How about a stroll through a place where Syracuse’s history whispers on the breeze? We are standing at Walnut Park. It is more than just a green space. Walnut Park is a portal to a bygone era.
In 1870 George F Comstock gifted this land to the city. He was a prominent citizen. He envisioned a haven for Syracuse’s elite. Walnut Park spans three blocks. It is bordered by Walnut Place and Walnut Avenue. Imagine it originally adorned with shade trees. Dutch Elm disease devastated them in the 1950s. But nature is resilient. New trees were planted in 1972. They restored the park’s original charm.
Around Walnut Park a neighborhood grew. Comstock handpicked those who would build here. He wanted to ensure a community of social distinction. Stroll along Walnut Place. Admire the grand residences. They echo stories of Syracuse’s past.
At 304 Walnut Place stands a house. It was built in 1899 for George H Bond. He was a District Attorney. His law firm Bond Schoeneck and King still exists. The house blends Queen Anne and Georgian Revival styles. It was later owned by Syracuse University. It was known as Blackwell Cottage. Today it is the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Then there is 701 Walnut Place. It is now the Chancellor’s residence for Syracuse University. Attorney William Nottingham commissioned it in 1901. Brockway and Benson designed it. They were New York City architects. Picture leather-lined library walls. Imagine a living room with Gothic tracery. The central staircase is carved. A ballroom graces the third floor.
Next door at 703 Walnut Avenue stands a chateauesque house. It was built for Horace Wilkinson in 1905. He was the owner of Crucible Steel. Gaggin and Gaggin designed it. They were Syracuse architects. Theodore Roosevelt once stayed here. He was a guest of the family for a month. The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity owned it for years. Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity owns it now. American radio and television personality Dick Clark was a member.
Walnut Park became a hub for fraternities and sororities. In 1915 Alpha Phi sorority acquired 308 Walnut Place. By 1921 several houses became Greek life residences. In 1923 Delta Delta Delta sorority moved into 300 Walnut Place. Kappa Alpha Theta sorority commissioned Marjorie Wright to design their house at 306 Walnut Place.
Walnut Park hosted Syracuse University’s block party. It was an event celebrating spring. There was live entertainment in an outdoor setting. Concerns about overcrowding led to a change. In 1993 the university moved the event indoors.
Walnut Park Historic District boasts seventeen contributing properties. These landmarks reflect architectural styles. There is Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival. They stand as testaments to Walnut Park’s rich heritage. So take a moment. Breathe in the history. Walnut Park is a place where Syracuse’s story unfolds. It is a place where the past and present intertwine.