People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — A MEMORABLE HOME. [ARTICLE]

A MEMORABLE HOME.

The accompanying cut represents the residence of Mrs. Mary E. Hopkins, situated at the corner of Front and Susan streqtsxm one of the main thoroughfaresrof our little city and within a block of our public schools. For years the merry sounds of children at their play at the old school house made music always pleasant to hear, and when the new buildings were erected, the occupants of this residence again listened with increasing interest to the now plainer utterings of the young students, until they closed their books and departed from their Alma Mater, only to be again opened in the different roles, chosen by them on the stage of life. This house was built in 1866 and took the place of a diminutive mansion situated on the same lots. On this spot stood a grove of large oak and -hickory trees, and most of these had to give way before the ax of marching civilization to make room for the new building. Six large trees stood in the yard for many years but one after another were taken down until but two remain. These two large specimens of the forest, stretch their gigantic arms over the yard, and beneath their branches four generations have sat and watched the progress of our town. The house is a large, two-story frame, built after the old durable and permanent style of workmanship, which will withstand storms and hurricanes without a tremor.

It is built upon a foundation of the fruit of the prairies, the once much used ‘-nigger head”, capable of enduring for centuries to come. The lumber and timbers were hauled by wagon across the country from Francesville and Monon, a distance of sixteen or eighteen miles, there being no railroad running into Rensselaer at that time. That was , the period of boggy and swampy lands, and the four horse teams were often stalled on their way with what would now be considered a light load. The house is finished entirely inside with walnut from the abundant forests which then flourished in Indiana, but which now are entirely extinct. A porch and portico adjoin the residence in front and full length French windows on either side. This house has probably more windows and more advantages of light than any other of its size in the town. It was completed in 1868, and about that time there arrived in town one of the many cross country circuses, and there being very poor hotel facilities, the performers were accommodated with bed and board during their stay in our little burg. This was then used for a hotel for about two years, until the town could afford a permanent place to accommodate wayfarers. The house is situated on three lots with a fhontage of two hundred feet, and the yard is surrounded by a row of large maple trees whose shade is a boon to the many pedestrians who pass

that way on hot summer days. On the north may be obtained a good view of the depot and railroad; on the east the several churches and that part of town; on the south the Iroquois river and the beautiful gravel walked cemetery, and on the west the many different roads leading to large and well cultivated farms, land that cannot be surpassed in this section of the country. This dwelling was built by Newman W. and Mary E. Hopkins and has always been their home since the time it was built, and in this home five children have grown to maturity. Newman W. Hopkins passed from this earth in 1875, but the wife and mother still survives him, and her present age rests but lightly on her shoulders. She was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1834, and removed to this county at the age of fifteen. Her maiden name was Sayler. In 1856 she was wedded to Newman W. Hopkins and has raised two girls and three boys. By long association this home has become to her and her children, a dearer place than any oiher home could ever be.