Nestled in the serene Old Town neighborhood within the historic enclave of Williamsport, the 1855 Hitchens House stands as a cherished landmark, gracefully occupying over an acre of land adorned with a sprawling lawn. Crafted for the distinguished local business leader, Elisha Hitchens, and his wife, Mary, this remarkable two-story brick Italianate residence stands as the mirrored identical twin to the neighboring home constructed by their daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and William Kent.
The exterior of the house is dominated by a unique three-story tower, artfully rotated at a 45-degree angle. Original features include a broad bracketed cornice, tall paired and tripled windows, and sandstone window hoods, sills, and a front porch that harmoniously aligns with the foundation.
As you step through the large enclosed west porch, now serving as the primary entry to the first-floor public spaces, the rich history of the house unfolds. The entry foyer, living room, dining room, and a first-floor bedroom all boast 11-foot ceilings, accompanied by the original wide crown molding that adds to the grandeur. A subtle interior remodel in the early 20th century introduced quarter-sawn oak flooring and Neoclassical accents, such as the columned fireplace surround in the living room, decorative Classical trim in the dining room, and spacious openings between rooms.
Adjacent to the dining room, the main service areas reveal themselves – the kitchen, a ¾ bath, a convenient laundry/mud room, and a generously sized storage room with basement access. The attached one-car drive-thru garage, currently not accessible from the main drive, adds to the unique layout of the property.
A captivating interior feature is the original spiral staircase, gracefully curving from the first floor to the pinnacle of the three-story tower. From this vantage point, one can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding neighborhood and beyond. Both the main stairway and the rear servant stair lead to the second floor, hosting four bedrooms and a charming sleeping porch. With 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and abundant natural light, each bedroom tells its own story. The second floor also holds an unfinished full bath, adding to the potential of this historic gem.
For a more in-depth exploration, detailed plans for the first and second floors are available. The 1855 Hitchens House invites you to step into its storied past, where every room whispers tales of yesteryears and invites you to be a part of its enduring legacy.
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For more information, contact Tommy Kleckner, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Western Regional Office at 812-249-3116 or tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org.
