Masonic Temple (Kent, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Masonic Temple
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South and east facades in 2006
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 409 W. Main St., Kent, Ohio |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1880–1882 |
| Architect | Isaac D. Tuttle |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001604 |
| Added to NRHP | July 18, 1974 |
The Masonic Temple in Kent, Ohio is a very old and important building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized for its special history or architecture. The building was constructed between 1880 and 1882. It was built in the Italianate style, which is a type of architecture popular in the 1800s.
This grand house was first the home of Marvin Kent and his family. Marvin Kent was a very important person in the town of Kent. Some local workers helped build the house. But special woodworkers from New York City came to create the beautiful inside parts. The architect, Isaac Tuttle, was from a nearby town. The Kent family lived here for over 40 years. In 1923, they sold the house to a group called a Masonic lodge.
Marvin Kent was well-known across the country. He was important in the Republican Party, a major political group. Because of this, many famous leaders visited his home. Four United States Presidents even stayed there! These were Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and Warren G. Harding. There's a special guest room where every president slept. It's called the "President's Room" and still looks like it did in the late 1800s.
Contents
Discovering the Masonic Temple Building
The Masonic Temple is a historic building in Kent, Ohio. It has a unique look and an interesting past. This section will help you learn more about its design.
What is the Building Made Of?
The Masonic Temple is built mainly from strong brick. Its base, or foundation, is made of sandstone. You can also see parts made of wood and more sandstone. The roof is covered with slate tiles.
Exploring the Outside Look
In front of the house, there is a brick wall. The house itself has a porch that wraps around part of it. This porch has a small triangular shape above it, called a pediment. The main part of the house is two and a half stories tall. In the very center, there is a taller tower. The edges of the roof have a decorative border. This border is called a cornice and has small block-like shapes called dentilling.
Why is the Masonic Temple Important?
The Masonic Temple is important for several reasons. It shows us what homes looked like in the late 1800s. It also connects us to important historical figures.
A Recognized Historic Place
The building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it's considered a valuable part of American history. It is also part of a larger area called the West Main Street District. This whole district was added to the National Register in 1977.
