Waldomore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Waldomore
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in West Virginia
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| Location | W. Pike and N. 4th Sts. Clarksburg, West Virginia |
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| Built | 1839 |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002797 |
| Added to NRHP | October 4, 1978 |
Waldomore, also called The Waldomore, is a beautiful two-story brick house in Clarksburg, West Virginia, United States. It was built in a style called Neo-Classical, which means it looks like ancient Greek or Roman buildings. This historic home was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 4, 1978. This special list helps protect important places in American history.
Contents
Waldomore: A Historic Home
The Waldomore house was built in late 1839. It was made for Waldo P. Goff and his family. The house sits on land that used to be about 4 acres big. The name "Waldomore" comes from combining the names of the first owners, Waldo Goff and his wife, Harriet L. Moore.
From Home to Public Library
The Waldomore was a family home for many years. In 1930, May Goff Lowndes, who was part of the Goff family, gave the house to the City of Clarksburg. She had one important rule: the house had to be used as a public library or a museum. It could not be used for anything else.
So, from 1931 to 1976, the Waldomore served as the main public library for Clarksburg. When a new, bigger library was built right next door in 1976, the Waldomore found a new purpose.
Waldomore Today: History and Research
Today, the Waldomore is a special place. It holds many important items about West Virginia's culture and history. It also has a large collection of books and papers from UFO writer Gray Barker. Plus, if you are interested in finding out about your family's past, the Waldomore has many resources for genealogical research.
The Goff Family Story
The Waldomore was built for Waldo P. Goff in 1839. Waldo Goff was born in 1796. His family moved to Harrison County, West Virginia, in 1804 from New York.
Important Family Members
Waldo was one of eight children. Four of his brothers grew up to serve in the Virginia State Legislatures for Virginia and West Virginia. Waldo Goff himself was a member of the Virginia State Senate from 1833 to 1837. He also held other local jobs, like sheriff of Harrison County in 1851.
Nathan Goff Jr.: A Famous Son
The most famous person from the Goff family was Waldo's son, Nathan Goff. Nathan was born at the Waldomore on February 9, 1843. He became a very important person in American politics.
Nathan Goff served as the Secretary of the Navy. This is a high-ranking job in the government, and he was chosen by President Rutherford B. Hayes. Nathan Goff also ran for governor in 1876, but he did not win that election. Later, he served as a United States Congressman from 1883 to 1889. This means he helped make laws for the country.
