Beneath a canopy of towering trees, rows of crisp white chairs face a wooden arch, waiting for a couple to say, “I do”. It’s a picture-perfect wedding scene in a place where history and new beginnings meet.
The transition of Whitehall Mansion from private residence to wedding venue reflects a growing trend across the country—repurposing historic properties to preserve their character while giving them new life. For the Brockport community, the mansion’s revival is more than just a business venture; it’s a chance to celebrate local history while ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Built in 1905 for Fred Gordon and his family, the Whitehall Mansion has brought regal charm to the Brockport/Clarkson area for over a century. The Gordon family was one of the pioneering families of the Brockport area.
The patriarch of the family, Luther Gordon, owned a successful lumber yard in Michigan. He opened several sawmills in Brockport and later founded the First National Bank of Brockport. When Luther Gordon’s grandson Fred married Florence Robinson- an aristocrat from Rochester with ties to Kodak founder George Eastman, they sought out to build a home with East Avenue charm, but in the quaint area of Brockport. They sought the help of the Eastman home’s esteemed architect J. Foster Warner.
Today, Whitehall Mansion is more than just a representation of Brockport’s past, it’s a vision of the village’s future. In 2023 the mansion was purchased by brothers Arthur & Russell Wood and converted into a wedding venue and event space. The mansion’s grand staircase, marble fireplaces, and stately white pillars provide a backdrop unlike any modern banquet hall.
The current owners enjoy being able to help couples usher in beautiful new memories in a place steeped in history. “This fireplace was added in the 30’s. The owners had it imported from Italy” says the events coordinator at Whitehall, Corrine Wood.
“The word around town is that if women rubbed the pomegranate on the fireplace, it would increase their chance of getting pregnant. Apparently, the newly married women of the town were invited over to take turns rubbing the pomegranate.”
For those who have had the opportunity to attend weddings at Whitehall, the mansion offers both charm and meaning.
“It felt like stepping back in time, but with the added joy of knowing we were celebrating the start of a beautiful new journey,” Tracey Reed, a guest who attended a wedding at the mansion this spring, said. “It’s clear that the owners didn’t sacrifice the integrity of the house. It really is one of a kind.”
Wood says the community has truly embraced their family’s venture
“So many people have stopped by and asked to be shown around,” Wood said. “They have brought us photos of the mansion throughout the years and have shared different stories about what Whitehall means to them. It’s heartwarming and confirms to us that this location was the right choice”.
Brockport historian and former political science teacher, Bill Andrews thinks that an event space at Whitehall is the logical next step for such a historic landmark
“The Gordon’s were a very prominent family in the area,” Andrews said. “Luther Gordon was a wise businessman who created jobs and lots of opportunity for people in the community and helped stimulate the local economy. It’s nice to see the Whitehall mansion do the same.”
From its origins as a grand family estate, to its current role as a gathering place for celebration, the Whitehall has had a significant place in the heart of the community for over a century. What was once the dream house of Fred and Florence Gordon now serves as the backdrop where new families are formed. In blending history with new tradition, repurposing the Whitehall mansion proves that you can keep the past alive by making it a part of the present.