Elbridge Gerry Spaulding (1809-1897) was a lawyer, real estate developer, and politician. After making his fortune as a lawyer, he turned to banking and was equally successful. In 1847, he served as mayor of Buffalo. In his inaugural address, Mayor Spaulding devoted most of his remarks to the condition of the harbor and shipping facilities. He also stressed the need for a better sewer system, lighting, and paving, and heartily approved of the free school system.

His mayoral career was short. In 1848 he was elected New York State assemblyman. He then served two terms as a United States congressman (1849-1851 and 1858-1863). During his second term in congress, Mr. Spaulding was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and was influential in the passage of the Greenback or Legal-Tender act, and the National currency bank bill. He has thus been called the "Father of the Greenback".

When the University was formed in 1846, he was a member of the original council, and was still a member when he died in 1897. He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Historical research and photographs provided by University Archives.

Building Facts

Primary function: Residence

Tenants: Anthropology, Campus Parking and Transportation, Residential Operations Office

Architect: Davis, Brody, and Associates of New York City; Milstein, Wittek, Davis Associates of Buffalo

Completion date: September, 1974

Gross square feet: 145,329

Construction cost: $1,639,000