kids encyclopedia robot

David Davis Mansion facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
David Davis House
Bloomington Il David Davis Mansion3.JPG
The David Davis Mansion is a National Historic Landmark.
David Davis Mansion is located in Illinois
David Davis Mansion
Location in Illinois
David Davis Mansion is located in the United States
David Davis Mansion
Location in the United States
Location 1000 E. Monroe Dr., Bloomington, Illinois
Area 4.5 acres (1.8 ha)
Built 1870-1872
Architect Alfred H. Piquenard
Architectural style Victorian, Italianate
NRHP reference No. 72001479
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 18, 1972
Designated NHL May 15, 1975
David Davis Mansion
Exterior of David Davis Mansion - 2020

The David Davis Mansion, also known as Clover Lawn, is a Gilded Age home in Bloomington, Illinois that was the residence of David Davis, Supreme Court justice (1862–1877) and Senator from Illinois. The mansion has been a state museum since 1960. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975. In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, David Davis Mansion was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places by the American Institute of Architects Illinois component (AIA Illinois).

Set in a residential neighborhood on Bloomington's near-south-side, the three-story yellow brick mansion comprises 36 rooms in an Italianate villa style. The mansion's lot includes an 1872 wood house, a barn and stable, privies, a foaling shed, carriage barn, and a flower and ornamental cutting garden. "Sarah's Garden", the Victorian cut flower garden, with original heirloom roses and perennials began restoration in 2001.

History

Bloomington Il David Davis Mansion HABS3
Inside Clover Lawn National Historic Landmark.

Clover Lawn was built between 1870 and 1872 and is where Justice Davis lived until his death in 1886. Davis commissioned French-born architect Alfred H. Piquenard to design the mansion, which combines Italianate and Second Empire architectural features and is a model of Gilded Age style and taste. Piquenard was a prominent Midwest architect who designed the State Capitol in Springfield. The home was meant as a residence for Davis' wife, Sarah. David Davis himself spent most of his time there after his retirement from the U.S. Senate in 1883. The house remained in the Davis family until 1960, when it was donated to the state of Illinois, which operates it as a state historic site.

Tours

DDavis-mansion
David Davis Mansion—eastern side (c. 1940s)

The home is open to the general public from Wednesday through Saturday. The home hosts many seasonal events including "The Glorious Garden Festival", "Christmas at the Mansions", "A Gilded Age Christmas", and several antique car shows. During the winter holiday season the mansion is lavishly decorated for the Christmas holiday.

kids search engine
David Davis Mansion Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.