07/10/2024
Update on the Dr. Jefferson Helm House! Exciting news!
The historic Dr. Jefferson Helm house, a unique Greek Revival structure on St. Rd. 44 four miles east of Rushville, has long fascinated passersby. Its distinct features, such as the three chimneys and the large veranda, set it apart from any other building in the area. These unique elements captured the attention of many, including Ball State University history professor and Indiana Landmarks member Ron Morris. Morris, known for his restoration work on his 1830 Federal-style home in Centerville and the 1848 Centerville home of Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton, was captivated by the Helm House's undeniable aesthetic appeal and was determined to add it to his list of restoration projects.
The house was built in 1845 by Dr. Helm, one of the earliest and most influential settlers in Rush County. Dr. Helm, a physician, educator, and state senator, was a key figure in the region's early development. His contributions, including serving on the committee to draft Indiana's Constitution and founding the town of Vienna (now Glenwood), an institution of learning, and East Hill Cemetery in Rush County, underscore the Helm House's historical significance.
When the house was built, Dr. Helm was one of the largest landowners in the county. The house became the centerpiece of his 900-acre farm, with bricks said to be made on-site and woodwork cut from local trees. The house has three chimneys: one on each end for the fireplaces within the one-story sections, and another chimney is centered in the two-story section, which features a two-sided fireplace. The house has six large rooms - four downstairs and two upstairs. The main entrance is recessed to form a large veranda with an equally large inset balcony above it.
The home is influenced by Thomas Jefferson's ideas, and the property embodies the pioneer ancestors' faith in Indiana, the power of education, and the virtue of science.
In late 2021, Morris acquired the Helm House from Rush County Heritage and embarked on a mission to revive it as a venue for tours, a wedding photography site, special events, and educational sessions focusing on the local history of eastern Indiana. In 2022, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs awarded Morris $100,000 to aid in preserving and restoring the Helm House to service.
With the grant's assistance, the masonry restoration to fix exterior cracks and bowing walls has been completed. Additionally, new period-appropriate windows have been constructed and are ready for installation. The trusses needed for the roof line repair have been ordered. Next steps include chimney work, repairing the porch rails and columns, as well as replacing historic doors. Reconstruction of the two missing side porches based on physical evidence will also be completed. Morris shared that once the exterior work is finished, which he hopes will be completed by the end of the year, there will be a community party to celebrate.
When the exterior is finished, the focus will shift to the interior, taking approximately another year to complete. The house served as a private home for more than a century before falling into disrepair in the 1960s. Morris shared the house contained significant debris and required a dumpster per room for cleanup. However, Morris was ecstatic that very little of the original room trim was lost, as keeping the house's historical integrity is the priority. Helm explained that even small details, like the hinges on the door, will be replaced with replicas of the originals. The walls will be painted with period colors, and the wood floors will be restored. Morris said Dr. Helm would find the rooms, walls, and floor plan very similar to how he built the home, and he liked to think that Dr. Helm would be comfortable there upon its completion.
Indiana Landmarks has served as a technical advisor and stated its protective easements will safeguard the home's architectural character in the future. In an article by Indiana Landmarks, Morris said, "Having worked with Indiana Landmarks in the past on other home restorations, I see their covenant and easement program as the single best way to preserve historic properties and structures. It ensures my efforts to save the historic character of the Helm House are preserved for years to come."
Morris thanked Indiana Landmarks, Heritage Rush County, and the general contractors, saying they have been a pleasure to work with and the contractors have done a great job producing high-quality work.
The Helm House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 11, 2023.
Reported by Cassie Garrett
