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The Lawrence House was designed by Galesburg architect William Wolfe for George A. and Ella Park Lawrence in 1891. Wolfe also designed the Carr House, old City Hall, and the old Baptist Church. Excavation for the building was begun in late summer of 1891, and it is believed that the structure was finished sometime in 1982. The style is Richardsonian Romanesque, a style of architecture based on Roman forms recognized especially for the use of rounded arches. The House is reported to be the area's most expensive home built during the 19th century at a cost of $80,000. The Lawrence House was designated a city landmark in 1977. It is on the 1973 State Survey of Architecturally Significant Structures and on the National Register of Historic Places as Anchor Structure. George A. Lawrence was a prominent attorney and owner of several large farming operations in the vicinity. Born in 1854, he moved to Galesburg with his parents the following year. An 1875 graduate of Knox College, he was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1891 and served in various positions until his death in 1934. His wife Ella had attended Knox and was active in the DAR, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Daughters of 1912, and known for her generous support of needs within the community. She is responsible for the present design of the Illinois state flag, having conducted a contest being instrumental in selection of the emblem. The Lawrence's had five children, but only Rebecca lived past 12 years old. She and her husband John Lowrie lived in the house from 1934 until she donated it to the Galesburg School District 205 in 1954 where it was used as office space for 27 years. In March of 2003, Paul Everett and Cindy became the 5th owner outside the Lawrence family. |
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