Rob Morris Home facts for kids
The Rob Morris Home is a special old house in La Grange, Kentucky. You can find it at 102 Washington Street. This house was once the home of a very important person named Rob Morris.
Rob Morris was famous for a few reasons. He was the second and last "poet laureate" of Freemasonry. This means he was like an official poet for a group called Freemasons. He also started a group called the Order of the Eastern Star.
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Rob Morris's Journey to La Grange
Rob Morris first came to La Grange in 1860. He worked as a teacher at the Masonic University. Before that, he was a leader for the Grand Lodge of Kentucky from 1858 to 1859.
A Fire and a New Home
Sadly, Rob Morris's first house in La Grange burned down. This happened on November 7, 1861. The fire was because he supported the Union during the American Civil War. Luckily, some nearby soldiers saved his books about Freemasonry, even though they got a bit damaged.
At the time of the fire, Rob Morris was giving talks in Crown Point, Indiana. He thought about moving to New York. But he decided to stay in Kentucky. He knew Kentucky would remain loyal to the United States government.
So, in 1862, he bought a new house for $1,400. This house was built in 1840. It's the house we now call the Rob Morris Home. He lived there until he passed away in 1888. His wife also passed away in the home in 1893.
The Unique Features of the House
The Rob Morris Home is considered a very important house in La Grange. It has special designs and a lot of history.
Architectural Details
One cool thing about the house is its front doors. They have special glass panels above and on the sides. There's also a chimney on the west side of the house. This chimney style is common in North Carolina, but it's very rare to see in Kentucky! The house also has a "side hall plan," which is a specific way houses were designed back then. Some newer parts, like a carport, have been added over time.
The Rob Morris Home Today
In 1918, a group called the Kentucky Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star bought the house. They have kept it as a special place to remember Rob Morris. It's like a museum where people can learn about his life.
What You Can See Inside
The furniture inside the home is from the time Rob Morris lived there. Some of the items actually belonged to him! It's a great way to see what life was like in the 1800s.
See also
- Eureka Masonic College
