23 South Sixth Street, Gideon Allen House, 1830

23 South Sixth Street, Gideon Allen House, 1830, Greek Revival Style

In 1830, a fire destroyed brothers Gideon and William Allen's back-to-back homes located on lots on Sixth and Seventh Streets. Both brothers immediately rebuilt their homes in strikingly similar architectural styles. Both houses, built in brick, possess a dramatic Federal style fanlight above the entry door and delicate Corinthian columns on the portico. The Allen brothers owned shares in multiple whaling ships, including the “Octavia,” the “Brahmin,” the “Coral,” the “Victory,” and the “Francis.” Gideon also owned shares of whaling ships in his own name.

In 1918, the building at 23 South Sixth Street was purchased from the estate of F. William Oesting by The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, who made extensive renovations and alterations to it.