Galusha House facts for kids
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Galusha House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lee River Rd. at VT 15, Jericho, Vermont |
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| Area | 2.6 acres (1.1 ha) |
| Built | 1790 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Jericho Village Historic District (ID92001533) |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000232 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1978 |
| Designated CP | November 5, 1992 |
The Truman Galusha House is a beautiful old home in Jericho, Vermont, United States. It's built in the Federal style, which was popular when the United States was a new country. The house was built way back in 1790.
It's named after Truman Galusha, whose father, Jonas Galusha, was an early governor of Vermont. This house is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it's an important historical building worth protecting. The house is located at the edge of Jericho Corners Village and is privately owned. It was carefully restored in 1982 to look like it did long ago.
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Meet the Galusha Family
Truman Galusha (1786 – 1859) came from a very important family in Vermont. His father, Jonas Galusha, served as Vermont's governor nine times! Truman's grandfather, Thomas Chittenden, was also a big deal. He worked with Ethan Allen, a hero of the American Revolution, to create the Vermont Republic in 1777. This was the first independent republic in North America with its own written constitution.
Thomas Chittenden was chosen as the "President" of the Vermont Republic. Later, when Vermont became a state in 1791, he was elected its first governor. So, Truman Galusha had a governor for a father and a governor for a grandfather!
Truman Galusha was a successful farmer and banker. People in Jericho thought he was one of the wealthiest and most important citizens. He held many important jobs in his town and state. He was also a kind and friendly person.
One story shows how helpful he was. A young man named Arthur Burdick wanted to join the California Gold Rush. He needed money, so he asked Truman Galusha for a loan. Truman, who was known as "Deacon Galusha," was happy to help him. This shows how much he cared about his neighbors.
Truman Galusha served as a representative for Jericho in several important meetings. He helped create the State Senate in Vermont in 1836. This was a big change for Vermont's government.
The Galusha family was also very active in fighting against slavery. Truman's brother, Elon Galusha, was a leader in the Baptist Anti-Slavery Society. He spent his life speaking out against the evils of slavery.
Exploring the Galusha House
The Truman Galusha House is special because it's one of the few true Federal-style homes in Vermont. Many early Vermont homes were simpler. This house, however, has fancy details that were popular in bigger cities.
The outside of the house has a detailed cornice (a decorative molding) and a beautiful fan-shaped window in the gable. Inside, you'll find amazing original woodwork. The doors and windows in the front parlor have detailed carvings.
The house also has four original "Rumford" fireplaces. These fireplaces were tall and shallow, designed by Benjamin Thompson to be more efficient.
The oldest part of the house was built in 1790. This was just one year before Vermont became the 14th state! The larger front part of the house was added in 1809. Both parts are made of brick. Truman Galusha moved into the house in 1824, and his family lived there for over 100 years.
The small brick building at the bottom of the lawn used to be the servant's quarters for the house.
Brick Homes in Early Vermont
Brick houses are not very common in Vermont, especially from the early days. Most homes were built from wood because Vermont had lots of forests. Building with brick was a special skill. The Truman Galusha House, built in 1790, is one of the oldest brick houses in Vermont.
To give you an idea of how old it is, the older part of the house was built just one year after George Washington became the first U.S. President. The newer front section was added during the time Thomas Jefferson was president.
Restoring a Historic Home
In the early 1980s, the Truman Galusha House was in rough shape. But from 1981 to 1982, it was completely and carefully restored. Workers fixed the wide wooden floors and repainted all the woodwork. They used colors that were popular during the house's original time period.
They even found old French wallpaper behind broken plaster! All the bricks used to build the house were handmade right there on the property. The two tall chimneys were also repaired.
Many new parts were custom-made to match the original style. This included 40 new window sashes with 12 small panes of glass in each. They also installed special lighting fixtures that looked like ones from the past. The restoration took 14 months.
After the restoration, the house was opened for public tours in August 1982. Hundreds of people came to see the beautiful old house that had been brought back to life!
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
The Truman Galusha House has a secret! It was known as a stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in Canada. The house has a trap door that leads to a space under the floors. It's said that this space once led to a tunnel, helping people hide and escape.
Other Important Jericho Homes
The Galusha and Chittenden families were connected through marriage. This led to several important early homes being built in Jericho. Truman Galusha's grandfather, Thomas Chittenden, had 10 children. He built two large houses in Jericho as wedding gifts for two of his sons, Noah and Martin Chittenden. Both sons became important figures in Vermont.
One of these houses, built for Noah Chittenden, burned down in 1885. But the house built for Martin Chittenden still stands today. It's known as the Martin Chittenden House. These houses were famous for their unique "checkerboard" brickwork on the outside walls.
The Truman Galusha House is not open to the public for tours. However, you can learn more about it from the Jericho Historical Society.
Images for kids
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Dining Room at Galusha House during restoration, 1982, by candlelight, showing original Rumford fireplace.
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One of the front parlor doors, showing typical Federal style door surround with flaring-topped pilasters and frieze with center panel, matching mantels.
