Herkimer Home Academy

It is believed that the Herkimer Home Root Cellar was constructed around 1764. It was located 30 feet southwest of the mansion, and its interior was rectangular. The stone arch and wall of fieldstone and mortar were constructed after the colonial period on the north elevation of the root cellar as a partial foundation for a picnic pavilion that was built on the structure. This pavilion was removed in 1953. Insulated with earth and stone, the root cellar maintains a consistent temperature year round. When properly ventilated, it provided a cool, dry place for the winter storage of fruits and vegetables and the summer storage of dairy and baked products. Much like many root cellars, the Herkimer Root Cellar probably served originally as part of the foundation to a barn. Unfortunately, the barn which stood here was torn down at some point prior to photographic evidence.