John B. Harper House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
John B. Harper House
|
|
Front and side of the house
|
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 102 N. Lincoln St., Palestine, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Architectural style | Hall and parlor |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001199 |
| Added to NRHP | March 15, 2004 |
The John B. Harper House is a really old and special home located in Palestine, Illinois. It was built around 1833, making it one of the few buildings left from when Palestine was first settled. This house is made of wood and brick and has a unique design called a "hall and parlor" plan. Later, more rooms were added to the back. It used to be the home of John B. Harper, who was a blacksmith, a farmer, and even a judge in Crawford County, Illinois.
Contents
Discovering the John B. Harper House
What Makes This House Special?
The John B. Harper House is important because it's one of the oldest buildings still standing in Palestine. It helps us imagine what life was like when the town was just beginning. The house shows us how people built homes almost 200 years ago.
Who Was John B. Harper?
John B. Harper was an important person in the early days of Palestine. He worked as a blacksmith, which means he made and fixed things out of metal. He was also a farmer, growing food and raising animals. On top of that, he served as a judge for Crawford County, Illinois. This means he helped make important decisions for the community.
What is a Hall and Parlor House?
The John B. Harper House has a special design called a "hall and parlor" plan. This was a common way to build houses a long time ago.
- A "hall" was usually the main room where people ate, cooked, and spent most of their time.
- The "parlor" was a smaller, quieter room, often used for sleeping or special guests.
Later, more parts were added to the back of the house. This made it bigger and gave the family more space.
Protecting History: National Register of Historic Places
The John B. Harper House is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 15, 2004. This is an official list kept by the United States government. When a building is on this list, it means it's a special part of history. It helps make sure these old buildings are protected and remembered for future generations.
