David Davis Mansion facts for kids
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David Davis House
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The David Davis Mansion is a National Historic Landmark.
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1000 E. Monroe Dr., Bloomington, Illinois |
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| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Built | 1870-1872 |
| Architect | Alfred H. Piquenard |
| Architectural style | Victorian, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 72001479 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 18, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
The David Davis Mansion, also known as Clover Lawn, is a beautiful historic home in Bloomington, Illinois. It was once the home of David Davis, who was a very important judge on the Supreme Court from 1862 to 1877. He also served as a U.S. Senator for Illinois.
This mansion has been a state museum since 1960. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Later, in 1975, it was named a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a really important place in American history.
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About the David Davis Mansion
The David Davis Mansion is located in a neighborhood on the south side of Bloomington. It is a large, three-story house made of yellow brick. The house has 36 rooms and is built in the Italianate villa style. This style was popular during the Gilded Age, a time when many grand homes were built.
The Mansion Grounds
The property around the mansion is quite large, about 4.5 acres. It includes several other buildings from the 1870s. These include a wooden house, a barn and stable, and a carriage barn. There are also old outhouses and a shed for young horses.
One special part of the grounds is "Sarah's Garden." This is a Victorian-style cut flower garden. It has many original heirloom roses and perennials. The garden began to be restored in 2001, bringing back its historical beauty.
History of Clover Lawn
Clover Lawn was built between 1870 and 1872. Justice David Davis lived here until he passed away in 1886. He hired a French-born architect named Alfred H. Piquenard to design his home. Piquenard was a famous architect in the Midwest. He also designed the Illinois State Capitol building in Springfield.
The mansion shows a mix of Italianate and Second Empire styles. It is a great example of the fancy and detailed style of the Gilded Age. David Davis mostly wanted the house for his wife, Sarah. He spent most of his time there after he stopped being a U.S. Senator in 1883. The Davis family owned the house until 1960. Then, they gave it to the state of Illinois. The state now runs it as a historic site for everyone to visit.
In 2018, Illinois celebrated its 200th birthday. The American Institute of Architects Illinois group chose the David Davis Mansion as one of the "Illinois 200 Great Places." This shows how important the mansion is to the state's history and architecture.
Visiting the Mansion
The David Davis Mansion is open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday. Many special events are held at the house throughout the year. These events often celebrate the history and beauty of the mansion.
Seasonal Events
- The Glorious Garden Festival: This event celebrates the beautiful gardens on the property.
- Christmas at the Mansions: During the winter holidays, the mansion is decorated with many festive Christmas decorations.
- A Gilded Age Christmas: This event gives visitors a look at how Christmas was celebrated during the Gilded Age.
- Antique Car Shows: Several shows featuring old cars are also held at the mansion.
These events make visiting the David Davis Mansion a fun and educational experience for families and students.
