Downtown Walking Tour (Continued from page 1)
8. 332 N. Franklin - This red brick house on the corner was built by Milton Siling in 1870. It was acquired some years later by Col. John Wallingford who did very little in the way of improvements. He entertained U.S. Senator James G. Blaine here in 1880. Blaine was defeated for the presidency of the United States in 1884. Also see the beautiful dogwood tree on the lot. Pretty, creamy white blooms appear on this tree in spring, heralding corn-planting time. Leaves turn red in the fall.
9. 432 N. Franklin - This is the Presbyterian Manse built about 1869. It has been used ever since by a succession of Presbyterian preachers. A red oak tree is located on the Southwest corner of Franklin and Hendricks. It is one of the largest specimens in the state. Acorns are large. It is a valuable timber tree having close-grained reddish wood.
Cross the street to the home at 421 N. Franklin.
10. 421 N. Franklin - E.M. Warthin, who was a grocer, built this old home in 1868. The long front windows and beautiful fan window over the front door are unusual in this area.
11. 413 N. Franklin - This large brick home was built by B.B. Harris around 1875. Notice the fine limestone work in the building, the great tall chimneys and the beautiful iron fence. A blue spruce tree is also located on the lot. An evergreen of unusual blue color, the foliage is very dense. The needles are almost square-shaped.
Turn west on North St. and walk to the corner of Broadway
and North. At the corner, notice the United Methodist Church..
14. The United Methodist Church - James Murray, A Methodist Circuit rider, held what is believed to be the first religious meeting in Decatur County. The first Methodist sermon was preached in September of 1822 in the log cabin of Colonel Thomas Hendricks, founding father of the community. Methodism grew, and various congregations began to unite. In the spring of 1925, the cornerstone of the present building was laid and dedication services were held on May 15, 1927.
Look to the north on Broadway and see the steeple of the
First Christian Church two blocks away.
15. The First Christian Church - The First Christian Church at Greensburg was founded in the pioneer era, 1832, only 10 years after Decatur County was organized. On February 20, 1870, the church sanctuary was dedicated at the corner of North Broadway and Hendricks Street.
Continue west to the home at 120 W. North St.