Nomination for Acton House

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

OMB No. 1024-0018 1. Name and or common street & number - not for publication city, town . vicinity of - public - unoccupied - agriculture _ museum X building(s) X private. X commercial _ structure work in progress _ entertainment . religious - in process X yes: restricted . government - being considered - yes: unrestricted X Not Applicable _ military 4. Owner of Property Ohio 45320 5. Location of Legal Description courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. -yes x no _ local depository for survey records Ohio Historical Center, Interstate 71 and 17th Avenue Ohio 43211 Category Eaton transportation both Accessible date code Ownership Columbus object park site district educational historic other: industrial private residence (3-82) Inventory-Nomination Form scientific Public Acquisition Acton House Ohio Historic Inventory Ohio National Register of Historic Places 3.

Classification Type all entries-complete applicable sections Present Use 2. Location Acton House Associates, an Ohio partnership 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Preble County Courthouse, Main and Barron Streets Xstate National Park Service has this property been determined eligible? See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms United States Department of the Interior For NPS use only Recorder of Deeds, Preble County 115 West Main Street title NPS Form 10-900 _ county - federal received JUL 2 3 1985 5 1985 Status date entered SEP Xno 7. Description X excellent X original site - good _ ruins _ moved date -fair .

unexposed The original house, labeled A in the diagram, was a three bay two-story structure with side front passage, built of three-wythe brick layed in seven In the 1840's, a matching two-story brick addition was added to the west side which dates from this period, shows John P. Acton, the son of the original owner, standing in the doorway. The photograph also reflects the two/two In'the 1880's, the, Italianateframe addition, was added.to the west front side. This, along with some of the other original woodwork in the house, has been Condition additions diagram. Check one two-story structure with at least three distinct additions dating from the readily identified from the attached first and second floor plan diagrams Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

double hung sash front windows with stone headers above and plain stone sills The interior of the house contains a graceful curved stairway in a center bay which reflect approximate wall thicknesses. Iights and rectangular transom was added,along with the metal standing seam diagram.Also around this time a second floor addition was added to the rear The house continued to grow without changing this facade through a below.Approximately three-quarters of the remaining glass in the windows A porch with battered piers decorated with back scrolled brackets and covered buiidings in the city of Eaton and in Preble County located on Main Street one course common bonding.The foundation material isof sawn stone. chamfered to the glass.

roof,which ends ina boxed cornice.This addition is shown as part Bon the Originally built around l8l7,Acton House is significant as one of the oldest in the sections of the house from the 1820's and 1840's (parts A and B) are - deteriorated X altered 1840's, the 1870's and the early 1900's, respectively. These additions can be have hood molds, which match the doorway moldings (photos 2, 5). The windows leading to the mid-second and second floors with full sided wood paneling. unaltered Revival styles.The stairway presents a floating effect with a geometric single-story rear addition, also brick, which would have been added in the retained.Fireplace mantles show influences of the Egyptian Revival and Greek during this period the Greek Revival style front door (see photo 2) with side with a small dormer (possibly this had previously been an open porch).

1870's.This addition is shown as part C on the diagram.Photograph1, 8.

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

Significance Areas of Significance-Check and justify below --_ archeology-prehistoric .--_community planning - archeology-historic - conservation - agriculture _ sculpture _ engineering _ music - politics/government _ invention Specific dates 1817, 1840, 1870, 191 Builder

Statement of significance

/Architect Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) Actons, a prominent early family in Eaton, especially John P. Acton who made Beginning in the 1810's and continuing into the 1890s, the Actons the progression of 19th century residential architecture in Eaton, the house the three bay, two story brick house and a small frame hattery (located on the Bank, the largest bank in the county and locally operated by the Hiestand it was purchased by the present owners. Architectürally the Acton House displays a progression of 19th century Intricate eclecticism of the late 19th century. The Federal style was evident 1400-1499 1500-1599 transportation unknown humanitarian theater Period literature science prehistoric 1900- military the mill was operated by his grandsons under the name Hiestand and Company significant contributions to the commercial development of the city.

social/ surround.This type of composite or transitional architecture is typical of Hamilton Railroad and was involved in securing the construction of the Lake John P.Acton was active in promoting public improvements and was influential The Acton House is significant under Criterion B for its associations with the two bays and added the rectangular transom and side lights to the entrance 1700-1799-art John P.Acton was born on September 4,1815.He grew up in the Acton House furnished a host of building supplies to the community.After Acton's death In 1849 he built and operated a prosperous steam saw mill just west of seven architectural styles from the simplicity of the antebellum period to the more Mill Creek.He operated a large lumber company known as Acton and Deem and in its original three bay facade with side entrance, flat stone lintels and is significant under Criteria C.

---economics Erie and Southwestern Railroad into Preble County in the 1850s.Upon John P. Acton's death in 1892 the house passed to family descendents until 1983 when the Preble County court of common pleas in 1838. - other(specify) - - communications John Acton came from Virginia and settled in Eaton in 1816.In 1817 he built until 1972.In 1872 he was one of four men establishing the Preble County law ...education X architecture X 1800-1899 X commerce - exploration/settlement -philosophy functioned as hatters, millers, tumber dealers, and grocers. As an example of southeast corner of the house, where John P. Acton's parlor was situated). In addition to this hattery, Acton was active in civic concerns most notably the Acton first followed in his fathers' hat trade and later operated a grocery. 1600-1699 industry family until its recent merge with First National Cincinnati Corporation.

-art apparent in the 1840 remodeling which balanced the facade with an additional in expanding the rail system in the county.He was director of the Eaton and sills and low roof pitch.The transition to a Greek Revival styling is that of the early 19th century in Eaton as in many cities across Ohio. and made a sizable addition to it in 1840 by removing the hattery and History of Preble County, Ohio, (Cleveland, Ohio, H.Z. Williams & Bro., Publishers, 1881); Atlas of Preble County, Ohio (Philadelphia, C.O. Titus, 1871); Preble County Directory, B.F. Morgan (Dayton, 1875)- 1:24 000 UT M References Located in the County of Preble and the State of Ohio and the City of Eaton, being City of Eaton, Preble County, Ohio - state Paul E. Holtzmuller, Owner February 5, 1985 street & number Ohio 45320 GPO 911-399 code Eaton Easting county Zone organization date Northing national Attest: 12.

State Historic Preservation Officer Certification List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries Quadrangle scale Keeper of the National Register Verbal boundary description and justification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: State Historic Preservation Officer signature city or town 11.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Form Prepared By Less than one 10. Geographical Data 115 West Main Street Acreage of nominated property name/title 9. Major Bibliographical References Chief of Registration As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89 according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. Lots No.93 and 94 as the same are known and designated on the recorded plat of the I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register For NPS use only date 7/12/85 665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated telephone Quadrangle name (513) 456-2819 Eaton South Preble County Courthouse: Recorders Office, Auditor's Office - Tax Duplicates; OMB No.

1024-0018 Item number 8 distinguished from its neighbors however, in its late 19th and early 20th Page2 Acton House Inventory-Nomination Form National Park Service (3-82) the construction history of the city. National Register of Historic Places century frame addition at the end of its facade.

Architecturally therefore, the house exemplifies the long and varied career of the Acton family in the presumably came from Acton's own mill and lumber firm it portrays his role in United States Department of the Interior date entered NPS Form 10-900-a Several other similar examples are located in the S.Barron and W.Main Street For NPS use only Eaton, Preble County, OH 10-31-87 Expires Continuation sheet area of the city in the immediate vicinity of the Acton House.The latter is commercial life of the city.In addition,because the building materials ATTACHMENT TO ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION FIRST FLOOR DIAGRAM Acton House, Eaton, Preble County, Ohio ATTACHMENT TO ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION SECOND FLOOR DIAGRAM Acton House, Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Acton House, Eaton, Preble County, Ohio -DEALERS IN timber, which they afterwards burnt, and put out crops.

made, and in process of time it was ascertained that whet MOULDINGS, WINDOWS & DOORS; and it was ascertained in the development of the settle- WINDOW AND DOOR FRAMES, ment that this creek, when the channel became cleared, developed that as the township became settled and brought ! they were originally thought to be, and the black land previously thought to be too flat and wet for agricultur- purposes, really turned out to be the most fertile. Within the township are several small towns, where con- chester and Eldorado, on the Dayton and Western Rail- hunters of treasure during the sixteenth century. burg is another small town, laid out by Samuel Adams, on Cherry St., North of Odd Fellows' Building, Caton, O. The township Among the carly settlers of Monroe, were the Shur- Doyles, Davissons and Coopers.

FAMILYCROCERIES & PRODUCE EMPORIUM originally included the territory ef Gasper, and was nam- and in this township is inferior in native richness to ma- YOUGHIOGHENY AND CAMDEN COAL. Head Quarters Grocery. and have many elegant residences. THOMAS FULTON. PREBLE COUNTY DIRECTORY and six miles in breadth,and was organized in 1809;it SHINGLES AND LATHS. the lands were cleared up and drained they were very The population of this township is composed ofa mor- a few settlers ventured in and commenced felling the productive. Price's creek runs through the township, FLOORING, SIDING, PICKETS under cultivation, that the lands were not so level as Vak, fed and Yellow Cedar Fence Posts.

Price's Creek took its name from an old settler, Major al Bet of people, well provided with churchos and school- name for thn fountain of gold, so hopefully used by tho HILL, ost township in the county, being eight miles in length. *took at his old Stand, on NoRTH BARRON BTReET, EATON, O.'"He to beso uninviting as to forbid a settlement. At length afforded a fine outlet for drainage. And it was further Wayne's Trace runs through LINVITRS especial attention to his large Stock of Family Gro- od after Gen. Washington.

The average quality of the 1875 General Blacksmithing, Horse Shoeing finely improved,and is inhabited by some of the best ag road,are the principal towns.Eldorado is the mythical Tinishing and Building Lumber cut to order.Also best ACTON& DEEM LUMBER WASO Form - 177 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ("R" June 1984) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET JUL 23 1985 Fed. Reg. Date: nomination by person or local government Federal Agency: - -appeal L sample - see continuation sheet -technical corrections cited below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys 7.

Description - excellent -uneltered -original site - moved I fair resubmission REJECT request dates Category yes ruins Condition completeness Accessible unexposed Status Discipline RETURN deteriorated summary paragraph clarity boundary selection Preble County _substantive reasons discussed below Acton House NR decision Reviewer's comments: Action: 85001944 Check one Substantive Review: good owner objection Present Use Working No. Nomination returned for: Describe the present and original (if known)physical appearance Has this property been determined eligible? alterations/integrity Date Due: Histnian Reviewer _ Ownership OHIO Recom./Criteria Public Acquisition ACCEPT 248 8. Significance - summary paragraph - completeness Ljustification of areas checked J relating significance to the resource J other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data 11.

Form Prepared By _national - Photographs Signed - Date . Builder/Architect title context State Historic Preservation Officer signature Maps Specific dates clarity applicable criteria relationship of integrity to significance Verbal boundary description and justification Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) local justification of exception 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: UTM References Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Quadrangle name Acreage of nominated property Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to - Phone: _ state Period Areas of Significance-Check and justify below 115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Front (north side), circa 1850s Acton House Acton House 115 W. Main St..

Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Negs: 115 W- Main St., Eaton, OH 45320 Front (north side), prior to renovation (6/84) Photographer: Paul E. Holtzmuller JCT -JCT 127 732 115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County. Ohio Photographer: Paul E. Holtzmuller Northwest view, prior to renovation (6/84) Negs: 115 W. Main St., Eaton, OH 45320 House Acton Acton House 115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Negs: 115 W. Main St., Eaton, OH 45320 Rear (south side). prior to renovation (6/84) Acton House 1115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio East elevation, prior to renovation (6/84) Acton House 115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Front (north after renovation (l2/8) Paul E- Holtzmuller Negs: 155 W. Main St.. Eaton, OH 45320 Photographer: 732 JCT Acton House 115 W.

Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Northwest view, after renovation (12/84) Acton House 115 W- Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Rear (south side), after renovation (12/84) Negs: 155 W. Main St.. Eaton, OH 45320 Acton House 115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio East elevation, after renovation (12/84) Negs: 115 W. Main St.. Eaton, OH 45320 115 W. Main St., Eaton, Preble County, Ohio Photographer: Paul E. Holtzmuller Acton House Northeast view, after renovation (l2/84) 75 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) MAPS & BOOKS A THINGS EATON SOUTH QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY EATON SOUTH, OHIO STATE OF OHIO House UTM: 16 702470 4401780 UNITED STATES N3937.5W8437.5/7.5 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 9879 BEAM ROAD APR 24 1985 328 N. MAPLE STREET EATON, OHIO 45320 April 23, 1985 W. Ray Luce Columbus, Ohio 43211 Dear Mr.

Luce, Eaton, have applied to have it placed on the National Register of Mayor Sincerely yours, MUNICIPAL BUILDING the example of the restoration of Acton House will encourage similiar eventually resulting in a registered historic district. Progress With Heritage Historic Places. Renovation of the older buildings in our downtown Re: Acton House Ohio Historic Preservation Office State Preservation Officer building in the National Register. efforts among the owners of the other downtown We here in Eaton have been thrilled to find out that the owners Eric W.Daily area is of extreme significance to the City and it is our hope that 1985 Velma Ave.

TELEPHONE (513) 456-5561 We hope you will recommend inclusion of this splendid old of Acton House,a beautiful old building in the heart of downtown MAY 01 1985 Columbus, Ohio Agriculture & Natural Resources 281 DOGWOOD DRIVE Civil and Commercial Law GREENVILLE, OHIO 45331 Transportation and Urban Affairs (800) 762-1060 (614) 466-6344 April 30, 1985 Mr. W. Ray Luce State Preservation Officer Ohio Historic Preservation Office 1985 Velma Ave. Re: Acton House Dear Mr. Luce: I have just learned that the owners of Acton House, a recently renovated early 19th century building in the middle of downtown Eaton have applied to very familiar with this beautiful building, having noticed it many times when years, are, of course, avery well-known pioneer Preble County business family.

on the National Register, which I find astonishing, in view of the number of the trend of preservation of our heritage which has hopefully begun in Preble Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 43215 COMMITTEES: Sincerely, State Representative National Register. Improvement Advisory Board Columbus Office: 73rd House District JB/1dt Jim Buchy sideration to assisting in having this historic old building placed on the have the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places.I am Capital Planning and I have been in Eaton and the new owners have done a wonderful job of restoring Ohio Wats: It is my understanding that only one other building in Preble County is District Office: (513) 548-2128 (513) 548-6239 2179 U.S 35 West 1985 Velma Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 July 16, 1985 Ms. Carol Shull, Chief 1100 L Street, N.W.

Enclosed are nine new National Register nominations. All of the appropriate of Wapakoneta Whee| Ing Avenue Historic District W. Ray Luce WRL: bp 614/466-1500 SOCIETY Guernsey Ashtabula HISTORICAL County Preble Watt-Groce-Fickardt House First Presbyterian Church Enclosures Acton House Pickaway Ohio Historic Preservation Office National Park Service State Historic Preservation Office First Methodist Episcopal Church Middle Bass Club Historic District Dear Carol: Stark Ottawa West Fifth Street Bridge National Register of Historic Places Trinity Lutheran Church New Submissions everything possible to expedite this nomination. SINCE 1885 Natlonal Road Department of the Interlor Please contact me if you have any questlons. Washington, D.C. 20240 for the First Methodist Episcopal Church, Massillon, Stark County.

Please do and the Mayor of Massillon waiving their right to comment on the nomination note that letters have been received from the First United Methodist Church