Avery Skinner at Union Square
Avery Skinner settled at Union Square, now Maple View, where he established the first tavern and mail route and served as first postmaster.
1823
A Continuing History
Timeline
From the Skinner family's public and domestic life to veteran service and the home's return to a family residence.
The residence was known through several address eras: Center Street, later Railroad Street, then Scenic Avenue. National Register documentation identifies it as 5355 Scenic Avenue; it is now addressed as 5707 Scenic Avenue.
1826–1841
County and State Public Service
Avery served Oswego County as treasurer and judge and later represented the region in the New York State Assembly and Senate. In 1828 he was among the original trustees of the academy later known as Mexico Academy.
1853–1862
Timothy's Household Begins
Timothy Warner Skinner settled in Mexico village, entered legal practice, and married first Sarah Elizabeth Calkins in 1856 and then Sarah L. Rose in 1862.
Circa 1869
The Brick Italianate Residence
The house was built for Timothy Warner Skinner and his family during the height of his career as an attorney, banker and Oswego County Surrogate.
1870
A Child Born in the House
Dr. Avery Warner Skinner, son of Timothy and Sarah Rose Skinner, was born in the historic brick house on the street then known as Railroad Street.
1890
Village Leadership
Timothy Warner Skinner served as President of the Village of Mexico, in addition to his county, academy and Masonic roles.
1895–1899
Dr. Skinner Returns to Mexico Schools
Dr. Avery Warner Skinner served as the first principal of the newly organized union free school district after Mexico Military Academy was discontinued, helping consolidate village school operations.
1907
A Family Gathering at the Homestead
The Mexico Independent reported Timothy's eightieth birthday gathering at the family home, describing his association with the community across more than fifty years. View period account.
1936–1937
Schools and Regents Examinations
After retiring as director of the state Education Department's Examinations and Inspections Division, Dr. Skinner worked toward the new Mexico Academy and Central School. His 1937 obituary credited him with organizing a Regents plan and improving examinations prepared under his direction. View tribute page.
1944
American Legion Chapter
The American Legion purchased the former A. W. Skinner home on Scenic Avenue, and it became a meeting hall for Stone-Davis Post No. 384 and the wider community.
1991
National Register Recognition
The Timothy Skinner House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance. Read the nomination.
2006
Return to Private Ownership
The American Legion sold the property into private ownership. Later records document its residential use as a two-family home.
2024–2026
Single-Family Home Once More
Recent listing material describes the house as returned to single-family use. In 2026, Ben and Helen prepare to make it the home of their family and continue its stewardship.
More Than a Timeline of Offices
The history of this house also belongs to Sarah Elizabeth Calkins Skinner, Sarah L. Rose Skinner, the Skinner children, later veterans and neighbors, and each family who has cared for the residence. Read about the Skinner household.