DeForest Skinner House, Historical residence in Valparaiso, United States.
The DeForest Skinner House is a two-story residence built in the Italianate style with a double brick foundation and weatherboard walls. The building sits three blocks north of the Porter County Courthouse in downtown Valparaiso.
The residence was completed in 1860 and remained in the Skinner family for generations, who were influential in local business. The property eventually changed ownership in the early twentieth century as the next generation pursued other opportunities.
The carved family name on the stepping stone near the porch entrance marks the home as a private residence with deep local roots. This detail shows how nineteenth-century families made their mark on their own spaces.
The house can be viewed from the street as it sits on a public road easily accessible from downtown. Visiting during daylight hours lets you see the architectural details and carved elements on the exterior more clearly.
The younger generation who inherited the house achieved remarkable success in the railroad industry and held a position typically given to much older men. This path shows how children from prosperous families could rise quickly in business during this era.
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