Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House
|
|
Gilmore House, April 2009
|
|
 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 514 Broad St. (now Leon Sullivan Way), Charleston, West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Built | 1900 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 88001462 |
| Added to NRHP | September 17, 1988 |
The Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House is a special historic building in Charleston, West Virginia. It is also known as the Minotti-Gilmore House or Harden and Harden Funeral Home. This house was once the home and business place of Elizabeth Harden Gilmore, a very important African American leader in the Kanawha Valley area.
The house was built around 1900. It is a two-and-a-half-story brick building with a beautiful Classical Revival style. It sits on about half an acre of land in a busy part of town. The house has a grand front porch with columns. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 because of its history and importance.
Contents
What is the Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House?
The Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House is a historic building that served two main purposes. It was a family home and also the location of a funeral home. This funeral home was run by Elizabeth Harden Gilmore herself. The house is made of brick and has two and a half stories. It was built around the year 1900.
The building shows off a style called Classical Revival. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. You can see this in its columned front porch. Over the years, the house has changed a little and shown some signs of age. However, it remains an important part of Charleston's history.
Who was Elizabeth Harden Gilmore?
Elizabeth Harden Gilmore was a very important person in the African American community. She lived and worked in the Kanawha Valley, which includes Charleston, West Virginia. She was known as a prominent leader. This means she was well-respected and played a big role in her community.
Elizabeth Harden Gilmore ran the Harden and Harden Funeral Home from this house. Funeral homes are important businesses that help families during difficult times. Her work there, combined with her leadership, made her a significant figure in the area. The house is named after her because of her strong connection to it and her impact on history.
A Special Building Style
The Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House was built in the Classical Revival style. This architectural style became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It takes inspiration from the grand buildings of ancient Greece and Rome. Think of famous temples with tall, stately columns.
Key features of the Classical Revival style often include:
- Symmetrical designs, meaning both sides look the same.
- Large, impressive columns, often at the entrance.
- Simple, elegant shapes and details.
- A sense of dignity and order.
The Gilmore House shows these features, especially with its columned front porch. This style was often chosen for important public buildings and grand homes. It gives the house a classic and timeless look.
Why is it Important?
The Elizabeth Harden Gilmore House is important for several reasons. First, it is a great example of Classical Revival architecture from the early 1900s. Its design tells us about the building styles popular at that time.
Second, and most importantly, the house is connected to Elizabeth Harden Gilmore. She was a key figure in the African American community in West Virginia. Her home and business were a center for her work and influence. Because of her connection, the house represents an important part of African American history in the region.
The house was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This listing means the United States government recognizes it as a place worth preserving. It helps us remember and learn about the people and events that shaped our past.
