Is Federal Your Style?
The Johnathan Wright House at 80 W State Street, Springboro, Ohio. Photo courtesy of Lindy S. Taylor, Huff Realty.
Another piece of history is searching for its next caretaker, this time it’s the Jonathan Wright House in Springboro, Warren County, Ohio (MLS # 1364265/$549,900 list price). This circa 1815, five bedroom homestead is the oldest residence in Springboro and a documented Underground Railroad Site. The home retains its Underground Railroad hideaway, built into the structure’s walls. Once a major stop in Ohio’s Underground Railroad, there were more safe houses in Springboro (27 in total) than any other place in the state.
Underground Railway hideway at the Jonathan Wright House. Photo courtesy of Lindy S. Taylor, Huff Realty.
Grand entryway at the Jonathan Wright House. Photo courtesy of Lindy S. Taylor, Huff Realty.
Jonathan Wright (1782-1855) and his wife Mary Bateman Wright (1787-1866) moved with their five children to what was to be Springboro in 1814 and built this Federal style house.
Formal dining room at the Jonathan Wright House. Photo courtesy of Lindy S. Taylor, Huff Realty.
Jonathan Wright platted the village of “Springborough,” named for the many springs in the vicinity. The Wrights were active members of the Society of Friends (Quakers), strongly opposing slavery, while their business ventures included a woolen factory, two flour mills, a general store, and a 320-acre farm in the Springboro area.
Living room at the Jonathan Wright House. Photo courtesy of Lindy S. Taylor, Huff Realty.
The Jonathan Wright House is one of the 137 contributing properties that comprise the National Register-listed Springboro Historic District (NRHP # 99000914, listed in 1999). The district is roughly bounded by Main, East, and Mill Streets, and Central Avenue. Owners of private property listed on the National Register are free to maintain, modify, remodel, renovate, or dispose of their of their property as they see fit provided that no Federal monies are involved.
State historic marker at the Jonathan Wright House.
The Springboro Historic District is also locally-designated.To protect these and other historic properties in the community, the Springboro Architectural Review Board was created in 1996. The Board’s responsibilities are outlined in the Historic Preservation Code, Chapter 1229 of the City’s Codified Ordinances, and principally include managing exterior changes to protected properties through the use of its Historic Design Guidelines. See the City’s website for more information.
So, if Federal is your Style, why don’t you take a look?
Side view of the Jonathan Wright House. Photo courtesy of Lindy S. Taylor, Huff Realty.
