Hopkins House

Union Township, Union County, Ohio

This building is unusual for the upper Virginia Military District, an area largely defined by simple brick "I" houses and late 19th century structures. The house has been abandoned since at least 1973 — probably a bit earlier, even — and severe deterioration has exposed construction details not visible in occupied homes. Unfortunately, the many years of abandonment have resulted in a complete loss of its most notable features, as well.

The front (southeast) facade.

In 1986, David Simmons photographed the house for the Ohio Historic Inventory. At the time, it featured a strange, somewhat out-of-proportion window flanked by sidelights and topped by sunburst decoration. Simmons also noted a "simple mantel with built-in cupboards" and a "ca. 1850 newel post." None of these remain, of course.

Photos and drawing by David Simmons, 1986. Taken from the Ohio Historic Inventory form.

The remaining interior woodwork is typical of mid-19th century buildings. I've noticed that many structures of the era have blue-painted woodwork.

The staircase, sans newel post, is just visible through the doorway. Portions of the home's braced frame construction are revealed where siding is missing.

The closest I could get to an interior shot. The mantel and cupboards are long-gone.

The barn, also abandoned. Portions of its sheet metal roof were banging violently in the wind as I took this photo.

Finally, a rough floor plan: