C. H. Moore House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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CH Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 219 E. Woodlawn St., Clinton, Illinois |
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| Area | 10 acres |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003112 |
| Added to NRHP | March 23, 1979 |
The C. H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum is a special historic house located in Clinton, Illinois. It's one of only two places in DeWitt County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's officially recognized as an important building from the past. The C.H. Moore Homestead was added to this list in 1979.
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Discovering the C.H. Moore Homestead
The C.H. Moore Homestead is a fascinating place with a rich history. It's not just a house; it's a museum that helps us understand life in the past.
The House's Early Days
The building we now call the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum was first owned by John Bishop and his wife, Minerva. Minerva was the sister of C.H. Moore. Construction on the house began in the 1870s. Mr. Bishop was a successful businessman in Clinton, dealing in grain and lumber. After Minerva Bishop passed away in 1880, Mr. Bishop sold the house to her brother, Clifton H. Moore.
Clifton H. Moore: A Man of Books
Clifton H. Moore was a very educated man. He was the first lawyer to start practicing law in Clinton, beginning his work in 1841. He even worked on several court cases with Abraham Lincoln, who later became president. These cases were heard in the DeWitt County court. The judge for these cases was David Davis, who later became a justice on the United States Supreme Court.
In 1887, a new part was added to the west side of the house. This was built to hold Mr. Moore's huge collection of books. When he passed away in 1901, he owned about 5,000 books! It was even said that he had the largest private library in Illinois, outside of Chicago. This two-story library has a beautiful vaulted ceiling and decorated walls. It features special "four-season windows" on the upper level and an iron railing around a balcony. Many of the original furniture pieces and paintings from Moore's time are still there. After his death, Moore's book collection was given to the city of Clinton. Today, these books are kept at the Vespasian Warner Public Library.
Saving the Homestead
For many years, the house was not well cared for. But in 1967, a new group called the DeWitt County Museum Association bought it. They worked hard to restore the house to its original beauty. To help raise money for this big project, the association started the Apple 'N Pork Festival. The first festival was held in 1967. This festival is still held every year and helps keep the mansion and museum running.
The C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum Today
The C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum is the main attraction of the famous Apple 'n Pork Festival. This festival takes place every year on the last weekend of September. It has grown to become one of the biggest festivals in central Illinois.
The museum complex includes many interesting things to see:
- The beautifully restored Victorian mansion.
- Special exhibits that change over time.
- The Kent Collection, which features unique items.
- The original carriage barn.
- Lovely gardens to explore.
- A replica of an Indiana-style covered bridge.
- A working blacksmith shop where you can see how things were made.
- Three large barns filled with old farm equipment, tools, buggies, sleighs, and antique cars.
- A display of old railroad items.
- A working telephone exhibit that shows how phones used to be.
The C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum is located on 10 acres of land. The house, grounds, covered bridge, and other buildings are open for tours from April through December, Tuesdays through Sundays. It's a great place to learn about history and see how people lived long ago!
