By Sheila Edmunds, Village Historian

Set on ample property and clearly intended to be visible from the lake, Taylor House, as it is now known, was built around 1838 for Henry Morgan (1810-1886), third of the six Morgan brothers who shaped much of Aurora's history and appearance. It was frequently the site of village events, like Fourth of July celebrations. In 1877-78 Henry had the imposing Greek Revival mansion enlarged by the addition of a lofty dining room on the south side, designed by Russell Sturgis, a prominent NYC architect; the construction was directed by Samuel D. Mandell of Aurora.

Henry's home, inherited by his daughter, Kate Morgan Brookfield, was eventually sold to Anna R. Goldsmith, who used it, and a new building on the north called Walcourt, for a women's prep school.  After her death, Miss Goldsmith's stepson, Myron C. Taylor, presented the property to the Wells College Alumnae Association; since 1936 it has been the official residence of the college's president.  In 1998 it was designated a Village Landmark.