Wendell Lewis Willkie House

The Wendell Lewis Willkie House is a 2.5-story brick structure with a slate roof and stone foundation located on North Harrison Street in Rushville. The building displays Italianate architectural features including arched window openings and decorative brackets that define its exterior appearance.

The house was built in 1874 during a period when Italianate style was fashionable in small American towns. It gained historical prominence when it became the residence of Wendell Willkie, a political figure who shaped American life during the mid-20th century.

The residence displays design elements typical of how prosperous families expressed their status in the 1800s through architectural details. Today visitors can observe how these features reflected the tastes and values of the household that occupied the space.

The property has been restored with funding support and is being prepared for public access. Potential visitors should check in advance about current hours and visiting arrangements, as this is a private site transitioning to community use.

After restoration, the residence is being transformed into a gathering place for the community with guided tours and potential lodging options. This new purpose shows how historic homes are being revived to serve modern community needs.