Strawbridge-Shepherd House

What is Strawbridge-Shepherd House?

The original house is a two-story Greek Revival block, and its classical details are still easy to read. A broad band of trim under the roof imitates the beam across the top of an ancient temple, and the front door is framed by flat pilasters, narrow side windows and a transom above. Around 1865 an addition turned the plan into an L and brought a new kitchen.

A later owner layered on Queen Anne touches, most visibly two porches trimmed with turned spindlework. The mix of a formal Greek Revival core with lacy Victorian porches is what makes the house worth a look.

History of Strawbridge-Shepherd House

Thomas Strawbridge, who made saddles and harnesses, built the house around 1845. In 1883 it was bought by Charles M. Shepherd, a Civil War veteran, who made several additions and changes. The University of Illinois Springfield acquired the property in 1970, and the house joined the National Register in 2015.

Visiting Strawbridge-Shepherd House: tips

Plan to admire it from outside; it is home to the Illinois State Historical Society rather than a listed attraction. A short stop is enough for photos of the doorway and the porches; look closely at the front door, where the Greek Revival trim is at its best. It pairs well with the green spaces on this side of town: the Henson Robinson Zoo is about 1.8 miles away and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden about 2 miles. The Taft Farmstead, another historic rural property, is about 3.7 miles off.