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Deerfield Township may soon
attain the prestigious designation of National Register of Historic
Places for the King mansion located in Kings Mills.
On August 1, members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory
Board voted to recommend to the State Historic Preservation Officer that
the nomination for the
Ahimaaz King House
be forwarded to the
Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places for her
consideration.
The board's
recommendations were made during a meeting held at the State Library of
Ohio in Columbus. As a result, nominations are forwarded to the Keeper
of the National Register, who directs the program for the U.S.
Department of the Interior. If the Keeper agrees that the property meets
the criteria for listing, it will be added to the National Register of
Historic Places. A decision from the Keeper is expected in about 90
days.
The
National Register lists places that should be preserved because of their
significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering
and culture.
Built in
1885, the King House is proposed for nomination to the National Register
for its association with local industrialist Ahimaaz King (1839-1909)
and for its architectural significance as an example of the 19th century
Italianate style. King was manager of the King Powder Company, as well
as the related Peters Cartridge Company, from their founding in 1877 and
1887, respectively, until he died in 1909.
Located on
opposite banks of the Little Miami River in Warren County, they were
among the largest manufacturing establishments of their kind in the
country in their day, and the entire village of Kings Mills was built to
house their employees. The Ahimaaz King House was the first house built
in the new company town, at the head of King Avenue. The architects of
the house were Luther Peters and Silas Reese Burns, who were in practice
together in Dayton from 1881 to 1907. The King House remained in the
family until 1988, when it was sold by grandson J. W. King.
The
nomination was prepared by Beth Sullebarger, of Sullebarger Associates.
In March Ms. Sullebarger presented a Historic Structure Report with
recommendations about the possible use of the King mansion and its
associated carriage house. The uses recommended included a reception
facility and museum, community offices and a caretaker’s apartment. For
more information contact Director of Public Relations Ms. Fran M. Klatte
at 513.701.6958.
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