I think you may be reffering to the house located next to the former YWCA on North St.
The home at 267 North St. was still privately owned by Mr.& Mrs. Philip Ransom, who resided there until Mrs. Ransom's death in 1983.
They did rent out one small apartment on the top floor, formerly one of the servants quarters.
The front of this floor also has the original ballroom which overlooks North St. through the four arched windows seen from the street.
The rest of the mansion which had a total of 24 rooms were occupied by the Ransom's.
A Scottish couple who served as Housekeeper and Butler resided in the rear bedrooms on the second floor.
There were a total of 7 bedrooms on that floor, including Mr. and Mrs. Ransom's who each had their own suites.
I worked for the Ransom's which was a second job for me until 1979, when I was transferred to Chicago by my primary employer.
The apt. your friend's had, may have been in the house next to the "Y" that I mentioned earlier.
It was painted completely brown at the time and as you described did have a beautiful front room with a floor to ceiling window, including pocket shutters.
It also had the fireplace you described.
There were seven other apartments in the building, including a very large one in the attic which has a small tower atop it and a hatch door.
The view of downtown Buffalo and the lake is amazing from that vantage point.
The Ransom's owned this home too, along with 252 North St. , which is where I lived.
Most of the tenant's occupying these apartments came to know each other, so it was kind of like one large extended family. which seemed very unique to me at the time and still does.
I have lot's more information on these properties, but I think I'd better sign off as I'm sure many of you folks reading this might already be thinking this is way too much more information than they wanted to know :}. Thanks, Ron Reinhardt
Gary Jones
04-May-2007 19:50
This home was divided into apartments. Good friends of ours lived in one of the first floor apartments in the 1970's. Their living room had floor to ceiling windows that framed a beautiful fireplace. The walls were half wood paneled. I remember the chandler that hung in the center of the room was a huge tiffany style. Wouldn't suprise me if it was an original. Just a beautiful room!! I think the appartment would have been the right rear.
