G. W. Jones House facts for kids
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G. W. Jones House
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The house in September 2012
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 180 W. Main St., Marcellus, Michigan |
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| Area | 1.3 acres (0.53 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architectural style | Stick style/Eastlake |
| NRHP reference No. | 94001427 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 9, 1994 |
The George Washington Jones House is a historic private home found at 180 West Main Street in Marcellus, Michigan. It was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1986. Later, in 1994, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important building with a lot of history!
Contents
History of the Jones House
Who Was George Washington Jones?
George Washington Jones was born in 1824 in Preble County, Ohio. When he was six years old, his family moved to Michigan. George helped his father work on their farm.
In 1851, George's father passed away. George then had to manage the family's money, which included some debts. In 1853, he married Emma S. Sherman. They had two sons: Frank S. Jones and Carroll S. Jones. Interestingly, Carroll's house nearby is also on the National Register of Historic Places! George worked very hard and was good with business. He eventually earned enough money to pay off all the family's debts by 1862.
Building a Town and a Bank
In 1870, a railroad was being built. George realized that the area where Marcellus now stands would be a great spot for a new village. He bought the land and planned out the town. That same year, his wife Emma passed away. In 1876, George married Lizzie Osborn.
In 1877, George opened the G.W. Jones Exchange Bank in Marcellus. His sons eventually took over running the bank. Today, it is still run by his family members!
The Jones Family Home
In 1888, George built this beautiful house for himself and his wife, Lizzie. They lived there until George passed away in 1896. The house was empty for some time in the 1980s and 1990s before being recognized for its historical value.
What Does the House Look Like?
The G.W. Jones House is a two-story home built using a method called "balloon-frame." It features the unique Stick and Eastlake architectural styles. These styles are known for their decorative wooden details on the outside. The house still looks very much like it did when it was first built, keeping its original charm and design.
