Lindale,John B.,House
24 Walnut St., Magnolia, DEThe Lindale House is one of the best-preserved Queen Anne Revival houses in Delaware.
John B. Lindale was born December 5, 1864, in South Murderkill Hundred, where he made his fortune./He was the last, and one of the richest, of all the men who engaged in the peach industry. He made his home in Magnolia, Delaware, and in fact, owned most of the town. The house he built for himself with his profits from the peach industry is a significant example of the Queen Anne Revival style. The popular success of Queen Anne Revival architecture in America dates from the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876, at which the British government put up two half-timbered buildings to provide living quarters and offices for the British Executive Commissioner and his staff. The American Builder wrote of the style after having seen the examples at the exposition that; "... the chief thing that will strike the observant eye in this style is its wonderful adaptability to this country, not to the towns indeed, but to the land at large... It is to be hoped that the next millionaire who puts up a cottage at Long Branch will adopt this style, and he will have a house ample enough to entertain a Prince, yet exceedingly cozy, cool in summer, and yet abundantly warm in winter, plain enough, and yet capable of the highest ornamental development."
Apparently, Lindale agreed, and when it came time to build, chose the style for himself, employing Charles G. Fisher of Milford as the architect. What makes the house all the more interesting, however, is its excellent state of preservation, including the original fence around the property, planting urns in the yard, small flower gardens and every outbuilding as originally built.
Thus the house is important as one of the visual monuments to the last and greatest flowering of the peach industry in Delaware, as an example of one of the best of the Victorian styles, and as an example of the high quality of design attainable by a 19th century Delawarean architect.
The preservation of the house is attributable in part to the Lindale's longevity. John Lindale died in 1937 and his widow in 1961. After her death, the house was bought by the present owners, who have preserved it.
Local significance of the building:
John B. Lindale was born December 5, 1864, in South Murderkill Hundred, where he made his fortune./He was the last, and one of the richest, of all the men who engaged in the peach industry. He made his home in Magnolia, Delaware, and in fact, owned most of the town. The house he built for himself with his profits from the peach industry is a significant example of the Queen Anne Revival style. The popular success of Queen Anne Revival architecture in America dates from the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876, at which the British government put up two half-timbered buildings to provide living quarters and offices for the British Executive Commissioner and his staff. The American Builder wrote of the style after having seen the examples at the exposition that; "... the chief thing that will strike the observant eye in this style is its wonderful adaptability to this country, not to the towns indeed, but to the land at large... It is to be hoped that the next millionaire who puts up a cottage at Long Branch will adopt this style, and he will have a house ample enough to entertain a Prince, yet exceedingly cozy, cool in summer, and yet abundantly warm in winter, plain enough, and yet capable of the highest ornamental development."
Apparently, Lindale agreed, and when it came time to build, chose the style for himself, employing Charles G. Fisher of Milford as the architect. What makes the house all the more interesting, however, is its excellent state of preservation, including the original fence around the property, planting urns in the yard, small flower gardens and every outbuilding as originally built.
Thus the house is important as one of the visual monuments to the last and greatest flowering of the peach industry in Delaware, as an example of one of the best of the Victorian styles, and as an example of the high quality of design attainable by a 19th century Delawarean architect.
The preservation of the house is attributable in part to the Lindale's longevity. John Lindale died in 1937 and his widow in 1961. After her death, the house was bought by the present owners, who have preserved it.
Architecture; Agriculture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The District of Delaware has been home to several important corporations throughout its history, including DuPont, one of the world's largest chemical companies. In fact, the district's reputation as a hub for corporate law has led to a significant number of patent and intellectual property cases being tried there.
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.