NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
1
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in National Register Bulletin, How
to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional certification comments, entries, and narrative items on continuation sheets if needed (NPS Form 10-900a).
1. Name of Property
historic name Henson House
other names/site number
Name of Multiple Property Listing N/A
(Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing)
2. Location
street & number 103 North Henson Road not for publication
city or town Villa Grove vicinity
state Illinois county Douglas zip code 61956
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended,
I hereby certify that this nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant at the following level(s) of significance: national statewide local
Applicable National Register Criteria: A B C D
Signature of certifying official/Title: Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Date
Illinois Department of Natural Resources - SHPO State or Federal agency/bureau or Tribal Government
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria.
Signature of commenting official Date
Title State or Federal agency/bureau or Tribal Government
4. National Park Service Certification
I hereby certify that this property is:
entered in the National Register determined eligible for the National Register
determined not eligible for the National Register removed from the National Register
other (explain:)
Signature of the Keeper Date of Action
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County ,Illinois Name of Property County and State
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5. Classification
Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply.)
Category of Property (Check only one box.)
Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.)
Contributing Noncontributing
X private X building(s) 1 2 buildings
public - Local district site
public - State site structure
public - Federal structure object
object 1 2 Total
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register
N/A
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions.)
DOMESTIC/single dwelling Domestic/single dwelling
7. Description
Architectural Classification
(Enter categories from instructions.) Materials
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Late Victorian/Italianate foundation: Brick
Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals/Classical Revival walls: Brick
Other/Arts and Crafts
roof: Asphalt
other: Slate, Stone
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 3
Narrative Description
(Describe the historic and current physical appearance and condition of the property. Describe contributing and noncontributing resources if applicable. Begin with a summary paragraph that briefly describes the general characteristics of the property, such as
its location, type, style, method of construction, setting, size, and significant features. Indicate whether the property has historic integrity).
Summary Paragraph
The George W. Henson House, constructed in 1871, is a two-story brick residence with an attic
and basement. Originally built in the Italianate style, it was remodeled adding Classical Revival
and Arts and Crafts elements in 1890 and 1913. The house faces Henson Road, and is located on
its original site of construction although the larger rural parcel it was originally part of was
eventually subdivided and developed into residential housing in the mid-20th century. The
nomination consists of one contributing building, two non-contributing buildings, and six
contributing features.
Narrative Description
The George W. Henson House is situated on a ca. 1-acre lot, a small remnant of the larger parcel
(668 acres) it was once part of when originally built in 1871. During the 20th century, the parcel
was gradually divided into smaller lots and roads, surrounding the house with smaller suburban
residences. The house consists of two floors and an attic and basement. Originally built in the
Italianate architectural style, the original appearance of the house was greatly modified in the
1890s with the addition of a full-width, one-story porch with Classical Revival elements, and the
replacement of the original low-pitched, asymmetrical cross-hipped roof. In addition to the
residence, the lot contains two smaller, non-contributing buildings, measuring 20-x-20 feet and
built in the 1950s. Located northeast and southeast of the rear of the house, one of these is a
garage built of stucco over wood; the other was originally also a garage, but at some point was
converted into an apartment. An east-west concrete sidewalk connects the front stairs of the
house with Henson Road to the west. This sidewalk terminates at the front steps, then curves
around the south side of the house and continues eastward to the back yard. A semi-circular
gravel driveway extends from the north and south limits of the property at Henson Road and
curves up to the front stairs; a parallel curved gravel drive connects with the front drive and
surrounds the house, providing access to the back of the house and the two small outbuildings.
Along the west edge of the property along Henson Road are six contributing features consisting
of a series of decorative fieldstone walls posts. These are considered significant features that
contribute to the property. Two posts are located near the western terminus of the entry sidewalk,
and two are located to the north and south of these, at the junction of the gravel drive and Henson
Road. The southwest and northwest corners of the property each present a post from which
extend low walls to the north and south respectively. The south wall descends in height as it
extends away from the end post, then rises again slightly at its southern terminus. The north wall
was likely identical to the southern wall, but the northern end has been removed where a utility
pole has been installed. The posts and walls feature prominent extruded beaded grout joints.
This type of grout work is also referred to as “ornamental mapping” or “stone beading” and was
common in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Each post is topped with a square, slightly peaked,
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 4
capstone. Corroded metal hooks are located on the sides of the posts, likely for the suspension of
chains to block access to the driveway. The posts and walls were built by the villa’s stone mason
Martin Walsh, a Scotsman who built several similar walls in the area, including that around
Fairfield Cemetery. The posts and walls are visible in a photograph from ca. 1920.
General Features
The house is of running bond brick construction. It has a simple ground plan with irregularities
(projections from principal mass with less than room-sized). The brickwork has been painted
several times over the years. Historic photos and an image in the 1875 Douglas County plat
book indicate the house originally had a low-pitched, asymmetrical cross-hipped roof (Figures 1
and 2). This was modified during the 1890s remodel into a steeply pitched roof with gable front
and wings and wide eave overhangs boxed with dentils. One exception to this is the southeast
section of the house, which retains a low-pitched section of roof. The house has three interior
chimneys: one on the north portion of the house (exiting from the roof ridge), and two on the
southeast portion (exiting from roof slopes). The chimneys are of identical construction
consisting of running bond brickwork and topped with t-shaped stacks of brick and stone.
Excluding the attic and basement, which are unfinished, the house covers 3,900 square feet.
Exterior
West Façade
The west façade faces Henson Road and represents the entryway to the house. The long axis of
the house is oriented east to west and is divided into two parts: the northern part is the longest
while the southern part is shorter with a set-back façade. The entire first-floor façade currently
exhibits a full-width, one-story porch and consists of brick foundation walls with rectangular
decorative panels created by slightly raised brick courses (Figure 3). The entry stairway consists
of concrete steps bordered with cut stone wing walls topped with horizontal stone top caps. The
cut stone used in the wing walls exhibit trimmed corners bearing parallel chisel marks (Figure 4).
A second stairway is located at the northern end of the porch, permitting access from that
direction. A narrow entablature is supported by four free-standing simple classical columns; an
engaged column is located at the north end of the porch (Figure 5 ) (two of the free-standing
columns have currently been removed for restoration). The hand-carved capitals of these
columns can be classified as examples of the “Composite Order”, featuring a combination of
large volutes (Ionic Order) and acanthus leaves (Corinthian Order) (Figure 6). The west, north
and south facing pediments of the porch roof feature decorative scrollwork (Figures 7 and 8).
The southern, set-back section of the porch is separated from the northern section by a screen
door, and has been enclosed in screens. The porch roof has a low pitch.
There are two entrances on the west façade. The main entrance, located in the north portion of
the house, is a double door of quarter sawn oak that replaced the original front door during the
1913 Arts and Crafts makeover (Figure 9). Each door has two panels with inset mesh bronze
screens. The doors exhibit a small brass plate stamped Higgin Mfg. Co., Newport, KY. The
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 5
Higgin Manufacturing Company was organized in 1893 and specialized in the construction of
screens for windows and doors.
The second entry door, located to the south of the main entrance, in the set-back porch, also
appears to be a product of the Higgin Manufacturing Company (Figure 10). This is a single door
with two panels with inset mesh bronze screens. Both front doorways have transom lights; the
transom above the main double door entry consists of a single clear glass pane, while that above
the southern entry door consists of two clear glass panes separated by a thin vertical muntin.
Both transoms are arched at the top. The screen door separating the northern and southern
portions of the porch is also topped by an irregularly shaped transom. Both entry doorways have
stone sills.
There are three windows on the first floor of the west façade. These are original to the house,
predating the subsequent remodels in the 1890s and early 1900s. Two windows are located in
the northern portion of the house, north of the main entry door; the third is located in the south
portion, to the south of the entry door. Each window is double hung with two sashes (Figure 11).
Each sash has two glass panes separated by a vertical muntin. The panes in the upper sashes are
arched. The top of each window opening consists of a relieving arch of two brick courses and a
stone keystone. Each window has a stone sill. Practically all the house windows are of this
morphology, with few exceptions.
The second floor of the west façade maintains the southern set-back of the first floor. There are
five windows on the second floor; three in the north portion and two in the south, set-back
portion of the house. In general, these windows are of the same general appearance of those on
the first floor. The three windows in the north portion of the house are shorter than the two in
southern portion. Above the windows, the roof-wall junction exhibits a wide eave overhang
boxed with dentils. The dentils are visible on an historic photograph of the house taken prior to
the 1890s remodel. There is a narrow cornice above the dentils.
The top floor, or attic, of the west façade exhibits paired double sash windows within the center
of the gable (Figure 12). These are the only windows in the house that have been replaced. The
windows are surrounded by decorative plain slate shingles that fill the entire gable area. Above
the windows is a pediment with decorative scrollwork and a “keystone”. The scrollwork was
replaced with an accurate replica when the original decayed. The roof-wall junction of the gable
consists of plain fascia and frieze boards.
North Façade
The north façade can be broken down into three sections which correspond to the first-floor
parlor/second-floor bedroom at the west end of the building; the first-floor dining room/second-
floor smaller bedroom in the center of the north façade; and the first-floor kitchen/second floor-
laundry room at the east end of the house. From west to east, the sections are slightly set back
from each other.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 6
There are five basement windows along the bottom of the north façade: two each in the western
and central sections of the façade, and one in the eastern section. Though smaller, the basement
windows exhibit identical attributes as the windows on the first and second floors (Figure 13).
Above the basement windows are five windows on the first floor: two each in the western and
central sections of the façade, and one in the eastern section. These are identical to those on the
first-floor of the west façade. There are five windows on the second floor: two each in the
western and central sections of the façade, and one in the eastern section. These are identical to
those on the west façade. Like those on the western façade, the second-floor windows of the
north façade are shorter than those on the first floor. Above the windows, the roof-wall junction
exhibits a wide eave overhang boxed with dentils. The dentils are visible on a historic
photograph of the house taken prior to the 1890s remodel. The eave terminates at the junction of
the middle and east sections of the north façade, then resumes at a slightly lower level to east end
of the north façade.
The roof at the west end of the north façade presents a gabled wing that is identical to the front
gable on the west façade. Here too, decorative scrollwork was replaced with an accurate replica
when the original decayed. The roof-wall junction of the gable consists of plain fascia and frieze
boards.
East Façade
The east façade represents the back of the house. This façade can be divided into two sections: a
northern section corresponding to the first-floor kitchen/second floor laundry room, and a set-
back southern section consisting of a first-floor covered porch and second floor sitting area.
There is one basement window at the bottom of the north section of the east façade. It is identical
the basement windows already described on the north façade.
Immediately to the south of the basement window is a plain, undecorated rectangular vestibule of
concrete construction (Figure 14). It has a flush door with a diamond-shaped window and a
kick-plate at the bottom. The vestibule provides access to a stairway leading to the basement.
At the bottom of the stairway the basement is accessed by a doorway featuring a relieving arch
of two brick courses and a stone keystone, analogous to the window openings. The concrete
vestibule appears to be of more recent construction and may have replaced an awning that
originally protected the basement stairway.
The first-floor of the east façade features a centrally located window analogous those already
described for the north and west facades. The second-floor also features a centrally located
window, identical the second-floor windows already described. As with the second-floor
windows on the north and west facades, this window is shorter than the first-floor window.
Above the second-floor window, the roof-wall junction exhibits a wide eave overhang boxed
with dentils. The dentils are visible on a historic photograph of the house taken prior to the
1890s remodel.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 7
The roof at the north end of the east façade presents a gabled wing that is identical to the gables
on the west and north façades. The roof-wall junction of the gable consists of plain fascia and
frieze boards.
The east façade of the southern section is dominated by an enclosed partial porch that is currently
under renovation (Figures 15 and 16). It has been taken down to its basic wooden frame and the
floor joists have been removed. This porch consists of two sections. The northern section
consists of a flat roof with eaves, plain entablature and fascia, and dentils (Figure 17). The roof
is supported on the southeast by a squared pilaster. This section may represent the original
covered entrance door to the back of the house (Figure 16). The southern section consists of a
low-pitched roof with a plain, wide entablature and exposed rafters with decorative, hook-like
ends. The east facing pediment presents a plain, wide entablature below narrow, chisel-like
decorative shingles (Figure 18). The southeast corner post has chamfered corners. The southern
portion of the porch may represent a later expansion of the northern section. This is supported
by the presence of an east-facing window within the area covered by this section of the porch
(discussed below). The porch is accessed by an intact concrete staircase with plain metal
handrail. During the renovation process, a buried cistern was discovered beneath the porch.
The southern set-back section of the east façade (the location of the enclosed partial porch)
features centrally located first- and second-floor windows. These are analogous to the windows
on the other façades. As with the second-floor windows on the north and west facades, the
second- floor window is shorter than the first-floor window. Above the second-floor window, the
roof-wall junction exhibits a wide eave overhang boxed with dentils.
South Façade
The south façade consists of three sections that are set back from each other from west to east.
The west section corresponds to the first-floor sitting area/second-floor bedroom; the central
section corresponds to the first-floor master bedroom/second-floor sitting room; and the east
section corresponds to the first-floor kitchen/covered porch and second-floor laundry room.
There are four basement windows on the south façade. The two in the west section of the façade
are incorporated into a large bay window and will be discussed separately below. Two basement
windows are located in the central section of the façade. The eastern window is analogous to the
other basement windows already described. The western basement window of the central section
of the south façade differs from the other basement windows of the house. The opening of this
window is shorter from top to bottom than the other windows, and unlike the other basement
windows, the two glass panes, separated by a vertical muntin, are rectangular and not arched.
Like the other basement windows, the top of the window opening consists of a relieving arch of
two brick course and a stone keystone and a stone sill.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 8
The first- and second-floors of the central section of the south façade feature windows analogous
those already described for the other façades. Above the windows, the roof-wall junction
exhibits a wide eave overhang boxed with dentils. There is a narrow cornice above the dentils.
The western portion of the south façade is dominated by a large, three-sided bay window (Figure
19). The lower portion of the bay is of brick construction and contains two south-facing
basement windows. These are analogous to the majority of the other basement windows on the
house. Above the basement windows are two slightly projecting brick courses. Above these are
four recessed wooden panels: two facing south, and two facing southwest and southeast,
respectively. Above these is a narrow band of wood trim supporting wood windowsills. Four
windows are situated above the sills, to facing south and two facing southwest and southeast
respectively. These are double sash windows with single glass panes in each sash. The panes in
the upper sashes are arched. Above each window is a faux keystone of wood. Above the
keystones is a narrow band of wood trim, and above this is a band of dentils. The band of dentils
is broken above each faux keystone by a rectangular panel. Each of these panels exhibits a
raised smaller panel. Above the band of dentils are two narrow bands of decorative wood crown
molding. The bay window is topped by a low-pitched roof.
Above the bay window are two second-story windows. These are analogous to the other second-
story windows on the house. Above the second-floor windows, the roof-wall junction exhibits a
wide eave overhang boxed with dentils.
The roof at the west end of the south façade presents a gabled wing that is identical to the other
gables already described. The roof-wall junction of the gable consists of plain fascia and frieze
boards.
Interior
First Floor
The first floor of the house has six formal rooms: the foyer or entry hall, the 15’10” x 17’5”
north parlor, the 20’9” x 15’ north dining room, the 19’7” x 15’6” north eat-in kitchen, the 11’6”
x 13’9” south master bedroom, and the 16’4” x 17’2” south sitting area. There are large
decorative baseboards and crown molding throughout the first floor, and seven original four-
panel doors remain in the house. The foyer features the original plaster ceiling with a plaster
ceiling medallion and plaster crown molding, the latter features floral and egg-and-dart
decoration (Figure 20). The interior sides of the two entry doors exhibit inset narrow glazed
fixed glass panes. The foyer also features a restored staircase with a newel post, handrails and
paired, turned balusters of English walnut, and pine treads (Figure 21). The newel post features
a turned knob and facetted shaft. The tread-ends are decorated with applied scroll work.
The parlor also has a plaster ceiling with a ceiling medallion within a recessed ceiling panel, and
also features two large mahogany pocket doors that were added during the 1913 Arts and Crafts
makeover (Figure 22). These doors provide access to the foyer to the south and the dining room
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 9
to the east. There are two north-facing and two west facing windows in the parlor. A picture
molding extends around the room, just below the ceiling.
The dining room has a plate rail and built-in cupboard that were added as part of the 1913 Arts
and Crafts makeover, and also features a butler’s pass through to the kitchen (Figures 23 and 24).
This room has two north-facing windows. Three doors in this room provide access to the kitchen
to the east, the southwest sitting area, and the entrance foyer to the west.
The eat-in kitchen is new and was created from an expanded pantry. The kitchen also has a
basement/butler’s staircases that have been completely renovated with oak. The butler’s staircase
now leads up to the second-floor laundry room. Part of the former pantry and a closet were
converted into the first-floor bathroom which is accessed from the first- floor bedroom. A south-
facing door leads to the southeast covered porch, currently under renovation.
The first floor south sitting area is accessed from the south section of the front porch, the entry
hall and the bedroom. Prominent features of this room are the west-facing original fireplace, the
large south-facing bay window, and the entry door (Figure 25). A photograph from 1907
indicates the fireplace retains its integrity from this time (Figure 26). It is of brick construction
with four terra cotta decorative shelves and a terra cotta cornice/shelf near the top, all featuring
egg-and-dart decorative molding. Above the firebox is an inset panel decorated with an
interlinked “double-axe” pattern and surrounded by a decorative terra cotta frame with floral
decoration (Figure 27). The overall simple geometric lines of the fireplace suggest Arts and
Crafts influences, while the decorative details suggest Victorian/Italianate inspiration. The bay
window features a built-in storage bench that dates to 1905. The interior side of the entry door
exhibits inset glazed fixed glass panes. A picture molding extends around the room, just below
the ceiling.
The south master bedroom features one south-facing window and one east-facing window. A
door in the west wall provides access from the south sitting room. A newly installed bathroom is
accessed to the north.
Second Floor
The second floor of the house has six formal rooms: an 8’8” x 7’ west sitting room, a 16’6” x
18’3” northwest bedroom, a 12’3” x 13 north-central bedroom, an 11’8” x 13’1” laundry room, a
11’10” x 13’6” southeast sitting area, and a 16’4” x 17’4” southwest bedroom. The central part
of the second floor also includes a hallway and bathroom. The handrails and balustrades of the
staircase continue to the second-floor hallway, where they turn to the west then south, enclosing
the stairwell. The small sitting room is located immediately west of the south section of the
handrail/balustrades. There is one west-facing window in the west sitting room.
The northwest bedroom features two north-facing and two west-facing windows. It is accessed
from the hallway to the south. The north-central bedroom features two north-facing windows. It
is accessed from the hallway to the south.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 10
The laundry room is a recent upgrade to the house. It features one east-facing and one north-
facing window. It is accessed from the bathroom to the south. There are two staircases in this
room: one leads up to the attic, the other down to the first-floor kitchen.
The southeast sitting room features one east-facing and one south-facing window. It is accessed
from the bedroom to the south. The doorway between these two rooms features a transom light
consisting of two rectangular glass panes separated by a vertical muntin.
The southwest bedroom features two south-facing and two west-facing windows. It is accessed
from the hallway to the north (Figure 28).
General Interior Features
Radiators
The house has the original decorative radiators in all rooms and the first-floor foyer that were
added in 1913 with the one pipe steam system. They have been repainted a beautiful brass color.
They also had the valves replaced at that time. The escutcheons on the steam pipes exhibit the
date May 1884.
Flooring
Most of the home has quarter sawn white oak flooring that was added in 1913. This was recently
refinished.
Integrity
Exterior
The Henson House retains ample integrity for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
The basic plan of the house has changed little since it was constructed in 1871, as is evident in an
illustration of the house in an 1875 historic atlas of Douglas County (Figure 1).
The major exterior changes are evident in the roof and the front porch. The original low-pitched,
asymmetrical cross-hipped roof was replaced in the 1890s with a steeply pitched roof with gable
front and wings and wide eave overhangs boxed with dentils. The porch evolved from two
separate, small porches in front of the two entry doorways into a full-width, one story porch, also
as part of the 1890s remodeling (Figure 29). It was again slightly modified in the 1930s, but still
retains the overall look of the 1890s remodel, including the columns with hand-carved capitals.
In 1913, Arts and Crafts elements were added to the house. Chief among these are the entry
doorways made by the Higgin Manufacturing Company. All these remodels are now themselves
historic elements of the house. Decayed decorative scroll work in the end gables has been
replaced with historically accurate replicas of the original pieces. The house retains nearly all its
original basement and double-sash windows. The western portion of the south façade is
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
Section 7 page 11
dominated by a large, three-sided bay window (Figure 19). This bay window is visible in the
1875 historic atlas, indicating it is original to the house.
Interior
The highest degree of integrity reflective of the original Italianate house is evident in the interior
spaces, which have changed little since the 1870s. Among these are four-paneled doors with
ceramic doorknobs, ceiling medallions, the main staircase in the foyer, and the brick and terra
cotta fireplace in the first-floor sitting room. During recent renovations, the few rooms that were
missing original trim had matching trim reproduced and installed. Decorative radiators installed
in 1913 have been refurbished.
The general layout of rooms appears unchanged since the 1870s, with the following exceptions.
On the first floor, a modern kitchen was installed, replacing the original pantry, and a new
bathroom was created, also from former pantry and closet space. On the second floor, the former
servants’ quarters were remodeled to include a full bathroom and a laundry room. While these
modern updates are not contributing, they do not impact the integrity of property.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.)
A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
X B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.)
Property is:
A
Owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes.
B
removed from its original location.
C
a birthplace or grave.
D
a cemetery.
E
a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
F
a commemorative property.
G
less than 50 years old or achieving significance
within the past 50 years.
Areas of Significance
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Architecture
Exploration/Settlement
Period of Significance
1871-1887
Significant Dates
1871
1890
1913
Significant Person
(Complete only if Criterion B is marked above.)
George W. Henson
Cultural Affiliation (if applicable)
Architect/Builder
Unknown
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County ,Illinois Name of Property County and State
13
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
14
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Statement of Significance Summary Paragraph (Provide a summary paragraph that includes level of significance, applicable criteria,
justification for the period of significance, and any applicable criteria considerations).
The George W. Henson House is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria “B” and
“C”. George Warren Henson (1821-1881) was a prominent landowner in Douglas County, Illinois. It was on
property purchased by the railroad from Henson that the community of Villa Grove was founded in 1887. Prior
to this, the Henson House was the only residence in the area, and as this stately residence was surrounded by
well-maintained grounds and outbuildings, the farmstead was known as “the villa in the grove”. The property
is also significant for its architecture, which is a successful combination of primarily Italianate, Classical
Revival, and Arts & Crafts elements. Though some features of the property can be assigned to the 1920s and
1930s, the most prominent and significant aspects of the property span the period between 1871 and 1913. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Narrative Statement of Significance (Provide at least one paragraph for each area of significance.)
Criteria B: Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
George Warren Henson and Villa Grove
George Warren Henson was born September 5, 1821, in Harrison County, Kentucky. His family moved to
Vermilion County, Illinois, and by 1844 settled in the Douglas County area. As Douglas County was formed
from part of Coles County in 1859, early records place the family in Coles County. The 1850 Federal census
records George was 28 years old and residing in New Albany, Coles County, Illinois. By 1860, the Federal
census indicates he was residing in Township 16N, Range 9E of Douglas County, the current location of his
residence. The same census records his occupation as “farmer”. In 1859, George married Eliza Perry Sargent
in Coles County. The 1850 census records Eliza as residing in Independence, Coles County. George and Eliza
would have 11 children. George Henson died on May 9, 1881. The Historical and Biographical Record of
Douglas County, Illinois (Gresham 1900:252) states:
The county of Douglas, by the death of Mr. Henson, lost one of its most prominent citizens and honorable men.
Politically he was a Democrat. He was a Mason, a pioneer of the county, and a man possessing a spirit of
charity and enterprise.
The Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales database indicates George was purchasing tracts in the Douglas
County area from the government between 1848 and 1863. However, the tract on which his residence would be
built was first purchased by Ervin Elmore on February 5, 1836, a possible land speculator who later sold the
property. Clearly, George Henson owned this tract by 1871, when their house was constructed. This was the
first home in the area and cost $8,000 to build. At his death, George Henson possessed 2,800 acres of land.
The City of Villa Grove owes its origins and name to the Henson family. In 1877, the Chicago and Eastern
Illinois Railroad (C&EI) was created through the merger of three eastern Illinois and western Indiana railroads:
the Chicago, Danville and Vincennes R.R.; the Evansville, Terra Haute and Chicago R.R.; and the Evansville
and Terra Haute R.R. In 1887, the C&EI acquired the Chicago, Danville and St. Louis railroad, which was
being built towards Tuscola. The village of Villa Grove was founded on June 23, 1887 as the railroad crews
passed through laying rail to Tuscola from Danville on land purchased from George Henson. The 1875 plat
atlas depicts this tract immediately east of the confluence of the Embarras River and Jordan Slough, in the
southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 2, T16 N, R9E (Figure 30). Hiram Beckwith, Danville
attorney for the C&EI, suggested naming the new village “Hensonville” after the Henson family who had sold
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the land to the railroad. The family countered this suggestion with “Villa Grove” since Beckwith often referred
to the Henson home, the only house in the vicinity at this time, as “the villa in the grove.” Soon after this
occasion and the first sales of house lots in 1890, the village began to grow in what has been known as the “Old
Town.” There would be a church, a school, a post office, a hotel, a grain elevator, a store, a harness shop and a
population of about 200. The 1893 plat atlas depicts the new village surrounded by parcels owned by William
Shelby, G.W. Henson, Jr., and C.B. Henson (Figure 31). The railroad passes immediately south of the village
across property owned by the Henson and Richman families.
Wishing to extend its service to St. Louis, the C&EI partnered with the Big Four railroad and was able to access
shared trackage extending to St. Louis by 1904. In order to avoid congestion at Danville, a new 62-mile cutoff
was built between Woodland Junction (south of Watseka) and Villa Grove, also in 1904. As Villa Grove was
situated halfway between Chicago and St. Louis, the railroad decided to establish repair shops, a depot, and a
roundhouse at this location, as well as housing and services for its employees and families. However, this
would require Villa Grove to expand its boundaries. Expansion to the south was not possible as the Henson
family refused to sell this land, the location of the George Henson estate. Instead the railroad purchased 260
acres of land immediately west and southwest of the “Old Town”, on the west side of the Embarras River on
property purchased from the Richman and Buck families (Figure 32). In August of 1903, the area was divided
into house lots and streets, creating a “New” Villa Grove west of the “Old Town”. In 1904, the “village” was
officially reorganized into the City of Villa Grove. The cutoff from Woodland Junction entered the city from
near its northeast corner passing through the “Old Town” and continuing through the new section of the city on
the former Richman property, where it joined with the older tracks coming from Danville.
The 1842 General Land Office (GLO) plat of Township 16N, Range 9E indicates the area in which the Henson
residence was to be built was located within a timbered area along the Embarras River, just west of the prairie-
timber border. This was a common place for people to settle during the frontier period, as they were not well-
prepared to farm the open prairie and preferred the natural resources and protection of the forests. George
Henson did indeed establish a “villa in the grove”.
The Henson family has left its imprint on the community of Villa Grove in other ways. The north-south road
that runs in front of the house is named for the Henson family. In 1981, the family donated Henson Park to the
City of Villa Grove. The nearby Henson\Anderson\Bunch Farm was donated in 1991 to the University of
Illinois Foundation to support: WILL-TV, a television station operated by the university; the College of Fine
and Applied Arts; and scholarships in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The farm is located on land that
was left to George and Eliza Henson’s youngest daughter Blanche Henson Anderson. Upon Blanche’s death,
the farm was inherited by her only child, Eugenia Anderson Bunch. Eugenia left the farm and 720 acres together
with a very large investment portfolio to the University of Illinois. The Tri-City Country Club is located on land
formerly owned by the family.
Criteria C: Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction
or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
The George W. Henson house represents the successful amalgam of three architectural styles: Italianate,
Classical Revival, and Arts and Crafts. The architect of the original Italianate house is currently unknown, as
are those responsible for the Classical Revival and Arts and Crafts remodels.
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Italianate
The Italianate style began in England as part of the Picturesque movement. There are three categories of
“Italian-style” houses: Villa, Renaissance Revival, and Italianate. Of these, the Italianate is the most common
and more vernacular of the styles.
“The overwhelming majority of these houses were not high style or custom-designed. All a builder had
to do was flip to an Italian-inspired plan in one of the many pattern books published during the period. Even
more often, builders started with a familiar-shaped house and simply added a few of the very fashionable
Italianate details” (Massey and Maxwell 1996:91).
Unlike classical revival styles based on models of ancient Greece and Rome, the Italianate style was inspired by
rural farmhouses of the Italian villas. It was one of the most popular of styles in the United States between 1850
and 1880 and was particularly common in the growing towns of the Midwest. Common characteristics of the
style include: long narrow windows with 1/1 or 2/2 lights; arched window openings with flat-topped, rounded,
or pediment-shaped hoods; bay windows; brackets; and low-pitched hipped roofs with wide eaves. Original
Italianate elements of the George Henson House are most evident in the basic form of the building, the arched
window openings, and the imposing bay window on the south façade. These elements are clearly visible in an
illustration in the 1875 plat atlas of Douglas County published shortly after the house was built. Interior
elements typical of the Italianate style include ornate ceiling medallions, staircase details, interior four-paneled
doors, ceramic doorknobs, ceramic and metal window sash locks, and the fireplace in the first-floor south sitting
room.
Classical Revival
Classical Revival architecture became popular after the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition that was held in
Chicago's Jackson Park. Often referred to as the “White City”, the Exposition’s main fair grounds were largely
composed of monumental classical buildings, structures that were visited and photographed by thousands of
people from all over the United States. Many of the smaller pavilions that were built to resemble houses, such
as those representing Kentucky, Ohio, Utah, and Nebraska were also inspired by classical architecture.
Very likely as a result of the popularity and the mass exposure to the fair, Classical Revival commercial and
institutional buildings dominated architecture for several decades--through the 1920s and, in a more limited
way, into the 1930s. It was a style particularly well suited to buildings such as banks, schools, and art museums,
as well as synagogues and Christian Science churches, where projecting an imposing image of timelessness,
stability and monumentality was important.
Because of its monumental scale, which was appropriate for large structures, the full-blown Classical Revival
style, typified by a temple front, with a pediment supported by two-story Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns,
was less commonly applied to houses. When it was, classical details were often creatively handled and reserved
for large stately houses, incorporated to enhance the importance of the design. Classical elements were often
appropriated and applied to a house in the form of front porches with classical columns or pilasters, in gable
roofs that resemble a pediment or by incorporating a classical dentiled cornice. The George Henson House
exhibits such features primarily in the front porch and the remodeled roof, both dating to the 1890s. The porch
roof is supported by columns with hand-carved capitals. The gable above the entry stairway features scrolled
decoration, as do the north and south facing pediments of the porch roof. The original low-pitched,
asymmetrical cross-hipped roof was modified during the 1890s remodel into a steeply pitched roof with gable
front and wings and wide eave overhangs boxed with dentils.
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The windows within the three gables are surrounded by decorative plain slate shingles that fill the entire gable
area. Above the gable windows are pediments with decorative scrollwork and “keystones”.
Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts Movement originated in England in the latter half of the 19th century with British reformer
and designer, William Morris (1834-1896), who was a disciple of art critic John Ruskin (1819-1900), known,
among other things, for his philanthropy and writings on social reform. The movement was a reaction against
the perceived negative impacts of mechanization and mass production of the Industrial Revolution on society.
Emphasizing nature and simplicity, medieval guilds were promoted as models for the artistic creation of
affordable, everyday handmade crafts. These ideals eventually spread from England to Europe and America
during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Arts and Crafts Movement was also influenced by the Aesthetic
Movement which shared the basic tenets of the former together with an interest in exotic styles and forms,
especially those derived from Asia and the Orient. In America, Gustav Stickley, founder of the Craftsman
Workshops, closely followed Morris's model. Stickley’s publication The Craftsman, and other contemporary
journals, illustrate principles of the well-decorated middle-class home, emphasizing the importance of the
natural environment in its design. The Arts and Crafts Movement inevitably came to an end in the 1920's when
modern tenets of the machine age and the pursuit of national identity following World War I brought to a close
the desire for handcrafted goods in America, which ultimately became too expensive for all but the wealthy to
afford.
The 1913 remodel of the George Henson House introduced several Arts and Crafts elements. Among these are
the striking plain plank entry doors which exhibit the fine craftsmanship typical of the style. The doors exhibit a
small brass plate stamped Higgin Mfg. Co., Newport, KY. The Higgin Manufacturing Company was organized
in 1893 and specialized in the construction of screens for windows and doors. Their catalogue from 1925 (p.11)
states:
“Higgin doors are made of the finest seasoned woods, oak, mahogany, walnut, pine and many others. Every
joint is mortised and tennoned, glued and wedged so that year after year they hold their trim and shape…The
fine mesh bronze cloth is held in special grooves with rattan splines, evenly taut throughout”.
Further, the intricate patterns of the mesh bronze screens evoke Asian and Oriental decorative styles. The south
wall of the first-floor dining room features a plate rail, built-in cupboard with stained-glass and drawers, and a
butler pass through. The drawers of the built-in cupboard retain original Arts and Crafts style drawer pulls.
Also dating to the 1913 remodel is a pocket door between the parlor and entry hall and two pocket doors
separating the first-floor parlor from the dining room. Finally, the fieldstone posts and walls along the west
edge of the property exhibit the rustic appearance typical of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Comparable Properties
The Henson House was identified in the Illinois Structures Survey, a statewide survey of properties of
architectural interest that was conducted between 1970 and 1975 in areas of 500 population or greater. The
HARGIS database indicates 19 structures, including the Henson House, were identified in Villa Grove by this
survey, of which four exhibit comparable elements to the Henson House. The two-story Richman Farmhouse
exhibited Italianate and Victorian features including a low-pitched roof, wide eaves with paired decorative
brackets, and a full-width, one-story front porch with Victorian/Queen Anne details (turned spindle supports
and a spindlework frieze). This house, formerly located on Adams Street, between Sycamore and Main streets,
no longer exists.
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Another two-story house located at 104 West Vine Street exhibits Italianate elements including a low-pitched
roof, wide eaves with paired decorative brackets, a front-gabled central section with a full arched central
window, and a highly altered, full-width one-story front porch which retains a modified Classical Revival roof.
The wrought iron porch supports and railings appear to be more recent additions, as do the brick porch
foundations and piers. In general, this house lacks the historic integrity of the Henson House, and appears to
have been clad with aluminum or vinyl siding.
A third comparable is a small, two-story frame Victorian cottage at 102 North Pine Street. Unlike the Henson
House, this house exhibits minimal decoration. The simple one-story wrap around porch is supported by simple
classical columns. The porch exhibits pediments above the stairs on the east and south façades of the house.
These pediments exhibit recessed arches, characteristic of the Queen Anne style. While the steeply pitched roof
and front-facing gable are similar to the Henson House, the gable lacks the decorative details exhibited by the
Henson House. In general, aside from the steeply pitched roof, front-facing gable, and Classical Revival porch
with Queen Anne elements, this house bears little resemblance to the Henson House.
Finally, the house at 202 Henson Road exhibits characteristics of the Greek Revival style. This brick, two-story
house features a low-pitched roof with gable front and wings. The second-floor east façade features a Palladian
window flanked by two ornate oval windows. The first-floor entrance doorway features a simple entablature
and side transom lights. The roof/wall junction on the gables exhibit dentils, and the roof is clad with ceramic
tiles. The house features a one-story wrap around porch with brick foundation and piers. The entrance porch
stairway on the east façade is flanked on the north and south by paired simple classic columns on brick piers;
elsewhere, the porch roof is supported by single simple classical columns on brick piers. While in general this
house appears to retain much of his historic integrity on the exterior, the integrity of the porch has been
compromised. This is evident in a photograph from the Illinois Structures Survey of the 1970s included in the
HARGIS database. This photograph shows the intact porch entablature exhibiting dentil decorations. In
addition, there was a balcony on the second floor, in front of the central Palladian window and above the paired
columns of the entryway. This balcony was enclosed by a low balustrade. A recent inspection of this house
revealed the porch entablature has been clad in vertical siding, and it appears the dentil decoration has been
removed. In addition, the second-floor balcony has been removed. In summary, while this Classical Revival
house exhibits extensive exterior integrity, the integrity of the porch has been compromised. The front porch of
the Henson House exhibits more pristine aspects of Classical Revival architecture than the porch at 202 Henson
Road.
9. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form.)
Blakesley, Rosalind
2006 The Arts and Crafts Movement. London: Phaideon Press Limited.
Blumenson, JohnJ.-G.
1981 Identifying American Architecture. W.W. Norton & Company. New York.
Calloway, Stephen and Elizabeth Cromley
1996 The Elements of Style. Simon & Schuster. New York.
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Cumming, Elizabeth and Wendy Kaplan.
1991 The Arts and Crafts Movement. Thames and Hudson.
Foster, Gerald
2004 American Houses: A Field Guide to the Architecture of the Home. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Boston.
Gresham, John
1900 Historical and Biographical Record of Douglas County Illinois. Wilson, Humphreys & Co.
Logansport, Indiana.
Hewett, Christopher
2018 Concrete Steps and Stone Walls: Front Porch Restoration.
Myoldhousefix.com/2018/08/05/concrete-steps-walls-porch-restoration/ (accessed 22 June
2020).
Higgin Manufacturing Company
1925 Higgin All Metal Screens. Higgin Manufacturing Company. Newport, Kentucky.
Kaplan, Wendy.
1987 The Art that is Life: The Arts & Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920. Boston: Bulfinch
Press.
Massey, James C. and Shirley Maxwell
1996 House Styles in America. New York: Penguin Putman, Inc.
McAlester, Virginia and Lee
2005 A Field Guide to American Houses. Alfred A. Knopf. New York.
Schriver, Ginny
1985 Villa Grove Illinois and Surrounding Areas: A Pictorial History.
Sprung, Rick
1993 Three Railroads Across the Prairies. Central States Challenger Special. St. Louis Chapter,
National Railway Historical Society, in cooperation with Union Pacific Railroad. July 19, 1993.
Sullivan, Aleca and John Leeke
2006 Preserving Historic Wood Porches. Technical Preservation Services Preservation Briefs #45.
National Park Service. Nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/45-wooden porches.htm#anatomy
(accessed 21 June 2020).
TomComKnowsHow
2020 how-to-applyrepair-ornamental-mapping-on-historic-field-stone-construction.
https: //www.tomcomknowsho w.com/how-to-applyrepair-ornamental -
mapping-on-historic- field-stone-construct ion.html
Copyright © TomComKnowsHow. All Rights Reserved. Accessed June 16, 2020.
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Urbana Daily Courier
1904 Town of Villa Grove Rises Out of the Prairie. Urbana Daily Courier, 1 June 1904, p. 2.
Villa Grove, Illinois
2020 (https://villagrove.org/about/). Accessed July 5, 2020.
W.R. Brink & Company
1875 An Illustrated Historical Atlas Map of Douglas County, Ill. W.R. Brink & Co., Illinois.
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Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data:
preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67 has been X State Historic Preservation Office
requested) Other State agency
previously listed in the National Register Federal agency
previously determined eligible by the National Register Local government
designated a National Historic Landmark University
recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #____________ Other
recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # __________ Name of repository:
recorded by Historic American Landscape Survey # ___________
Historic Resources Survey Number (if assigned):
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property F ca. 1.5 acres (Do not include previously listed resource acreage; enter “Less than one” if the acreage is .99 or less)
Latitude/Longitude Coordinates
Datum if other than WGS84: F (enter coordinates to 6 decimal places)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property.)
SW ¼, NW ¼ NE ¼ of Section 11, T16N, R9E, Camargo Township, Villa Grove, Douglas County.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected.)
The nomination includes the current boundaries of the property.
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Brian Adams date
organization telephone (217) 552-2403
street & number 907 West Daniel Street email [email protected]
city or town Champaign state IL zip code 61821
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
• GIS Location Map (Google Earth or BING)
• Local Location Map
• Site Plan
• Floor Plans (As Applicable)
• Photo Location Map (Include for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Key all photographs to
this map and insert immediately after the photo log and before the list of figures).
1 39° 51’ 48” N 88° 09’ 00” W 3 Latitude Longitude Latitude
Longitude
2 4 Latitude
Longitude
Latitude Longitude
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Photographs:
Submit clear and descriptive photographs. The size of each image must be 3000x2000 pixels, at 300 ppi (pixels per inch) or larger. Key all photographs
to the sketch map. Each photograph must be numbered and that number must correspond to the photograph number on the photo log. For simplicity, the name of the photographer, photo date, etc. may be listed once on the photograph log and doesn’t need to be labeled on every photograph.
Photo Log
Name of Property: George W. Henson House
City or Vicinity: Villa Grove
County: Douglas State: IL
Photographer: Brian Adams
Date Photographed: June & July 2020
Description of Photograph(s) and number, include description of view indicating direction of camera:
Photo 1 of 6: West Façade (view to east).
Photo 2 of 6: North Façade (view to south).
Photo 3 of 6: East Façade (view to west).
Photo 4 of 6: South Façade (view to north).
Photo 5 of 6: West and South facades (view to northeast).
Photo 6 of 6: South portion of east façade (left) and east portion of south façade (right)
(view to northeast). Also depicted: covered porch under renovation.
GIS Location Map
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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103 North Henson Road
Villa Grove
Douglas County, Illinois
Lat: 39° 51’ 48” N
Long: 88° 09’ 00” W
Photo 1 of 6: West Façade (view to east).
Photo 2 of 6: North Façade (view to south).
Photo 3 of 6: East Façade (view to west).
Photo 4 of 6: South Façade (view to north).
Photo 5 of 6: West and South facades (view to northeast).
Photo 6 of 6: South portion of east façade (left) and east portion of south façade (right) (view to northeast). Also
depicted: covered porch under renovation.
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Site Plan
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Northeast Garage (non-contributing): view to northeast.
Southeast Garage/Apartment (non-contributing): view to southeast.
View to west. View to southeast.
West Posts.
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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South Post and Wall: view to east.
South Post and Wall: view to southeast.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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North post and wall remnant.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Floor plans.
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Photo 1 of 6: West Façade (view to east).
Photo 2 of 6: North Façade (view to south).
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Photo 3 of 6: East Façade (view to west).
Photo 4 of 6: South Façade (view to north).
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Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Photo 5 of 6: West and South facades (view to northeast).
Photo 6 of 6: South portion of east façade (left) and east portion of south façade (right)
(view to northeast). Also depicted: covered porch under renovation.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
Henson House Douglas County, Illinois Name of Property County and State
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Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.460 et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 100 hours per response including time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Office of Planning and Performance Management. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 1849 C. Street, NW, Washington, DC.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 35
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
List of Figures (Resize, compact, and paste images of maps and historic documents in this section. Place captions, with figure numbers above each image. Orient
maps so that north is at the top of the page, all document should be inserted with the top toward the top of the page.
Figure 1. Detail from the 1875 atlas map depicting the George W. Henson house shortly after completion (W.R. Brink & Company 1875).
Figure 2. Historic photograph depicting the 1890s porch addition.
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 3. West façade, front porch detail.
Figure 4. West façade, cut stone wing walls, main front porch entrance stairway. Detail of chisel marked stone corners.
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 5. Engaged column at north end of porch.
Figure 6. Hand-carved composite column capital, west façade porch.
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National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 38
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 7. Decorative scroll work, west façade porch.
Figure 8. Decorative scroll work, west façade, front porch, south pediment.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 39
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 9. West façade, main entry doorway, Higgin Mfg. Co., 1913.
Figure 10. West façade, south entry doorway.
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United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 40
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 11. First floor, west façade: original double hung window with two sashes. This type of window is common to the
house.
Figure 12. West façade, second and top/attic floor: steeply pitched roof with gable front featuring double sash
windows, slate shingle decoration, and decorative scroll work in pediment above windows. The two side gables exhibit
identical features.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 41
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 13. North façade: typical basement window.
Figure 14. East façade: basement stairwell vestibule and enclosed porch.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 42
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 15. East façade: enclosed porch under renovation.
Figure 16. East façade: enclosed porch under renovation. Rear entrance door to the house.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 43
43
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 17. East façade, enclosed porch detail, northern section.
Figure 18. East façade, enclosed porch detail, southern section.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 44
44
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 19. South façade: bay window and gabled wing.
Figure 20. First floor, entrance foyer details.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 45
45
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 21. First floor, entrance foyer with staircase.
Figure 22. First floor parlor.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 46
46
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 23. First floor dining room.
Figure 24. First floor dining room: built-in cupboard and plate rail.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 47
47
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 25: First floor sitting room: fireplace to left, bay window in center.
Figure 26: Sitting room fireplace: 1907 photograph.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 48
48
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 27: Sitting room fireplace, detail.
Figure 28. Second floor: southwest master bedroom.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 49
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 29. Historic photograph depicting original front porches on west façade, prior to 1890s porch addition.
Figure 30. Section from the 1875 plat atlas. The George W. Henson house is visible as a black square in the northeast
quarter of Section 11, immediately south of a schoolhouse. The original village of Villa Grove would be platted on the
40-acre parcel in the southwest quarter of Section 2, purchased from George W. Henson by the railroad.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 50
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Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Figure 31. Section from the 1893 plat atlas. The new village of Villa Grove is surrounded by parcels owned by William
Shelby, G.W. Henson, Jr., E.P Henson and C.B. Henson.
Figure 32. Section from the 1914 plat atlas. Now a city, Villa Grove has expanded west, south, and east of its original limits. Much of this land was acquired from the Richman, Buck and Shelby families. The railroad cutoff from Woodland Junction enters the city the northeast passing through the “Old Town” and continuing through the new section of the city on the former Richman property, where it joined with the older tracks coming from Danville.
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8/2002) OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior Put Here National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Additional Documentation Page 51
51
Henson House Name of Property
Douglas County, Illinois County and State
Name of multiple listing (if applicable)
Property name: Illinois, County:
52