cut through from the Erie settlement in 1805 to reach the settlements to the west, such as Cleveland. This area was part of the 407 acres that William bought. The Sturgeons operated coach stops and taverns along the roadway that connected Sturgeonville to the City of Erie. Jeremiah’s daughter, Martha, and his son-in-law, John Brecht, purchased three acres, from William in 1838 for $422. Brecht subdivided the property into 11 lots, and sold the easternmost three to Robert Sturgeon in August for $204. On one of these lots, Jeremiah’s son, Samuel, built the Sturgeon House in 1838.

Some materials used in the construction date to 1820, suggesting an even earlier construction; however, 1838 is the officially documented date from government records. The original structure consisted of two large rooms on the first floor, two smaller bedrooms off to the east side, and a dormer-like second floor. Robert, who was Samuel’s brother, enlarged the house during the 1850’s. It is also believed that he remodeled it to fit Victorian design elements. When Robert died, his daughter Sarah inherited the house, renting it out for the next 80 years. In August 1979, Robert Charles, who was the surviving child of Sarah and her husband George Asmus, sold the house and grounds to the Fairview Area Historical Society. In June 1980, the Sturgeon House was listed on the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historical Sites, and on December 10, 1980, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The historical society has restored the house for use as a museum, depository of local historical/genealogical date, and as a meeting place. In 2002, they removed a poorly constructed addition to the original house, and added an appropriately designed meeting/exhibit room with handicap entry onto the south side of the building.

Sources:

Sturgeon House National Register nomination

If you have additional information or corrections to the existing information, send an email to info@preservationerie.org.
Submitted information is reviewed by Preservation Erie prior to updating the database.

Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office