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A Civil War Era brick home constructed in 1864, situated near downtown Bloomington in central Illinois.
The Burr House B&B is located in the city's historic district across from Franklin Park. Six rooms are available, including 1 suite with a private bath and sitting room, 3 rooms with private bath and 2 with a shared bath. The home has four marble fireplaces, ornate plaster ceilings, original black walnut floors and woodwork and a formal dining room where breakfast is served.
A variety of stately trees and an outdoor private terrace is all surrounded by a wrought iron fence. Attractions within walking distance include antique shops, constitution trail, fine dining, retail shops and the communities museum and historic sites.
Beginning Federal in style, the original owner of Burr House, Luman Burr, had it remodeled in the Queen Anne fashion in the late 19th Century, adding gables, tall chimneys, and spindlework porches. The porches were removed in the early 1930's.
As a young man Burr assumed the position of Bloomington circuit court clerk and remained in that position for seven years. He clerked for several of Abraham Lincoln's noteworthy cases and the two men became friends. Also among his friends were Judge David Davis, Asahel Gridley, and other prominent citizens.
By all accounts Mr. Burr was a vigorous man, very involved in and well respected in the community. He preferred to remain in the background in community affairs, but was prevailed upon to run for alderman by some of Bloomington's most prominent citizens. He ran as an independent candidate for alderman of the 1st ward, a position he then held for several terms in th 1870's. Mr. Burr eventually became a partner in the law firm of Williams, Burr, and Capen.
Luman Burr built two houses at Prairie and Locust streets, and then in 1864 he built the Burr House on the northwest corner of Chestnut and Prairie Streets. Arthur Pillsbury was the architect and it was built of Bloomington kilned brick. This was Mr. Burr's home until his death in 1921. The home passed eventually to Luman's grandson, Hudson Burr. The last of the Burr family to wed in this house was Luman's great granddaughter, Charlotte in 1961.
Burr House today is a bed and breakfast owned and operated by Jeffrey and Mary Ann (Brady) Rhodes. Mary Ann spent time in Franklin Park as a child and was thrilled to find the Burr home available in 1997 and has been looking after the Burr House and its guests ever since. |