User:NifferClay/Clarkson House

Founded in 1958 by Robert and Marilyn Clarkson, The Clarkson House was one of Western New York state's most historic restaurants. Located at 810 Center Street, it was situated near both Niagara Falls and the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge to Canada. The restaurant was "a favorite stop for travelers and visitors to Lewiston" from both sides of the border, and has been repeatedly featured in "Country Inns and Back Roads" travel guides.

The building that The Clarkson House occupied was significant historically and architecturally. It was "one of the first buildings constructed after the burning of the Village of Lewiston by the British during the War of 1812. It was built in 1818 by Jacob Townsend who came to Lewiston from Connecticut in 1810" . When construction on the building began, James Monroe was President, John Quincy Adams was Secretary of State, the Constitution was 30 years old, and the United States flag had only 15 stars and stripes.

To step into The Clarkson House was to be transported back in time. The Clarksons retained the original 1818 architecture, including the "rambling" hand-made brick chimney, timbers which were mortised and pinned without nails, and "the posts and beams were original, hand hewn of oak and chestnut" . The restaurant was decorated with antiques from 200 years of New York State history, including old household tools, sewing tables, and an ancient British cannon ball. As the Toronto Star noted, "In the middle of the bar on the right, a Casablanca fan hangs from a ceiling that angles four ways to the wind. A pot-bellied, ornate black stove anchors the centre of the wooden floor, a Tiffany lamp hanging above it illuminates the pots of cheese and baskets of crackers patrons scoop between drinks.". And the Buffalo Evening News remarked that "In the center of the dining room, there's a modern touch: a charcoal grill presided over by a white-capped cook." .

The Clarkson House was best known for its New York strip sirloin, filet mignon wrapped in bacon, French-cut lamb chops and lobster. The lobster was flown in fresh from Maine and stored live in a seawater tank large enough to hold 200 lobsters. While patrons were waiting to be seated, "Cheese and crackers are served in the lounge from atop and old pot-bellied stove, and a bountiful Texas-style tray with dips and snacks are served at dinner" . As the Saint Catherine Standard observed, "There is a common denominator that sets The Clarkson House apart from other restaurants. People. The people who frequent the place (50% are Canadians) are there to enjoy, eat and drink in an atmosphere that is warm and informal" .