Location Sterling, Illinois NRHP Reference # 80001417 Area 2 ha Added to NRHP 9 October 1980 | Built 1857 Opened 1857 Architectural style Italianate architecture | |
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Similar Lincoln‑Manahan Home Museum, Sinnissippi Mounds, Birthplace of Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan Boyhood, Ellwood House | ||
The Paul W. Dillon Home, also known as the Colonel Edward N. Kirk House, is located in Sterling, Illinois. It was home to businessman Paul W. Dillon and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The house is currently operated as a museum by the Sterling Park District.
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History
Dating back to Nelson Mason in 1841 the property has 33 owners. The home on today's property was constructed in 1857 by Colonel Edward N. Kirk and is cast in the Italianate style. After Kirk built the home in 1857 the property was owned by eleven different people until Washington M. Dillon purchased it from Joseph Patterson in 1882.
Dillon's son, Paul W. Dillon, was born in the house on June 3, 1883 and resided there until his death in February 1980. It was the consensus of the Dillon family heirs, after Paul W. died, that the home, its furnishings and all of its artifacts be turned over to the Sterling Park District for future generations to enjoy. The home was transferred to the park district on May 1, 1980. The Paul W. Dillon Home-Museum opened to the general public on 18 November 1980. Between November 1980 - May 1981 over 5,000 people visited the Krik house.
Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum
The Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum, located in the original carriage house and barn, traces local history from prehistoric days to the modern industrial era. The collection and exhibits include items related to medicine, community history, Abraham Lincoln, Civil-War, local industries and businesses etc .