About
Welcome to the Fannie E. Bartlett Historical House.
302 Laurens Street - Olean, NY 14760
The house was originally built in 1881 for Mr. George Foreman. Frank and Fannie Bartlett purchased it in 1891. Mr. Bartlett immediately began an extensive renovation project. He hired five or six artisans and they would eventually spend almost two years, sculpting, carving, setting marble, laying and affixing several inlaid woods to create the intricate detail work that you will see today.
Frank, Fannie and their daughter Nancy lived here until his death in 1922 and Fannie's death in 1927. Nancy then gave the house and its property to the Cattaraugus County Tuberculosis and Public Health Association with the stipulation that it be used for the good of the people. The area had just endured a typhoid epidemic and the shortage of healthcare facilities was glaring. Nancy was very sensitive to this need and her only other request was that it remain the "Fannie E. Bartlett House", in honor of her mother. The County Health Department operated here from 1930 until 1990, serving thousands of people.
The Guild, and the Historical Society before it, have done a great deal of work to refurbish this house and Museum but you will notice that much more must be done. We are making great strides and each year, we hope that you will see a few more improvements.
The Bartlett House and Olean Point Museum are open Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
The Olean Historical and Preservation Society is open Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 to 3:00.
For more information contact us at: (716) 376-5642 or email ddeckman@cityofolean.org.