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Richardson / Day / Stein House. This
house, c. 1840's, is an excellent example of a less
pretentious adaptation of the Greek Revival style. The
off-center doorway located in the gable is surrounded by
simple pilasters and entablature. A wide cornice
returns briefly on the front facade. An early owner
was Mark Richardson, a Methodist minister, entrepreneur,
civic leader, and owner of the tannery located below the
mill race that ran nearby. Richardson emigrated from
Ireland and settled in Maumee in 1849. He lived here
with his wife and seven children for the remainder of his
life. His two maiden daughters, Miss Ella and Miss
Emma, were content to live out their lives caring for their
family home and leading the fight to preserve the ancient
Elm. Ralph and Harriet Day purchased the house in
1944, removed the Victorian porch and restored the home,
retaining its simple classic lines. Current owners Dan
and Claudia Stein continue to preserve the home's
integrity.
This house was featured on the Maumee Bicentennial
Quilt in 1976. The brochure states: "Mark
Richardson purchased this home and the two lots on which it
stands in the late 1850's. After the death of his last
surviving daughter, in 1941, it stood vacant for three years
until it was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Day. The
historic Indian Elm had stood between the Richardson house
and the Waite house next door until deterioration from
natural causes necessitated its removal in 1924.
(According to local legend, the tree had sheltered Indians
who had fired upon General Harrison's men when they
descended from Fort Meigs to the Maumee River.) Mark
Richardson, a Methodist preacher, raised nine children in
this sturdy Greek Revival house. He also owned a
tannery on Front Street, the commercial street which had
once paralleled the River and the canal. His
grandson's widow, Alta Richardson, has imbued the present
owners with respect and affection for the early Maumeeites
who made this their home." (Block made by Harriet
Day, Row 6, block 2)
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