EICHORN HOUSE (1880)
This private residence is not open for interior tour.
This house was originally built in 1880 as a rectangular Italianate house, and a large Queen Anne turret was added at the turn of the 20th century. The front porch was deepened at the same time. This house could be described as an “in-law” house, one of those structures built by the upper-middle class that, in scope and comfort, is one step below houses built by the most prominent members of a community. Such “in-law” houses are often associated with sisters or daughters who are given a boost by their affluent families to ensure that once married, they can live in appropriate style and comfort.
In this instance, Charles Eichorn had married Leonora Dernell, the sister of Herman Dernell, the man who had established a major ice-tool manufactory in Athens. Mr. Eichorn worked in the Dernell plant. After the death of Mr. Eichorn’s wife his daughter, Laura, and son-in-law, Ben Hoff, moved into the house to care for Mr. Eichorn.
After a succession of owners, the house deteriorated. The back porch was removed, aluminum siding was used, and, at one point, the house was divided into a two-family structure. Recent owners have carefully restored both the exterior and interior. The Queen Anne turret and front porch have been painted using a turn-of-the-century original decorative scheme.
If you are walking through Athens today, the Bedell-Nichols House is across the street at 26 South Franklin St.
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