Jones House (Pontiac, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jones House
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| Location | Pontiac, Illinois, United States |
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| Built | 1857-58 |
| Architect | John Dehner (builder) |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001163 |
| Added to NRHP | May 5, 1978 |
The Jones House is a historic brick home in Pontiac, Illinois. It's a special old house listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as important for its history or architecture. It's actually the second oldest brick house built with bricks in Pontiac!
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A Look Back: The History of the Jones House
The Jones House was built between 1857 and 1858. A man named John Dehner had it built. He was an important person in Pontiac and helped with the Chicago and Paducah Railroad. John Dehner bought the land in 1857. When the house was finished in 1858, it was valued at $366.
The house is named after Henry C. Jones, who bought it in 1899. Henry Jones worked in newspapers. Later, he started a company called Pontiac Light, Heat and Power Company and became its president. He lived in the house until he passed away in 1921.
After Henry Jones's death, the house stayed in his family. In 1975, the house was damaged by a fire. The next year, in 1976, the Livingston County Historical Society bought the property. The historical society still owns the house today. You can visit it by making an appointment or during special events.
The Unique Style of the Jones House
The Jones House is a great example of Gothic Revival architecture in the area. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. The house is made of brick and sits on a strong limestone foundation.
It has some cool features that make it stand out. Look for its steep gables, which are the triangular parts of the roof. It also has windows with pointed arches, which are shaped like the top of a church window. These features make the Jones House quite unique in Pontiac.
When it was first built, the house had a porch and a roof made of wooden shingles. After the historical society bought it, they worked to restore it. They made sure to keep its original architectural style and look.
Why the Jones House is Important
The Jones House is very important because of its architecture. It's a fantastic example of the Gothic Revival style in Pontiac. When it was built in 1857-58, only one other brick house had been completed in Pontiac before it.
Besides its unique style, the house also played a role in local history. John Dehner, who built it, lived there. Later, Henry C. Jones, another important early citizen of Pontiac, made it his home. Henry Jones was a newspaper publisher and the person who started the Pontiac Light, Heat and Power Company.
Because of its special architecture and its connection to these important early citizens, the Jones House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 5, 1978.
See also
