Francis M. Stafford House

The Francis M. Stafford House is a historic house located at 102 Broadway Street in Paintsville, Kentucky, United States.[1]

Francis M. Stafford House
Francis M. Stafford House is located in Kentucky
Francis M. Stafford House
Francis M. Stafford House is located in the United States
Francis M. Stafford House
Location102 Broadway,
Paintsville, Kentucky
Coordinates37°48′45″N 82°48′22″W / 37.81250°N 82.80611°W / 37.81250; -82.80611
Area1 acre (0.40 ha)
Builtc. 1843 (Rear Segment)
c. 1888 (Front Segment)
Architectural styleLate Victorian
NRHP reference No.75000785
Added to NRHPOctober 29, 1975

The 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.[2] Then in the 1930s, the Stafford family sold most of their 1,000 acres (400 ha) farm to the city, doubling it in size.[2]

History

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Closeup of intricate craftmanship on porches

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.[2] 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.[3]

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.[2]

In 1861 a holly tree was planted in front of the house and it still stands today.[4]

Since 1979, after the death of May Stafford, the daughter of Francis M. Stafford, the house has remained vacant. In 2003, the state of Kentucky offered a $200,000 grant to the city of Paintsville in order to help with the purchase and restoration of the historic home. On July 12, 2003, the Paintsville City Council declined the grant.[3]

In April 2010, a resident from nearby Floyd County purchased the home. After two years of renovations, the Stafford House opened for tours in October 2012.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ National Register of Historic Places Retrieved on 2010-1-6
  2. ^ a b c d Hazelett, Edward R., National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form for Francis M. Stafford House 29 October 1975. Retrieved on 2010-2-25
  3. ^ a b Our Passing Parade[permanent dead link] Retrieved on 2010-1-6
  4. ^ Historic Stafford House in Paintsville -- Preserving KY History Project. Archived 2014-05-17 at the Wayback Machine The Levisa Lazer. Retrieved 2014-05-14.
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