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 | 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 historic building located in Botkins, Ohio, United States. It was built in 1864 and has a long and interesting history. Today, it serves as a museum, helping people learn about the past.
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History of the Shelby House
The Shelby House was first built by a local businessman named Philip Sheets. He wanted to create a hotel for people traveling by train. These travelers were coming from or going to areas in northern Shelby County, Ohio and southern Auglaize County, Ohio.
From Hotel to Apartments
In the early 1900s, fewer people traveled by train. Cars became popular, and train travel declined. Because of this, the Shelby House was changed from a hotel into an apartment building. Many families lived there for a while.
Later Uses and Museum
The building stopped being used as apartments in the 1940s. For some time, it was used for businesses or as a storage building. However, it never became a hotel or apartment building again.
Eventually, the Botkins Historical Society bought the Shelby House. They worked hard to turn it into a museum. Now, visitors can explore the building and learn about its history.
National Recognition
The Shelby House is an important part of American history. In 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a special place because of its unique architecture and its role in the history of the area.