Historic Information

Elizabeth Warner married Robert Marvin October 7, 1889. Their engagement caused quite a stir in society circles. He was Jamestown’s most eligible bachelor. He was 45, his bride was 24.

The bride and groom resided at a downtown hotel while a proper house location was identified, obtained and an architect selected. Hence began the planning, designing, reviewing, and construction of the Marvin House. In 1898 the couple moved into their home located at the corner of N Main and W. Fifth Streets, Jamestown, NY.

The watercolor perspective drawing from 1896 and plans published in 1897 survive. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin took advantage of every resource available to them – materials, craftsmen, finances, and time to create a well-thought out, comfortable and beautiful home.

The Queen Anne, shingle style architecture seamlessly blends elements from the Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Eastlake styles. When completed it was one of the most handsome houses in Western New York State. No expense was spared in the use of rare wood in the various rooms.
Mrs. Marvin feared the fate of her beautiful home. She took the steps to preserve her legacy and home through a bequest in her will.

Following her death, in 1950, the women of Jamestown signed a Charter creating the Elizabeth Warner Marvin Community House – the Marvin’s legacy lives on.

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin

Elizabeth Marvin

Elizabeth (Warner) Marvin was born in Jamestown in 1866. She was educated locally then attended Miss Brown’s Finishing School, Fifth Avenue, New York City.

On October 7, 1889, Elizabeth married Robert Marvin. Like Elizabeth, Robert came from an influential Jamestown family. Their wedding was considered the “Wedding of the Century”.

Elizabeth was a woman ahead of her time.

She was engaged in literary, musical, educational, patriotic, scientific, and historical work – and, she had a dream for the future of Jamestown’s woman!

Living across the street from the men’s only Jamestown Club, inspired Elizabeth to bequeath her home to provide for a private meeting place for the moral or mental improvement of women.

Elizabeth Marvin died in 1950. In 1951 four-hundred women became charter members of the Marvin Community House.

Robert Marvin

Robert Marvin was born in Jamestown in 1845. He was educated in public schools. Following a course at Hartwick Seminary in Otsego, he studied at the Bryant and Stratton Business College in Buffalo. He later studied the law and was admitted to the bar and practiced as an attorney.

Although a bit of a playboy, he was described as a man of “natural dignity” and “geniality…that made him a welcome companion”. Robert enjoyed his active membership in the men’s only Jamestown Club.

His community involvement was immense. Robert organized the first telephone company, first water company and chaired the committee that drafted the first City of Jamestown Charter.

He was held in unvarying confidence by everyone who knew him.

Historical Rendering