Thomas & Mary McNamee House

208 West Hill Street

Built: c. 1870

Style: Second Empire/Italianate

Thomas McNamee began business in 1855 with a stove store and tin ship. His business ultimately grew to include hardware and prospered considerably, allowing him to build this stately home. Mr. McNamee was one of three founders of the Wabash County Bank and served as president of its successor, the Wabash National Bank, for nearly twenty years. According to the 1914 History of Wabash County, he was "one of the most widely known men in the county."

This home won local note when it was included in the 1962 Indiana Houses of the Nineteenth Century by Wilbur Peat. The Second Empire style is seen primarily in the corner tower with its convex mansard roof and dormer windows. The rectangular massing, hipped roof, and cornice with brackets suggested the Italianate style. The pattered slate roof and heavily molded window hoods add to the splendor of this home.