Gruenewald House

Anderson's Gruenewald House was built in 1860 and is one of the remaining Victorian homes that were once common throughout Indiana. German immigrant Martin Gruenwald lived in this home until his death in 1933 at which time he was 94 years-old. The house was converted to a living museum that centers on the history of the community in a space that offers Victorian architecture, furnishings, and decor.

The Gruenewald House was owned by German immigrant, Martin Gruenewald. Gruenewald came to America with $4 in his pocket in 1869. He was able to become one of Anderson's most wealthiest and successful businessmen and landowners just ten years later. He opened up his own billiard parlor and sampling room. This allowed Gruenwald to secure his wealth which he invested in his Victorian-styled home.

The house features Italianate architecture, a style derived from Medieval, Italian villas and farmhouses. These structures favored symmetry, natural landscaping, and irregular floor plans over proportional flooring. The home also encompasses second empire architecture styles. This style comes from Napoleonic France during the reconstruction of Paris. Buildings were large and elaborate, often being described as "wedding cakes." The style became popular in the United States during the mid to late 1800s. Gruenwald made sure to include both popular style in his home.

Gruenewald Historic House , Gruenewald Historic House . Accessed July 12th 2020. http://www.gruenewaldhouse.com/.

Campbell , Julie. Gruenewald House preserves Anderson’s Victorian Era, The Herald Bulletin . October 4th 2015. Accessed July 12th 2020. https://www.heraldbulletin.com/community/gruenewald-house-preserves-anderson-s-victorian-era/article_6dffd492-5ad3-51de-9324-8a1c45aac090.html.

White, Megan. What is Italianate Architecture , Accessed July 12th 2020. https://savingplaces.org/stories/what-is-italianate-architecture#.XytS-_hKg1J.

Second Empire/Mansard Style, Went Worth Studio. Accessed July 12th 2020. https://www.wentworthstudio.com/historic-styles/second-empire/.