Historical Homes and Sites Open House in Madison, Indiana

The Nights before Christmas Candlelight Tour of historic homes and sites in Madison, Indiana will be held November 27, 28, 29 and December 4, 5, and 6. Private homes and sites this year include:

The Lanier Mansion: Known as the "Crown Jewel" of Madison's Historic District and designated National Historic Landmark. This is a Greek revival mansion designed and built by Madison architect Francis Costigan completed in 1844. It was the home of J.F.D. Lanier until he moved to New York City in 1851. Lanier's contribution to Indiana's banking and railroad industries made him one of the most prominent figures in Indiana history before the Civil War.

The Lanier Mansion contains Madison's most impressive public collection of early nineteenth century furniture. During the holiday season, the mansion will be decorated much as it would have been in 1850, which was the last year the Lanier family lived in Madison.

Jefferson County Historical Society: Will present over 60 gingerbread houses made by area school children. Also on display will be an assortment of Christmas trees made by children in special holiday classes.

Lydia Middleton School: This school recently underwent major interior renovations. The school now has a glass floor, new computer rooms, an outdoor lab, beautifully scenic media center and a new gymnasium. Although Miss Lydia never taught or served as principal at Lydia Middleton Elementary School, she taught at the Old Lower Seminary that stood in the same location until razed to make room for the current structure in 1923. Several staff members are sure they have seen the ghost of Miss Lydia roaming the halls.

Private Historic Homes on the Tour

The Carlow Home: Is a wonderful example of the Queen Anne architecture. The house is rectangular with a full width front porch, classic columns, decorative wood spindles, and a natural wood ceiling. This brick home was built in 1899 by John Shaughnessy, who was a bookkeeper for the Trow & Co. and later served as manager of the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. The home was purchased by the Carlow family in 1997 that have extensively remodeled the interior restoring the home to its original design.

The Hopper Home: Is an Italianate style home built and formerly owned by John H. Moore in 1840. The home features bracketed cornices at the top of the roof, the tall, narrow windows in the front with plastered caps and decorative finals above the windows are all evidence of the Italianate style homes of this period. Ron Hopper purchased the property in 2009 and has given it the name of "La Bella Casa," meaning "The Beautiful House."

The Murphy Home: Is now the Whitehall Bed and Breakfast. It was constructed as a home in the Classical Style in 1827-28. Since this time the house and grounds have served many functions that include:

• Civil War Hospital

• Public School

• Apartments

• Private Residence

• And now a Bed and Breakfast

Features of the Bed and Breakfast include 6X6 fenestration windows, 11 ft. 6 in. ceilings, 3 classical porticoes, one inset portico, four of eight original fireplaces and the remnants of the original basement winter kitchen. Since the Civil War, changes to this property reflect the interest in Victorian building characteristics popular during this time period.

The Lauderbaugh Home: Is a Folk Victorian in architectural style. It was originally constructed in the 1840s. Hardwood floors throughout the home are thought to be original. The home is furnished with antiques and reproduction pieces that include a 1925 Wurlitzer baby grand piano and several reproduction Tiffany glass lamps.

The Schofield House: Was built circa 1815. It is a Federal-style in architectural design and is believed to be the first two-story tavern house in Madison, Indiana. It has been a tavern, a post office, and a general store. The Schofield House was once the home of Alexander and Drusilla Lanier, the parents of J.F.D. Lanier who had the Lanier Mansion built. This is an historical site in Madison, Indiana.

Judge Jeremiah Sullivan House: A property of Historic Madison, Inc., was built in 1818 and was the family home of Virginia-born Jeremiah Sullivan and his wife Charlote Cutler Sullivan. It is considered Madison's first mansion and is built in the Federal style. On exhibit for the first time for the 2009 Christmas Tour are portraits of Judge Sullivan and his wife. They now hang above the fireplaces in the front and back parlors in their original home.

The Madison Presbyterian Church: Organized in 1815 and will be the caroling site for the tour.

The Terrell Home: Built in 1860 is a Gothic Revival with Queen Anne turned porch posts. Terrell purchased the property in 2008 and began extensive renovations. The home is furnished with a blend of antique and contemporary furnishings. Present owners love to travel and have on display international artwork and crèches from different countries.

There will be several hospitality sites available throughout the Candlelight Tour. An admission is charged. For more information about this tour call 812-265-2956

Source: Visitor Center in Madison, Indiana