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Madison Historic District Madison Historic District consists of three Queen Anne vernacular, frame houses comprising an historic district as designated by the Department of Archives and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The three houses (circa. 1870-1905), because they are the best interpretations of the Queen Anne vernacular style of architecture in Madison, when taken as a cluster, represent the modest prosperity that came to the town around the turn of the century. These three residences housed people who provided necessary services for local farmers. One was the home of James F. Dorroh, a rural mail carrier in the early 20th century. Dorroh was also a poet of some prominence. In 1899, when he was 27 years old, his poems were published for the first time in the Christian Observer (Louisville, KY). Later on, other magazines and newspapers published Dorroh's work and he also wrote a book of poetry. James Dorroh's brother lived next door and was a physician. Joseph Harrel bought the next house in 1907 and was the owner and manager of the Farr Mercantile Company, Madison's general store. These people were able to make a living providing services for farmers because of the success of truck farming in the area. Their houses are physical evidence of this prosperous period in Madison's history. The properties comprising the Madison Historic District have been renovated and are available to commercial tenants. The development plan that includes the three original buildings will add 20,000 additional sq. ft. of commercial buildings. |
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Madison Avenue Center Gary Slade
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