Schnull–Rauch House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Schnull–Rauch House
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Schnull–Rauch House in 2013
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 Location in Indianapolis
Location in Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3050 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana |
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| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | Bernard Vonnegut, Sr. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000037 |
| Added to NRHP | November 14, 1979 |
The Schnull–Rauch House is a beautiful old home in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was built a long time ago, in the early 1900s. People sometimes call it the Victorian Manor. Today, it's known as The Manor at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. This special house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important building with a lot of history.
In 1979, the house was given to the Junior League of Indianapolis. They used it for their meetings and as a place for events. It was also a small museum. Later, in 2009, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis bought the house. The museum is right next door! Now, the house is still a popular spot for different events.
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A Home for the Schnull Family
The land for the house was bought in 1901. Gustav A. and Matilda Mayer Schnull purchased it. They were part of a wealthy merchant family. They worked with architect Bernard Vonnegut to design their new home. Bernard Vonnegut was married to Matilda's sister.
The Brandt Brothers firm built the house. Construction started in the fall of 1902. The Schnulls and their three daughters moved in on April 4, 1904.
Life in the House
After Matilda passed away in 1923, her daughter Gertrude and her husband, John G. Rauch, moved in. John Rauch was a lawyer. He also became the president of the Art Association of Indianapolis. The house remained a home for the Rauch family until the late 1970s. It kept its original furniture and design for many years.
A New Purpose for the House
After John Rauch died in 1978, his son, John Rauch Jr., wanted to donate the house. He worked with the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. They studied how the house could be used for the community. People thought about making it the mayor's home or a community center. They also considered it becoming a museum or part of The Children's Museum.
Using the house for the city would have been too expensive for taxpayers. So, the Rauch family decided to give it to the Junior League of Indianapolis. The first floor of the house kept its original look. It was used for parties and as a museum. The second floor was rented to other non-profit groups. The Junior League used the third floor for their offices.
The Junior League moved their offices into the house in 1981. They also built a parking lot. By 1983, they had finished restoring the house. The house was built for entertaining guests. It had a large ballroom with a dance floor, a formal drawing room, and a library. These features made it a popular place for weddings and other events. By the 1990s, people had to book wedding receptions a year in advance!
The Children's Museum Takes Over
In 2008, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis bought the house from the Junior League. They wanted to use it for events. In the spring of 2013, the house was updated. This was part of a charity event called the St. Margaret's Hospital Guild's annual Decorators' Show House and Gardens. Today, The Children's Museum calls the building "The Manor at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis."
Why This House is Special
This three-story building is a great example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This style often looks like old castles. The house was originally decorated with beautiful items. These included oriental rugs from Persia, shiny moire silk wallpaper, and fancy fireplaces. It also had stained glass windows, heavy velvet curtains, and hand-carved woodwork. The floors were made of inlaid hardwood, and the bathrooms had marble. Many of these original features are still there today!
This house is unique because it's the only old home from its time left on Meridian Street. Other houses were either torn down or changed into offices. The house also has many items from the Schnull and Mayer families. These German immigrant families were important in banking and wholesaling in Indianapolis in the late 1800s.
A Masterpiece by Bernard Vonnegut
The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission called the house "one of the best-designed" mansions on Meridian Street. It's also a great example of the work of Bernard Vonnegut. He was a German-trained architect. He was also the first licensed architect in Indiana. He designed many other famous buildings in Indianapolis.
Bernard Vonnegut took a special interest in this house. He was designing it for his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He even designed the china cabinets, mantelpieces, and carved wood sideboards inside. The house stands out because of its castle keep-like tower. It also has thick brick walls, a red tile roof, and a large stone porch entrance.
