Solomon S. Curry House facts for kids
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Solomon S. Curry House
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Side view
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 631 E. McLeod Ave., Ironwood, Michigan |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1887 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002833 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 22, 1982 |
The Solomon S. Curry House is a special old house located in Ironwood, Michigan. It was built in 1887. This house is important because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a historic place that should be protected. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site.
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Who Was Solomon S. Curry?
Solomon S. Curry was born on June 12, 1840, in Canada. His father passed away before he was born. When he was 16, Solomon moved to Potsdam, New York, to learn how to be a blacksmith.
After three years, he started working in the lumber business. He moved to Michigan in 1861. He found a job at the Quincy Mine in Houghton, Michigan. Solomon learned a lot about mining. Soon, he was in charge of a small iron mine.
Curry's Mining Career
In 1873, Solomon Curry moved to Ishpeming, Michigan. There, he opened his own mine, called the Curry Mine. Later, in 1880, he helped start a big company called the Metropolitan Iron and Land Company. By 1885, he became the president of this company.
The Metropolitan company took over the Norris Mine near Ironwood in 1882. Under Solomon's leadership, they started a lot more mining in the Gogebic Range. Solomon himself moved to the Ironwood area in 1883. He helped make Ironwood a big city. He even helped plan how much of the town would be built.
Public Service and Family Life
Solomon Curry was also active in politics. He served in the state government in 1874. He also ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1886. He was a delegate for Michigan at a big political meeting in 1892. He also ran for a seat in the U.S. Congress.
Besides politics, he started two banks in Ironwood. He was the first president of both the First National Bank and the People's Bank.
In 1867, Solomon married Elizabeth Stoup. They had two children, George and Anna. Elizabeth passed away in 1914. Solomon Curry lived until July 29, 1929. He is buried in Ironwood.
History of the Curry House
In 1887, a big fire destroyed much of Ironwood. After the fire, Solomon Curry bought land. He built this house for his family to live in.
After Solomon Curry passed away in 1929, the house was used for different things. It was a hospital for a while. Then, it became a nursing home. Some changes were made to the house over time. A balcony was enclosed in 1913. A kitchen was added in 1952. Later, the house was used as an antique shop. It is also a private home today.
What the House Looks Like
The Solomon S. Curry House is a 2-1/2-story building. It is built in the Queen Anne style. This style is known for its unique shapes and decorations. The house has clapboard and shiplap siding. It sits on a strong concrete foundation.
On the first floor, there is a long, L-shaped porch. There is a similar porch on the second floor, but it is now enclosed with windows. The roof has a special cross-gabled shape. It has windows in the attic area. Some windows in the house have beautiful Tiffany stained glass. Inside, the house has 18 rooms. It even has a ballroom! There is also fancy woodwork throughout the house.
