10 and 12 North Street

Both houses are barely larger than 1,000 square feet. 10 North Street, the yellow cottage, is 1,050 square feet, while the white cottage, 12 North Street, is 1,330 Square feet. According to the inventory form from the Cultural Resource Information System, Conrad Brehm was listed as the owner after 1866. In the Schenectady Directory from 1862-1863, Brehm was recorded as residing at 3 railroad street. The two homes demonstrate qualities of federal architecture; they are simple in appearance, constructed out of brick, and display an appealing balance of symmetry. The facade of both buildings are plain, accented with very few details. 

Federal style of architecture was a prominent style of architecture in the United States during the late 18th, early 19th centuries. From circa 1780 to 1830, Federal Style was a reflection of the sentiments and cultural interests of the early American Republic. As a Western Republic, later on during the Federal period transitioning into Victorian style, architects in America began to incorporate Greek and Roman revival styles to invoke the democratic and republican principles of ancient western societies. The early federal style incorporated Georgian English styles of symmetry, balance and simplicity. 

The neighboring houses on North street appear to be a mix of Victorian and Federal style architecture. 17 North Street was built in 1830 and demonstrates Federal style qualities. 27 North Street, built in 1860, features a Victorian cornice and Victorian details across the facade. A description about federal style buildings in the Stockade describes the various sizes and uses of federal buildings in the late 18th, early 19th centuries. “The Federal Period is represented by numerous medium-sized to large square brick dwellings with rafter ends to the street. These have brick fire walls (or stepped gables), high basements with a water table and a

transomed entrance on one side of the facade.” On both 10 and 12 North street, the door is located on the right side of the facade, but the pair of buildings lack elaborate transoms. A transom in Architecture is either a horizontal structural beam, or a beam that separates the top of a door from a window. 10 and 12 North street have gabled roofs, with rafter ends, or tails, facing the road. 

Bradt, Henry Y., [from old catalog]. Schenectady City and County Directory, for 1862-3 ... Schenectady: Young & Graham, 1862. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/009586505.

Department of the Interior. National Park Service. (3/2/1934 - ). New York SP Stockade Historic District. File Unit: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: New York, 1964 - 2013, 2013.