The Morgan Manning House. March 3, 2025 (John Ryan/Canalside Chronicles)
When Brockport resident Brice Putnam heard about the recent fire at the Morgan Manning House he was devastated. For Putnam and the entire community, the house is much more than a building. It’s a part of their history.
“So many kids go on field trips there and families enjoy gathering on the 4th of July for the annual cake walk. I have great memories of doing both. My mom also got married there so the contrast of being at the house on one of its most beautiful days to seeing it at its darkest was difficult,” Putnam said.
Putnam remembers how he felt the night of the fire.
“Seeing one of Brockport’s main symbols on fire was a very somber feeling for me. I’m just very thankful our first responders were able to make the house salvageable,” Putnam said.
The house has a special way of making people fall in love with it. For Rozenn Bailleul-LeSuer it started seven years ago when she first moved to Brockport and started working there just days after she arrived.
LeSuer is the curator of the house, a SUNY Brockport professor, and the historian of the Western Monroe Historical Society.
“I became a volunteer days after I moved to this village from Chicago. Then I became its curator. I have been welcoming students since 2019. I have always seen the House as a training ground for future museum professionals, and seeing my interns fall in love with the House was the greatest gift,” LeSuer said.
LeSuer is not the only one with a connection and love for the house. LeSuer has seen many residents and student interns walk through the doors and end up leaving with the same love of the house she has.
“I received so many messages from them after the fire, offering their help and expressing how devastated they were to see the place they cherished destroyed by the fire. I keep them posted on the progress of the project,” LeSuer said.
The Morgan Manning House is more than just a house or a historical site. It’s a place of gatherings and fond memories taking place in and around its hallowed walls. Brockport Mayor Margaret Blackman shares the beliefs of many others. “The Morgan Manning House likely had the same meaning to me as to many local people. Important celebrations are held there for so many,” Blackman said.
Renovations are expected to take years to finish. No word yet on whether the house will retain its historical designation or the cost to fix the damage. However, Blackman is hopeful “The house will be restored, with love and money,” Blackman said.