River House (George E. Dickinson House)

The Greek Revival style in Pennsylvania is inevitably tied to the counties immediately south of the New York border that form the northern tier. Beginning in the 1820s, frame houses with pedimented facades and often one-story wings that flanked the central two-story block were built by New England migrants who arrived in the region via the Erie Canal. Though once ubiquitous, survivors with original siding and details are rare. This house, built by early lumberman George Dickinson on the main street of Ridgway, has a triangular window in the facade pediment. Windows like this are seen on at least three other houses, all located on the West Branch Susquehanna River, and may be the work of one carpenter or have simply inspired imitation. The offcenter entrance is typical of Greek Revival houses, and the single side wing to the east with its recessed entrance is echoed in plainer houses, such as one on West Valley Road in Keating Township, McKean County.