Morris Sharp House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Morris Sharp House
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Front and side of the house
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 517 Columbus St., Washington Court House, Ohio |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001483 |
| Added to NRHP | January 21, 1974 |
The Morris Sharp House is a special old house in Washington Court House, Ohio, United States. It was built in 1875 for a very important person in the city, Morris Sharp. This house was designed to be a beautiful landmark, and it still is today! For over sixty years, it has been a museum where people can learn about history. It's also recognized as a historic site, which means it's an important place from the past.
Morris Sharp: A Community Leader
Morris Sharp was born in Aberdeen, Ohio, on August 30, 1838. His family moved to Jamestown, Ohio in 1851. Later, they settled in Washington Court House.
After finishing school, Morris joined his father's family business. However, he had to change jobs because of his health. In early 1872, a new bank called Merchants and Farmers Bank opened. Morris Sharp became its first cashier.
He quickly became one of the most important people in the city. This was because he was very good at business. Until he passed away in 1905, he managed many banking interests. He also managed large areas of farmland.
Morris Sharp was a member of the local Methodist church. He strongly supported the idea of prohibition. This was a movement that wanted to stop the sale and making of alcohol. He even ran for Governor of Ohio as a candidate for the Prohibition Party.
The House's Amazing Design
The Sharp House was built in 1875. It is made of brick with a strong stone foundation. The roof is made of slate, and it has parts made of wood and stone.
This house is two stories tall. It is a great example of the Italianate style. The design has two parts, or wings, that meet at the bottom of a tall tower. This tower is right in the middle of the house.
Inside, the house has fourteen rooms. One special room is on the third story of the tower. You can reach it by climbing a spiral staircase. Because of its tower, the Morris Sharp House is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Only the courthouse and St. Colman's Catholic Church are taller.
The house stands out even more because it's located at a busy intersection. Washington and Columbus Avenues meet right at the house. Morris Sharp wanted a grand design when he built it. He reportedly said he hoped for a house that would be "the showplace of Washington Court House."
A Home Becomes a Museum
In 1958, the Fayette County Historical Society bought the Morris Sharp House. Seven years later, in 1965, the building reopened as the Fayette County Museum. It is still used as a museum today.
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting things. These include old furniture, important documents, historic clothes, and even old weapons. The house received more recognition in 1974. That year, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An outbuilding on the property was also included. This listing recognized their importance in architecture.
The Morris Sharp House is one of many properties in the area on the National Register. It was one of the first to be added to this important list. Only the Fayette County Courthouse was listed sooner.
