The Stafford House is a historic house that should be saved, but the city is not committed to keeping it and it looks doubtful that enough money will be raised. We have donated money and Christina and Lisa both worked all day during the Apple Festival in October giving tours to help raise money, and today Christina did what she could.
Here are some facts about the house:
The Francis M. Stafford House was added to the National Register of Historic Places not only for its architecture, but for its family's importance in the founding and development of Paintsville. In 1843, John Stafford, the original owner of the house, helped establish the city of Paintsville. Then in the 1930s, the Stafford family sold most of their 1,000 acres (400 ha) farm to the city, doubling it in size.
The rear part of the home was built circa 1843, while the front part was built circa 1888, making it the oldest house in Johnson County. Although the home was originally built for John Stafford, it was named for his son who accumulated his father's property after he died in 1869. Francis Stafford also built the main part of the house.
At one time, the Stafford farm included several other buildings, among which were a smokehouse, a store house, a coal house, several barns, a corn crib and a grist mill, which was located below the home on Paint Creek.
It was an overcast day today, but I thought the pictures of the house turned out ok.
I love it's history, and I also like how much it reminds me of the house we bought last year at Pure Water Pastures. Our house was built during the same era (in the late 1890s), and although it is smaller, it is quite similar in structure and feel to the Stafford House.
Christina enjoyed talking to the other ladies who were there helping, and they really enjoyed her company as well!
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