Page 8 THE BEACON December 2017
Architecture and Charm Bring a Community Together
On a beautiful fall afternoon , friends and neighbors joined together at the Speakman-Tallentire House to tour one of the area ' s greatest architectural masterpieces . To a casual passerby , the event would have appeared to be a social gathering on the lawn filled with wonderful conversation , laughter , food , and wine . What better way to enjoy a perfect fall afternoon .
The opportunity to tour the Speakman-Tallentire House originated as a fund raiser for the Ohio County Historical Society . A mere one hundred people were estimated to attend . Little did the historical society know that over four hundred area residents would turn out for the auspicious event .
The Speakman-Tallentire House is owned by two individuals who have determined that the time has come to share the wonders of this architectural marvel with new owners . While many repairs are needed to ensure the structural integrity of the house , the fully-restored house will be a masterpiece and unique property for an enthusiastic owner to call home .
Located on the banks of Laughery Creek and along the Ohio River , the land that surrounds the Speakman- Tallentire House is incredibly peaceful and boasts solitude not often found in Southeast Indiana .
As with many great structures of the era , construction of The Speakman-Tallentire House took several years to complete . It was started in 1844 and completed in 1846 for Stephen and Sallie Speakman . The home remained in the Speakman family until 1875 when it was purchased by the Miller family . The Kittle family had the honor of living in the Speakman-Tallentire House in 1918 and remained so until 1940 when the Tallentire family became the owners .
The architect of the Speakman-Tallentire House was Timothy Newman . Architecturally , it is a landmark Greek Revival residence that has , sadly , been vacant for several years . It has been marked by Indiana Landmarks list of the ten most endangered historic properties in Indiana . The architectural significance of the house makes it eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places .
What does all of this mean ? Despite years of , to put it delicately , deferred
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The grand staircase that graces the center hall may have been influenced by designs by Asher Benjamin , an influential American architect . ( photo compliments of Indiana Historic Landmarks )
Mike , Lisa , and Scott Speakman attended the open house of their ancestral home . They were presented with an historic plate featuring a rendering of the home . ( photo by Dawn Gilb )
maintenance , the exterior of the home remains in fair condition overall . Exterior maintenance is needed post haste to stabilize the house and prevent further deterioration .
The Speakman-Tallentire House boasts approximately 6,800 square feet of living space and maintains much of its architectural integrity . Spacious rooms , beautiful woodwork , and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape heighten the charm of the home . The interior remains largely intact since its sensitive renovation in 1941 . Stories passed down by
The Speakman-Tallentire House stands majestically along the Ohio River and has been deemed a highly significant historical property .
The fireplace in the kitchen was beautifully decorated for the tour . Minor updates to the kitchen were last made in the 1960s .
The front parlor boasts beautiful views of the Ohio River . The mantels in the first floor public rooms that flank the center hall are classic examples of Greek Revival architecture .
generations rumor that the bricks for the house were made on site , and that the lumber came from surrounding forests . Art glass panes surround the front entry and boast the golden vine pattern similar to that of our beloved Hillforest .
The Speakman-Tallentire House is a highly significant property and has the potential for use as a residence or bed and breakfast . It is one of only a few of high-style Greek Revival homes that still exist along the Ohio River in Indiana . One can only imagine its grandeur as parties were held on the grounds in the past . Once again , the home ' s allure draws the community together to share in its rich history .
For more information about the Speakman-Tallentire House , contact Mr . Jarrod Holbrook , director of Indiana Landmarks Southeast field office 813-926-0983 , or Mr . Cliff Thies , director of Ohio County Historical Museum 812-438-4915 . More information can be found at indianalandmarks . org / endangered-property / speakman-house /
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