Sidney Walnut Avenue Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Sidney Walnut Avenue Historic District
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Houses in the district
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Walnut Ave. from Poplar to Michigan Sts., and 228, 228½, and 238 W. North St. |
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| Nearest city | Sidney, Ohio |
| Area | 8.6 acres (3.5 ha) |
| Built | 1847 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004338 |
| Added to NRHP | December 29, 1983 |
The Sidney Walnut Avenue Historic District is a special neighborhood in Sidney, Ohio, United States. It's called a historic district because it has many old and important buildings. Located west of downtown Sidney, this area has been one of the best places to live in the city since the late 1800s.
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Exploring the Historic Houses
The Sidney Walnut Avenue Historic District is home to fifteen unique houses. These homes are built on the sides and top of a small hill. Twelve of these houses are found along Walnut Avenue. The other three are located on North Street.
Architectural Styles You'll See
The houses in this district show off different building styles. You can find homes built in the:
- Queen Anne style: These homes often have towers, turrets, and decorative details.
- Greek Revival style: These houses look like ancient Greek temples with columns and grand entrances.
- Italianate style: These homes often have low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and tall, narrow windows.
Most of these homes have strong stone foundations and brick walls. Many also feature slate roofs, which are very durable.
When Were These Homes Built?
The oldest house in the district dates back to 1847. The newest was built in 1913. However, most of the homes were constructed in the late 1800s. Many older houses were updated during this time to match the popular styles.
Sidney's Growth and Walnut Avenue
In the late 1800s, Sidney, Ohio, was changing a lot. It started as a small town that was the main center for a farming area. But by the end of the century, Sidney grew into an important place for business, factories, and banking.
Why Walnut Avenue Became Special
As Sidney grew, important people in the city wanted to build big, beautiful homes. Factory owners, bankers, and successful business people chose the hillside along Walnut Avenue. This area quickly became known as the city's most important and fancy neighborhood.
Some of the notable people who lived here included:
- Edward Kah, a well-known jeweller.
- Elias Griffis, a successful merchant.
- Bernard Wagner, who owned a garden company.
- Herbert McVay, an important educator.
National Recognition for the District
In December 1983, the Sidney Walnut Avenue Historic District received a special honor. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history.
Why It Made the List
The district was added to the National Register for two main reasons:
- Its important role in the local history of Sidney.
- The unique and historic architecture of its buildings.
The Sidney Walnut Avenue Historic District was the last of three historic districts in Shelby County to be added to this list. The Lockington Locks were added fourteen years earlier, and the Sidney Courthouse Square three years before.
