The brick homestead built in 1850 by John Lenhart (1797-1877) on Piqua Rd
in Root Twp in Adams County will be open for the annual Christmas Walk
sponsored by the Adams County Historical Society/Dugan House for their fund
raiser.
The homes are open from 1 - 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, Dec 1, & 2,
2001. The cost is $6, includes open house at the historic Dugan House
(beautifully decorated), refreshments and tours of 4 homes including the
Lenhart house. Tickets, directions and maps are available at the Dugan
House, 420 W. Monroe St.,Decatur (this is on highway #224) and located right
next door to the large First United Methodist Church.
The present owner of the John Lenhart house has faithfully restored the
home, it is a real treasure. Nimrod Dailey purchased the home out of the
Lenhart estate and the Dailey family owned the home for about 60 years. It
was rented much of that time and even though the house fell into disrepair,
the basics of the home were never destroyed. The doors, random hardwood
floor, woodwork, fireplace, wonderful carved 3-story stairway and other
features are all original. The owner has applied to have the home listed
as a National Historic Structure with the National Parks Service.
I've seen and toured both the Dugan House and the Lenhart House and I can
tell you if you appreciate the history of Adams County and wonderful old
homes, you would enjoy this tour.
Pat Lenhart