John C. Flanagan House Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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"Judge" Flanagan Residence
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 Location in Peoria County, Illinois
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| Location | 942 NE. Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, Illinois |
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| Area | < 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1837 |
| Architectural style | Post-Colonial, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000670 |
| Added to NRHP | September 5, 1975 |
The Judge John C. Flanagan Residence is a very old and important house in Peoria, Illinois, United States. It was added to a special list of historic places in 1975. Today, it is a museum run by the Peoria Historical Society, where you can learn about life in the 1800s.
Contents
A Look Back: The Flanagan House Story
Building a Home in 1837
The Flanagan House was built in 1837 for a man named John C. Flanagan. He was originally from Philadelphia. The land for the house might have been part of a large area his father bought. Or, it could have been from a smaller piece of land John Flanagan bought when he moved to Peoria in 1831.
The House's Unique Design
The house was built in a style called Post-Colonial or American Federal style. It also has some Italianate design parts. Builders used materials found nearby to construct the house. These included local walnut wood, bricks made in the area, and limestone from the Kickapoo Valley. Other materials, like lumber, lime, and glass, came from Chicago. Fancy iron decorations were even shipped all the way from France in 1852.
The Flanagan House is the oldest home still standing in Peoria. Back in 1834, Peoria was much smaller. It only had seven wooden houses and about 30 log cabins. This brick mansion sits on the East Bluff and looks out over the Illinois River. People in the area used to call it the "Mansion on the Hill" or "the Manse."
Becoming a Museum
The Peoria Historical Society bought the property in 1962. They worked to preserve this important piece of Peoria's past.
The Flanagan House Today
A Place of History and Learning
It is believed that Abraham Lincoln might have visited the Flanagan House. This could have happened between 1854 and 1860, possibly during the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates.
The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 5, 1975. This list recognizes places that are important to the history of the United States. More recently, in November 2022, it was also named a City of Peoria Local Historic Landmark.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the Peoria Historical Society operates the house as the John C. Flanagan House Museum. It is a historic house museum that shows what life was like in the 19th century. The house also serves as the main office for the Peoria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
When you visit, you can see many old items. Exhibits include antique glass, china, furniture, toys, and quilts. You can also see old tools and clothing from the past. It's a great place to step back in time and learn about Peoria's history.
