Richard C. Burtis House, Second Empire residential architecture in Vassar, Michigan, US
The Richard C. Burtis House is a Second Empire residential building in Vassar, Michigan, built on a stone-and-concrete foundation with a mansard roof topped by decorative slate shingles. The two-story structure features a prominent bay window on the front facade crowned by a steep octagonal tower, along with multiple bedrooms upstairs and servant quarters.
The house was built between 1879 and 1880 for Richard C. Burtis, a shoemaker and store owner who built his wealth from the shoe trade. The property received recognition as a National Register of Historic Places listing in 1975.
The interior displays skilled craftsmanship with multi-colored ornamental work along ceiling edges and alternating bands of light and dark woods in the dining room. These details reflect the prosperity that a successful shoe business owner could achieve in a small town.
The house can be observed from the street, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural features on the facade and decorative elements. The location sits in a residential area, so visitors should respect the privacy of current residents.
An emerald marble fireplace in the front parlor serves as a central decorative feature and showcases the premium materials available to wealthy households of that era. Detailed Italianate brackets support the slate roof and show how European design influences were woven into American homes of the 1800s.
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