Hancock House (Bluefield, West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hancock House
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Seen through trees
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 300 Sussex St., Bluefield, West Virginia |
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| Built | 1907 |
| Architect | M.H. Pettigo |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, American Foursquare |
| NRHP reference No. | 89001783 |
| Added to NRHP | January 17, 1990 |
The Hancock House, also known as the "Alpha House," is a historic home in Bluefield, West Virginia. It was built in 1907. This house is a great example of the American Foursquare style.
It has a large, two-and-a-half story wooden structure. A very deep porch wraps around the front and side of the house. It also features a porte cochere, which is a covered entrance where vehicles can drive through. In 1962, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity from Bluefield State College bought the house.
The Hancock House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it is an important building worth protecting.
What is the Hancock House?
The Hancock House is a special building with a long history. It stands in Mercer County, West Virginia. People sometimes call it the "Alpha House" because of its connection to a college group.
This house was built over 100 years ago, in 1907. It shows us what homes looked like in the early 1900s. It is a big, sturdy house made of wood.
Its Unique Style
The Hancock House is built in the American Foursquare style. This was a popular way to design homes between 1900 and 1930. Foursquare homes are usually box-shaped and practical. They often have a large porch, just like the Hancock House.
The house's porch is very wide and goes around two sides. This would have been a nice place to relax outdoors. A porte cochere is another interesting feature. It's like a covered driveway. This allowed people to get in and out of their cars without getting wet.
A Home for Alpha Phi Alpha
In 1962, the Hancock House became a home for the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. A fraternity is a social club for college students. They often live together or use a house for meetings and events.
Alpha Phi Alpha is a very important fraternity. It was the first Greek-letter fraternity created for African American college students. This group started in 1906 at Cornell University. Having the Hancock House became a significant part of their history at Bluefield State College.
Why is it Historic?
The Hancock House is important because of its age and its style. It also played a role in the local community. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 shows its value.
This national list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the house. It also makes people aware of its historical meaning.
