To spot the Millar-Wheeler House, just look for the deep red brick mansion with its grand, ornate entrance portico topped by a projecting oriel window and a little belvedere perched right on top-like a crown for this historic home!
Now, take in the scene: it’s 1866, carriages clatter past while the scent of brick dust and freshly sawed wood fills the air. The Millar-Wheeler House rises three stories tall, square and dignified, its broad eaves stretching out as if tipping a hat to visitors. Imagine stepping up to that elaborate portico-a showpiece of Italianate charm, each curled bracket and carved flourish practically daring you to guess the stories inside. Gossipy Uticans might have peered up at the belvedere, wondering about the family’s secrets or what impressive guests might be roaming those plush hallways. Over time, the laughter of visitors gave way to the gentle creak of floorboards as it transformed into the Rosemont Inn, a bed and breakfast where you might still imagine old-timey whispers floating through the halls. And in 2000, the house got its gold star: a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. A little bit mysterious, a little bit grand-this old beauty has seen more late-night tales and early-morning sunlight than most homes ever will. Congratulations! You’ve completed your Utica adventure standing in the shadow of a house that’s watched the city change for more than 150 years.
