Jones House (Pontiac, Illinois)

The Jones House is a historic building in the East Madison Street in downtown Pontiac, Illinois. It is the second oldest brick building in the city and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

The Jones House was built 1857-1858 by John Dehner, a prominent citizen of Pontiac, who was involved in the Chicago and Paducah Railroad. Dehner had acquired the property in 1857 and was completed when the house, its value was 366 U.S. dollars sized (1858 inflation- adjusted 11,108 U.S. dollars). The current name of the house dates back to Henry C. Jones, who bought it in 1899. Jones was in the newspaper business working, but later founded the Pontiac Light, Heat and Power Company, whose director he was. Jones lived until his death in 1921 it. Then in turn went on for several members of his family in the possession. By fire it was damaged in 1975. The Livingston County Historical Society purchased it in 1976. Latter has it today and it can be visited by appointment.

Architecture

The Jones House is a local example of neo-Gothic architecture. This brick home sits on a base of limestone. With its steep gabled roof and lancet windows, it is unique in the region. Originally the house had a porch and was shingle clad. After the purchase by the historical society restoration was undertaken which sought to preserve the historic integrity of the house.

Historical Significance

Before the construction of the neo-Gothic building there is only one other built from brick home in Pontiac. Although the importance is mainly due to the architecture of the house, it also played a role in the local history because it served as a residence for two prominent citizens from the early years of the city. The Jones House were taken so both for its architecture and in terms of its importance for local history on 5 May 1978 in the National Register of Historic Places.