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The house sits on top of a hill over looking US 31 North. The property is 122 feet wide and 239 feet deep, in the shape of a large, flat rectangle with small bushes and a variety of large trees. Located adjacent to the house in the rear is a two stall garage and a two stall pole barn. RECOMMENDATION Based on the Historic Preservation Commission's Local Landmark Criteria's adopted by the County Council, the site, structures and objects at 19701 Cowles has been recommended to the County Council for designation as a Local Landmark by the Historic Preservation Commission. The building, sites and objects meet the following three criteria: 1) Its embodiment of elements or architectural design, detail, material or craftsmanship which represents an architectural characteristic or innovation; 2) Its suitability for preservation; 3) Its identification with the life of a person or persons of historical significance. The site and structures fulfills criteria #1 as a great example of a Vernacular Style house with a hint of Gothic Styling above the front second story window. The building is rated an 0/13 in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. The site and structures fulfills criteria #2 by the integrity of its original construction with virtually no change. It is a splendid example of a prosperous, mid -1800s house. The site and structures fulfills criteria #3 by its association with Frederick Rufus Cowle and his family. Mr. Cowles was a pioneer settler of Clay Township and among one of its most prominent citizens. In fact the area was replatted under the name of Keifer, who was Mr. Cowles daughter and the street next to the house was named after the Cowle family.