Shelby House (Botkins, Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Shelby 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 | 403 W. State St., Botkins, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1864 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002188 |
| Added to NRHP | December 8, 1978 |
The Shelby House is a special old building located in Botkins, Ohio, in the United States. It was built way back in 1864. This historic house has seen many changes over the years. Today, it serves as an interesting museum.
Contents
The Shelby House: A Journey Through Time
The Shelby House began its life as a busy hotel. A local businessman named Philip Sheets had it built. He wanted to provide a place for people traveling by train. These passengers were coming from or going to northern Shelby County and southern Auglaize County.
From Hotel to Home: Early Days
Imagine a time when trains were the main way to travel! The Shelby House was a popular stop for many. It offered a comfortable place to rest for travelers. This was important for people moving between different towns and areas. The hotel played a big role in the local community.
Changing Times: The Automobile Era
As the 1900s began, things started to change. More and more people began using cars to travel. This meant fewer people were riding the trains. Because of this, the hotel business at the Shelby House slowed down. It was no longer needed as a busy stop for train passengers.
By the early 1900s, the house found a new purpose. It was turned into an apartment building. Families lived there for a while. However, it was eventually abandoned in the 1940s. For some time, it was used for businesses or storage. But it never became a hotel or apartment building again.
A New Purpose: The Museum Today
Later on, the Botkins Historical Society bought the Shelby House. This group works to preserve local history. They decided to turn the old building into a museum. Now, visitors can explore the house and learn about its past. It helps everyone understand what life was like long ago.
A Place in History: National Recognition
The Shelby House is very important to history. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects. They are recognized for their historical or architectural importance. The Shelby House was honored for its unique design. It was also recognized for its role in American history.
