Where can you find a spectacular pink house lavished with intricate strapwork, cornices, and moldings; countless peaks and nooks; and a wraparound porch – all set into lush gardens and surrounded by elaborate wrought-iron fencing? At 408 N. Bever Street – and at the Wayne County Historical Society.
The Society is hosting a special exhibit of local artists’ renditions of iconic Wayne County homes, including this one by Wendy Campbell-Klepper, through May 6.
The house is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed to be built in 1862 by property owner David Q. Liggett, a prominent Wooster businessman, who lived in the house until his death in 1886.
In 1918, Herman Freedlander, owner of Freedlander’s department store in downtown Wooster, purchased the property. During his ownership, a second-floor remodeling project inadvertently blocked access to the distinctive turret, so for maintenance reasons, they decided to remove it.
Over the years, other owners acquired the property. At one point, it was split into three apartments and in need of many repairs. The house has undergone many alterations and is described in Ohio Historic Inventory records as an eclectic mix of late Victorian stylistic elements or a combination of Victorian and Italianate architectural styling. Over a period of twelve years, the current owners restored the house to a single-family residence. After seeing an old photo of the house with the magnificent turret intact, they had it rebuilt, and in 1996 it was installed.
Stop in at the Wayne County Historical Society, 546 E. Bowman Street, to view this and other exhibits, as well as the permanent collection and eight outbuildings. Tours are given on Saturdays at 1 and 2:30 p.m.
