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 grand old house in Bloomington, Illinois. It was once the home of David Davis. He was an important person who served as a judge on the Supreme Court and later as a Senator for Illinois.
This mansion has been a state museum since 1960. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. In 1975, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a really important place in American history. In 2018, it was even chosen as one of Illinois's "200 Great Places."
The mansion is in a quiet neighborhood in Bloomington. It's a three-story house made of yellow brick. The style is called Italianate villa. The property also has other old buildings. These include a wood house, a barn, stables, and even a special garden. This garden, called "Sarah's Garden," has old-fashioned roses and other beautiful plants. It started being restored in 2001.
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Discovering the David Davis Mansion
The David Davis Mansion is a historic home you can visit. It shows what life was like during the "Gilded Age." This was a time in American history when many people became very wealthy.
Building a Grand Home
Clover Lawn was built between 1870 and 1872. Justice David Davis lived here until he passed away in 1886. He hired a French 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.
The mansion mixes two styles: Italianate and Second Empire. It shows the fancy style and taste of the Gilded Age. The house was mainly built for Davis's wife, Sarah. David Davis spent most of his time there after he retired from the U.S. Senate in 1883.
From Family Home to Museum
The Davis family owned the house until 1960. Then, they gave it to the state of Illinois. Now, the state runs it as a historic site. This means people can visit and learn about its past.
Visiting the Mansion
The David Davis Mansion is open to the public. You can take a tour and see what the house was like.
Plan Your Visit
The mansion is open from Wednesday through Saturday. It's a great place to learn about history. You can explore the rooms and imagine life in the 1800s.
Special Events at the Mansion
The mansion hosts many fun events throughout the year. These include:
- "The Glorious Garden Festival"
- "Christmas at the Mansions"
- "A Gilded Age Christmas"
- Several antique car shows
During the winter holidays, the mansion is decorated beautifully for Christmas. It's a magical time to visit!
