Swetland House

The Swetland residence stands on the crest of a slight rise facing south. In the 19th century, the lot was bounded by High Street to the south, Swetland Ave. to the east, New Hampshire Street on the north and smaller residential lots on the west. The lot lines are the same today with the exception of the north line which no longer extends all the way to New Hampshire. The Swetland residence is an imposing 2½ story, 3 bay Italianate home built in 1871. Perhaps the earliest surviving documentation of the home is an artist's sketch in the 1875 Atlas of Madison County- From this sketch it is clear that the Swetland home has seen relatively few exterior alterations. The house is built of red brick laid in common bond and is of masonry bearing wall construction.

The service areas were connected to the house but there is a clear separation made between these two areas. The main section of the house is highlighted with bold pressed metal hoodmolds over large segmental 'arch windows. These hoodmolds are stilted and appear to rise from anthemion shaped corbel stops. In addition, the keystones are emphasized. The windows are one-over-one double hung windows and most of the sashes in place today appear original. The large double doors which serve as the main entry doors have a semi-circular arch opening which is ornamented similar to the windows. These large paneled doors open into an entry vestibule and a second pair of elaborate double doors. Today, the curvilinear glass panels in each of the doors is clear glass.

A former resident, Miss Isabelle Chandler, remembers that the original glass in these doors was frosted. The truncated hipped roofof the front section is interrupted by low wall dormers with semi-circular arch attic windows.

/Architect Unknown Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) The Swetland Residence is historically significant through its association with Jeriah Swetland, a prominent local businessman. Architectural significance is derived through its district Italianate elements. The Swetland Residence, built in 1871, exhibits the asymmetrical massing, smooth wall surfaces, elaborate hoodmolds, bay windows, verandas and a hipped roof, which characterize the Italianate style. Jeriah Swetland first arrived in London, Ohio, in 1843, although he did not finally settle there until 1856. In that year, he established a partnership with his brother- in-law which ultimately made Jeriah Swetland one of the wealthiest men in London. Although his partnership was never formally dissolved, Mr.

Swetland retired in In the late 1860s Swetland combined his wealth, his interest in real estate, and his business acumen to create the Swetland residential addition southeast of downtown London. It was in this addition that Swetland built his fourteen room Italianate The Swetland house was one of the most elaborate homes ever built in London and was certainly the most impressive home built in the Swetland Addition. London contains a fine mix of significant residential architecture from the 19th century, yet the Swetland house 1s one of the few remaining high style Itallanate homes not located on Main Street. The survival of this house is enhanced by the fact that the house anc yards appear much as they did in the 19th century.

Maintenance and rehabilitation efforts have been very sympathetic to the original design. This house reminds the community of a man of great influence who might otherwise be forgotten as well as being one of the few survivors in the community from a period of architectural elegance which lasted from the Civil War to World War I.