John Reaves House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Reaves House
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Front of the house
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 Location in Ohio
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| Location | Public Sq., Freeport, Ohio |
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| Area | Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1820 |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001068 |
| Added to NRHP | July 15, 1977 |
The John Reaves House is a special old building in Freeport, Ohio, United States. It started as a home for one of the first people to settle in the area. Later, it belonged to an important person named John Reaves. Over time, the house changed from a family home to different public uses. Today, it is recognized as a historic site because of its long and interesting past.
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What is the John Reaves House?
The John Reaves House is a historic building that has served many purposes. It was built a long time ago, around 1820. This house is important because it shows us what buildings looked like in the early days of Freeport. It also tells the story of the people who lived and worked there.
Who Built the House?
A man named Daniel Easley first settled in the area of Freeport around 1804. He came from Virginia. Daniel Easley built this house sometime before 1820. Later, he moved further west and even started another town called Freeport in Illinois! Before he left Ohio, he sold his home to the family of John Reaves.
Who Was John Reaves?
John Reaves became a very important person in early Freeport. He was one of the first teachers in Harrison County. People in the village remembered him for his service in the American Civil War. He was one of the first men from Freeport to join the army after the start of the war.
How Does the House Look?
The Reaves' home is a small building made of brick. It has a main door in the front and another door on the side. The house is one and a half stories tall. It sits on a strong stone foundation. The walls go up to pointed roofs called gables, which have chimneys on top.
How Did the House Change Over Time?
After John Reaves passed away, the house was used for different things.
- First Bank: By 1888, it became Freeport's very first bank!
- Village Hall and Museum: Later, the house was given to the village leaders. They used it as the village hall, which is like a town office. It also served as a museum, showing local history.
- Library: Today, the John Reaves House is a library. It is the Clark Memorial branch of the Puskarich Public Library, which is based in Cadiz.
Why is the John Reaves House Historic?
The John Reaves House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it is a very important building in American history. It earned this honor because of its special architecture. It is the oldest building still standing in Freeport. What makes it even more special is that it has not changed much since it was built. This allows us to see a piece of history almost exactly as it was long ago.
