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South Bend & Saint Joseph County HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Summary Report of Local Landmarks In Harris and Clay Townships December 31, 2004 INTRODUCTION In general, you will be seeing and reading descriptions of historic farmhouses with Landmark status referred to as Greek Revivals or Italianates. This in itself is important; it reflects some very significant trends in American history and life from the decades prior to the Civil War and those of the 1870s and 1880s. The Harris Prairie/Harris Township area is one of the oldest areas settled by pioneers of European decent in Saint Joseph County. The fertile prairie and close connection to early trails and roads - such as the Old Chicago Trail - attracted these people seeking a prosperous livelihood. The existing historic homes, schools, and cemeteries remind us of the rich and successful life to be found on this prairie in 19`h century America. Residences built in the Greek revival style were the first consciously designed structures in this area (see the Folimer-Kownover Homestead). They bespeak the settlers' desire for a civilized lifestyle with all the trappings of a stylish homestead similar to those constructed in the east, from where many settlers had departed. They also remind us that the area had matured enough to support lumber mills and yards and also the production of brick. The preference for the Italianate style of architecture in the 1870s and 1880s indicates that the taming of the wilderness had been completed and now the gentlemen farmer could not only enjoy and display his wealth and tastes but also enjoy the refinements of life. The shift had been completed from struggling to make a living to a lifestyle that incorporated the arts and some advantages of city living, and increasingly more modem conveniences and modes of transportation for goods and ideas. We are very fortunate to have such a fine collection of Greek Revival and especially Italianate farmhouses in St. Joseph County.