Recognized as an Ogdensburg Heritage House in 2025, the residence at 525 Ford Street stands as a testament to the city’s professional and architectural legacy. Its story is really the story of Dr. Zina Bridges and his wife, Harriet Maria Bridges, who spent decades at the heart of Ogdensburg’s health and local government.
Becoming a physician in the 19th century was very difficult. Born into a large family with little money, Dr. Bridges first served as a teacher and school superintendent for the Town of Oswegatchie to fund his ambitions. After completing an apprenticeship and earning his MD from New York University in 1849, he began a medical practice in 1850 that served both paying patients and the indigent.
Dr. Bridges ran his practice right out of the home, a classic Greek Revival structure with a distinct triangular roofline and wide moldings. At the time, medical science was in its infancy. Germ theory was not yet accepted, and doctors often carried their entire "pharmacy"—including treatments like arsenic or morphine—in a black bag for house calls. Despite these challenges, Dr. Bridges became a pillar of the community, serving as the Mayor of Ogdensburg in 1870 and as a long-time member of the Board of Education.
The home’s medical tradition continued with later residents Dr. William B. Finnegan and his wife, Emma Capron. Dr. Finnegan treated local patients for 25 years before the property passed to their daughter, June, and her husband, prominent businessman Clarence Skelly. This family kept this cornerstone of the neighborhood for over 70 years, from 1907 until 1980.
The Ogdensburg Historic Preservation Commission invites other homeowners to follow in the footsteps of 525 Ford Street. Since 1992, the Heritage House Registry has honored local landmarks and the owners who maintain them. There are currently 70 Heritage Homes on the registry, and the Commission is eager to add more to that number. Joining the registry is a matter of community pride. Accepted homes receive an official certificate, are honored by the City Council, and have the opportunity to purchase a custom historical plaque. Importantly, this designation is purely honorary; it does not restrict any changes or repairs you wish to make to your property.
If you believe your home is a historical treasure, help is available. The Commission is happy to assist with the application process, from identifying architectural styles to digging through old records. Applications are available at City Hall, the Ogdensburg History Museum, or on the official city website. This program ensures that the stories of homes like 525 Ford Street aren't lost to time.
From the time the Bridges family moved in, to the many years the Skellys owned it, 525 Ford Street has been a constant part of the neighborhood. While the old medical tools and arsenic pills are long gone, the classic look of the house remains. Today, it stands as a reminder of Ogdensburg’s history and the people who worked to build this community.
Interested in the Heritage House Registry? Reach out to City Historian Julie Madlin at 315-528-0733 or email historian@ogdensburgny.gov to get started.
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