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Jackson Sanatorium, “Castle on the Hill”
Dansville, livingston county
threat: deterioration, possible demolition
Built in 1883 on a hillside, the brick Victorian building, designed by a leading Rochester architectural firm, is visible throughout the town. Its monumental size and prominent location, combined with its important role in the region’s history and economy, make it a beloved local landmark. The health spa and hotel, which operated in this building for nearly 100 years under the ownership of several notable figures, was the area’s major employer and attracted an international clientele.
At the turn of the 20th century, the Jackson Sanatorium was operated as a mineral spring spa with an emphasis on healthy activities and food. The owner, Dr. James Caleb Jackson, is credited with creating the first cold, ready-to-eat breakfast cereal. It is said that a member of the Kellogg family came to Dansville and soon after, a variation of Jackson’s “Granula” appeared at the rival Battle Creek Sanatorium in Michigan.
The property was purchased for $45,000 by Buffalo developer Peter Krog, a Dansville native. Krog has not announced his plans for the historic Castle on the Hill. Its future, and prospects for any funding, still remain uncertain.
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