Jesse Andrew House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jesse Andrew House
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View of front house from Andrew Place
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 Location in Tippecanoe County, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 123 Andrew Pl., West Lafayette, Indiana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1859 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000103 |
| Added to NRHP | August 11, 1983 |
The Jesse Andrew House is a really old and important building in West Lafayette, Indiana. It's special because it was the home of Jesse Andrew, who helped start the city of West Lafayette. This house was built way back in 1859, making it the oldest home and one of the oldest buildings in the whole city! It's so important that it's protected as a National Historic Landmark.
For many years, college students have lived here, enjoying its history and how close it is to Purdue campus. Some students, like Gregg Ray, have shared how much they love living in a place with so much history. Imagine living in a house that's almost 160 years old! It's cool to think about all the important people who have lived there before.
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Why the Jesse Andrew House is Important
The Jesse Andrew House is super important for a few reasons. First, it's the oldest home still standing in West Lafayette. Second, it was the home of Jesse Andrew, who was one of the people who helped create the town.
Jesse Andrew and His Family
Jesse Andrew, Sr. was a very influential person in the 1850s. He was one of 43 settlers who helped set up the town government in 1866. He even drew the original map for the town!
His son, Jesse Charles Andrew, bought the house in 1881. Both Jesse Andrew, Sr. and his son were important business owners in the community. As West Lafayette grew, they helped plan new parts of the city.
Other family members who owned the house were also important. Thomas M. Andrew, Jesse Charles Andrew's brother, started the Purdue State Bank. He also served in the Indiana State Legislature in 1904, helping make laws for the state. His son, Joseph H. Andrew, was active in the American Red Cross, an organization that helps people in need. He even served on their national board!
The Andrew family owned the house until 1982. After that, it was sold to a company that rents it out.
What the House Looks Like
The Jesse Andrew House is a two-story building built in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and often looks like ancient Greek temples, with columns and fancy details. The house is located in West Lafayette, close to the Purdue University campus.
House Shape and Features
The house has an "ell-shape," which means it looks a bit like the letter "L." It has a sloped roof. A smaller part of the house sticks out from the back.
When it was first built in 1859, it was for one family. But in the 1930s, it was changed into two apartments.
The front of the house has a large wooden porch that was added around the 1880s. This porch has square columns and a flat roof. The porch roof also acts as a deck for the second floor, with a railing around it.
Changes Over Time
Inside, the house was changed a little when it was split into apartments in the 1930s. For example, the main staircase was changed to give privacy to the upstairs apartment. Fireplaces were also sealed up.
In the 1950s, new siding was added to the outside. More recently, the current owners bought the house in 1982 and did a lot of repairs. They fixed parts of the house that were damaged and put on a new roof. They also repaired the porch, windows, and other parts of the home.
People Who Lived Here
Many people have called the Jesse Andrew House home over the years. Here are some of them:
- Jesse Andrew
- Thomas M. Andrew
- Joseph H. Andrew
- William Claywell
- Brandon Thayer
- William Baud
- Benjamin Claywell
- Gregg Ray
- Matthew C. Mills
- Daniel F. Grimm III
- Verle & Lulu Hughes
- Clare Brennan
- Carly Schofield
- Emily Ashburn
- Brynne Hunt
