Home for the Holidays at the Roberson Museum [WATCH]

Along the bank of the Susquehanna in Binghamton sits a stately mansion, steeped in history and an engaging atmosphere which lures in people of all ages. This breathtaking place is called the Roberson Mansion and Museum.

Alonzo Roberson Jr. was born in Binghamton on November 16, 1861. Roberson’s father, a carpenter and businessman purchased the 'Marsh and Gilbert Lumber Company' and renamed it the 'Alonzo Roberson Company.' Before his death, Roberson Jr. would inherit and become president of the lumber company, which went through another name change- this time to 'Roberson & Son Lumber Company.' Roberson would also be named Chairman of the Board of Marine Midland Bank.

On December 21, 1887, Alonzo Roberson Jr. married Miss Margaret Hays, a Binghamton school teacher. In 1904, the Robersons decided they wanted to move from their home on Binghamton’s Main Street to the more prestigious Front Street/ Riverside Drive area - it was here that the Roberson Mansion was born.

Roberson and his wife hired C. Edward Vosbury to design their home. Vosbury was born in Windsor, but studied in New York City, Boston and in Paris. Among Vosbury’s accomplishments are the Jonas M. Kilmer House, First Presbyterian Church in Utica, and the Robert H. Rose House. Vosbury was the architect for many of the large houses in the Front Street/Riverside Drive area and it was because of these numerous and stately homes that Binghamton is sometimes referred to as the "Parlor City" because these homes had elaborate parlors in which homeowners would entertain guests.

Vosbury designed an Italian Renaissance Revival mansion for the Robersons and this incredible home included an elevator, central heat, combination gas and electric lighting fixtures, a dumb waiter, and intercom system, as well as a private bath for each bedroom. The home was also outfitted with a billiard room and a ballroom on the third floor as well as a three-story servants’ wing in the back of the house.

The interior of the mansion was designed by the New York City firm of Pottier & Stymus. Silk damask was extravagantly stretched on the walls of the reception room and the library-living room. The main hall was decorated with Dutch metal, stenciling, and hand-painted decorations. And, possibly most incredible of all, is that each room on the first floor features a different type of woodwork.

The grounds of the mansion were landscaped by Townsend & Fleming, a company opened in 1904 and owned by Bryant Fleming. Fleming, a Buffalo native attended college at Cornell and later moved his firm to Ithaca. Fleming was instrumental in helping to develop the Department of Landscape Architecture.

Titchener Iron Works of Binghamton designed and constructed a majestic wrought-iron fence, which enclosed the property.

With an estimated cost of $107, 500 for the home, stable, fence and landscaping, the Roberson mansion was completed three years after the Robersons made the decision to move from their Main Street home.

Roberson passed away on May 16, 1934 and his wife, Margaret, in 1953. The Robersons didn't have any heirs and as per Alonzo's will, their home was turned into an “educational center …for the use and benefit of all people.”

In 1966, world-renowned architect, Richard Neutra was commissioned to design a major addition, known as the Martin Wing. The Martin Wing is named for the Roberson’s first Director, Keith Martin and houses several galleries, administrative offices and a planetarium.

The A. Ward Ford wing was added in 1984 and this wing holds modern vaults and collections as well as the Decker Life Science Center. The Roberson was accredited under the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) in the 1980’s.

In 1996, the Roberson Mansion’s carriage house was renovated as a multipurpose educational center and a New York State Heritage Area Visitor Center was also added. The visitor center is owned by the city, but operated in partnership with the Roberson.

The Roberson Museum offers events year round for the public, but one of the most loved is 'Home for the Holidays,' which has been delighting people of all ages for over 60 years.

Visitors are invited to tour the grounds and take in the breathtaking holiday displays, beautifully decorated trees and sparking lights during this special once a year event. The Roberson is offering special holiday hours which are: Monday through Wednesday from 11am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday from 11am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. The museum will be closed on Friday, December 25th; Thursday, December 31st, and Friday, January 1st.

For admission rates and the complete holiday entertainment schedule, reach out to the museum at 607-772-0660 or 888-269-5325.