E. O. Grosvenor House facts for kids
E. O. Grosvenor House
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Location | 211 Maumee St., Jonesville, Michigan |
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Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
Built | 1874 |
Architect | Elijah E. Myers |
Architectural style | Italianate |
NRHP reference No. | 77000713 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | December 6, 1977 |
The E. O. Grosvenor House, also known as the Gamble House, is a really special old home in Jonesville, Michigan. It is located at 211 Maumee Street. This grand house was built as a private home for Ebenezer O. Grosvenor. Today, it is open to the public as the Grosvenor House Museum. It was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. Many people think it is one of the most magnificent homes in Michigan.
The Story of the Grosvenor House
Ebenezer O. Grosvenor was an important person in Michigan's history. He was a politician who served in the Michigan Senate. He also held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Michigan for one term. Later, he was the State Treasurer of Michigan for two terms.
Mr. Grosvenor first came to Jonesville in 1840. He started a store and a bank in the town. He had this beautiful house built in 1874. The plans for the house were drawn by a famous architect named Elijah E. Myers. Ebenezer Grosvenor lived in this house until he passed away in 1910.
After his death, four generations of the Grosvenor family lived in the house. Later, it was used as a rooming house, where people could rent rooms. In 1960, the Gamble family bought the house. Then, in 1977, the Jonesville Heritage Association purchased it. Since then, it has been operating as the Grosvenor House Museum.
What Does the House Look Like?
The E. O. Grosvenor House is a large, two-story building. It is made of red brick and sits on a strong stone foundation. The house is built in the Victorian Italianate style. This style often features decorative elements and a grand appearance.
The outside of the house has many interesting parts. It has multiple sections that stick out, columned porches, and other decorative features. You can see beautiful brackets, small block-like decorations called dentils, and a flat, decorated band called a frieze.
Inside, the house is just as impressive. It has thirty-two rooms, and all of them have very tall, twelve-foot ceilings. There are eight fireplaces, each made of Italian marble. Each fireplace has a different color, making them unique. The house also features a grand staircase and special walnut decorations around the windows that look like they are from ancient Egypt.