Bentonsport home turns 175 years old

A vacant house in Bentonsport, Iowa, was not expected to stand long when it was included in the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) in 1934. Amazingly, the 175th anniversary of that home, known today as The Hancock House or Bentonsport Village B&B, will be celebrated June 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is invited to the party.

The HABS program selected the building because of its architectural and historic significance, and also because it was not expected to last long after it was abandoned for 22 years. The Federal style house, built in 1847, features oak framing, walnut siding, and a heavily bracketed cornice. It was distinguished by an elaborate entrance with detailing that extended to the second story. Today, the beautifully restored home features period furnishings, original fireplaces and the original hand-built cherry staircase.

Homeowners and restorers Herb and Janice Shafer purchased the building in 2000, after it had been restored and owner-improved, then left vacant again for years.

“We were able to obtain a Historical Resources Development grant for the exterior restoration of the home,” says Herb Shafer. “The restoration required a lot of detective work. The 1934 HABS survey, on file in the Library of Congress, provided much needed assistance. We contacted descendants of the builder of the house, grist mill owner James A. Brown. They shared what they knew, as did the descendants of Frederick Hancock who purchased the house in 1853 from Brown.”

“A few personal artifacts, poems and letters were shared with us and that’s when things got really interesting. When you get a glimpse of history through the eyes and thoughts of those who lived through it — Frederick Hancock served as a Union captain during the Civil War — it connects you to those early settlers. You want to restore the home in a way that pays tribute to them,” explains Shafer.

The Shafers added a new wing to the back of the house to accommodate modern needs.

"We expanded the space, but used period materials and details to blend the area with the original home,” says Shafer. “We worked with local craftsmen and continue to be grateful for their patience and expertise."

Everyone is invited to the 175th Anniversary Celebration. Parking is available in the empty lot across from the Shafer home. Visitors may enter through the front door, view the entire first floor and exit onto the back deck where refreshments will be served. Visitors will enjoy artifacts from the home’s early days, a copy of the blueprint made in 1934, and informal stories of the restoration work and about the people who lived there.

Bentonsport National Historic District is located on Van Buren County road J-40, along Iowa's "Historic Hills Scenic Byway." Because the home is a bed and breakfast business, the upstairs will be closed during the event. Those who would like to see the upstairs are encouraged to view those rooms on the bed and breakfast website: BentonsportB&B.com.