Morris-Butler House

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The Morris-Butler House is a Victorian style house built in 1864-65 in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is preserved as a museum home by the Historical Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. The house contains many original features and pieces of furniture in Victorian & Post-Victorian styles.

1 Mr. Morris' Period
2 Mr. Butler's Period
3 Decline & Artist Studio Period
4 Conversion to a Historical Landmark
5 External links

[edit] Mr. Morris' Period

Mr. Morris had the house built in 1864 in what was then a suburb of Indianapolis, an area now known as the Old Northside. He lived in the house with his family, until the financial difficulties in the 1870s. In 1878 he sold the house to Mr. Butler, a bankruptcy lawyer.

[edit] Mr. Butler's Period

Mr. Butler bought the house in 1878. He lived in the house with his wife and seven children. His daughter, Florence Butler, lived in the house till she died 07 January 1957.

[edit] Decline & Artist Studio Period

The house was used as an artists' studio, gallery, and apartments for the period between 1957 & 1964.

[edit] Conversion to a Historical Landmark

[edit] Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly bought the house when it was in danger of being destroyed by the construction of I-65. Eli Lilly had known Florence Butler and was fond of the house. He provided funds for the Historical Landmarks Foundation of Indiana to purchase the house.

[edit] Historical Landmarks Foundation of Indiana

The Historical Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has restored the house to it’s former glory. They staff the house with tour guides, coordinate further restoration, and host educational and cultural events.