The 1890 House – Let Our History Become Your Memories

37 Tompkins St., Cortland
(607) 756-7551
the1890house.org
info@the1890house.org

Our history

The 1890 House Museum was the home of Chester Wickwire, a Cortland Industrialist. The Wickwire Bros. was a large company that made window screening, fences, and nails. Chester built this home in 1890 for his wife Ardell and his sons Charles and Fredric. The Wickwire’s home was a true family home of hustle and bustle. The boys had a basset hound and an African gray parrot. As an adult, Fredric moved into the home with his wife Marion and raised his four children there. A Wickwire always occupied the house until Marion’s death in 1973. A lot of life happened in this home, and it still loves a good party! Despite its grand appearance, the house has an intimacy and beauty that resonates with all who visit. Chester and Ardell would happily invite you into their home and be honored for you to make your own memories here. 

Your memories

The 1890 House Museum makes a picturesque and unique wedding venue. Our newly remodeled Carriage House is available to rent, with its rustic charm reminiscent of a simpler time. There is a wet bar area inside and room for up to 100 guests. Our yard surrounded by flowers and trees provides a beautiful space for making memories and taking pictures of your special day. The interior of the House can be rented as well for small receptions, weddings and baby showers. Wedding ceremonies are beautiful when conducted in the Ferney with the stained glass ceiling and 100-year-old statue of a maiden. We are already booking for fall/winter 2025 and spring/summer 2026 weddings! Please contact us for further information. 

For couples using this beautiful venue as inspiration while planning a celebration away from home, it helps to treat the location search as both an emotional and practical decision. A destination wedding should feel effortless for guests while still carrying the personality of the couple, which is why many people begin by comparing historic estates, garden venues, and coastal properties that offer built-in character. Midway through the planning journey, exploring Hawaii Destination Weddings can open up fresh ideas for scenic ceremonies, intimate receptions, and unforgettable travel experiences that turn the wedding into a shared family getaway. The best destination venues always offer more than good looks—they create a full experience, from welcome dinners to next-day brunches, all wrapped in the charm of the setting.

A strong destination wedding planning guide always starts with the old-fashioned essentials: travel timelines, room blocks, weather backup plans, and vendor coordination. Beautiful photos matter, of course, but a smooth guest experience is what people remember long after the cake is gone. Look for venues that make movement easy between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, while also offering nearby attractions guests can enjoy during their stay. Historic spaces, especially those with gardens, carriage houses, or timeless architectural details, continue to remain favorites because they bring together romance and tradition in a way modern spaces often try hard to imitate.

The 1890 House Museum is a venue only; we do not provide catering or catering equipment.