John Wilson House (Jewett City, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Wilson House
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Location | 29-31 Ashland St., Jewett City, Connecticut |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1781 |
Architectural style | Georgian |
NRHP reference No. | 85001827 |
Added to NRHP | August 23, 1985 |
The John Wilson House is a historic building located at 29–31 Ashland Street in Jewett City, Connecticut. Built around 1781, it is a great example of Georgian architecture. This house was once the home of John Wilson, an important business leader in the late 1700s. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, which means it's recognized as a special historical site.
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What Does the John Wilson House Look Like?
The John Wilson House is in the village of Jewett City. It stands on the south side of Ashland Street, where it meets Hill Street. This house is a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides and two chimneys. The outside is covered with clapboard siding.
Unique Features of the House
The front of the house has a part that sticks out a little in the middle. This section has tall, flat columns called pilasters that go up two stories. You can also see these pilasters at the corners of the building. The main entrance has two doors, and above them is a decorative triangular shape called a pediment, supported by strong brackets.
Changes Over Time to the House
The inside of the house has been changed quite a bit. It was made into a duplex, which means it can house two families. Because of these changes, the original chimney in the center of the house was removed.
Who Was John Wilson and Why Is His House Important?
The John Wilson House was built around 1781 or 1782 by John Wilson. He was one of the first people to settle in Jewett City. John Wilson married the daughter of Eliezer Jewett, who the town is named after.
John Wilson's Role in Industry
John Wilson was a very important businessman in early Jewett City. In 1790, he started a fulling mill, which was a factory that processed wool. Later, in 1815, he helped create the Jewett City Cotton Manufacturing Company. This company was a big part of the area's growing textile industry.
The House's Journey Through History
Originally, the John Wilson House had a central chimney and was located closer to the main part of town, at the corner of Main and Ashland Streets. In the 1860s, the house was moved a short distance by Alfred Young. He was the manager for the Slater Mills, which was the biggest mill in the area at that time. The John Wilson House is the only remaining house connected to either John Wilson or Alfred Young.