Paxton's Dunnan-Hampton House listed in National Register of Historic Places

PAXTON - The Dunnan-Hampton House at 511 W. Pells Street in Paxton was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 2007 by the National Park Service.

 

            "The Dunnan-Hampton House has been placed in the National Register because of its marvelously intact Queen Anne style architecture," said Robert Coomer, director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers the National Register program in Illinois.  "This is a prestigious recognition for Paxton."

 

            "Structures like the Dunnan-Hampton House help to remind us where our communities have come from," said Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).  "Being listed in the National Register of Historic Places will ensure its livelihood for future generations to appreciate the stunning architecture and the history surrounding the home."

 

            "Ronald and Charlotte Hampton have paid great attention to detail in restoring this house so that it is almost exactly what it was like in 1897," said State Rep. Shane Cultra (R-Onarga).  "Distinctive features include the cupola, stained glass window, and hand-carved ornate woodwork."

 

            The Dunnan-Hampton House was built in 1897 and has had only minor alterations since.  Its Queen Anne architectural style has Eastlake and Stick Style influences.  Characteristics of the Queen Anne style include an irregular, asymmetrical design, a variety of exterior building materials, and decorative windows.  The Stick Style elements found on the home include external decorative "stick work" wall treatments and ornaments, while the Eastlake Style features robust ornamentation applied to nearly every exterior surface.

 

            "Local history and heritage is a great gift to endow to our future," said Paxton Mayor J. William Ingold.  "My granddaughter, my wife and I were given the pleasure of a personal tour through the Dunnan-Hampton home.  Lindsey, seven years old, said it best:  ‘It's like a treasure map, Papa, each room is a treasure.'"  

 

For more information on the National Register of Historic Places program in Illinois, visit www.Illinois-History.gov/PS/historicplaces.htm.