Tucked away at 325 North Main Street in Bowling Green, Ohio, a remarkable piece of history has been given new life as the Lincoln House Inn, blending the elegance of the past with the vibrancy of today. Recently honored as the Historic Building of the Month for October by the Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission, this architectural masterpiece, originally built in 1895, stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Having survived a catastrophic fire just months after its construction, the house was meticulously rebuilt, preserving its unique character for generations to come. Under the dedicated ownership of Shaun Reeves and Heidi Bisbee, the property has undergone a transformative journey, culminating in a grand opening celebrated with a Halloween party on October 25. This rebirth as an inn not only showcases the building’s storied legacy but also positions it as a welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike, eager to experience a tangible connection to Bowling Green’s rich heritage.
A Timeless Architectural Marvel
The Lincoln House embodies the classic American Foursquare style, a design that defined residential architecture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with its practical yet elegant form. Characterized by a square layout, a sprawling front porch, lofty ceilings, and a distinctive hip roof, the house was a significant investment at the time of its construction, costing $14,000—equivalent to over half a million dollars today. Despite the tragic fire in 1895 that reduced much of the original structure to ashes, the rebuilding effort ensured that many exquisite features endured. Elements such as lead glass windows, intricately carved fireplaces with likely Massachusetts-made tiles, and original pocket doors continue to captivate those who step inside. These preserved details serve as a testament to the craftsmanship of an earlier era, offering a glimpse into the sophistication that once defined this prominent residence in Bowling Green.
Over the years, the Lincoln House has adapted to changing times while maintaining its historical essence. Updates in the mid-20th century, including the replacement of wooden porch posts with wrought iron in the 1970s and a kitchen modernization in the 1960s, reflect practical responses to evolving needs. Yet, the core charm remains untouched, with wooden siding on the porch, a brass door plate, and Masonic symbols etched into banisters standing as enduring links to the past. This careful balance of preservation and adaptation highlights the house’s ability to remain relevant across decades. Visitors to the newly opened inn can still feel the weight of history in every corner, from the high ceilings to the detailed woodwork, while enjoying the comforts of a space thoughtfully updated for modern use. The architectural narrative of Lincoln House is one of endurance, showcasing how a building can honor its origins while embracing necessary change.
The Enduring Legacy of Its Founders
The history of Lincoln House is deeply intertwined with the remarkable lives of its original owners, Dr. J.C. Lincoln and Nettie Willard Lincoln, whose influence on Bowling Green remains profound. Dr. Lincoln, born in 1844 in Albany, New York, was a Civil War veteran who later earned his medical degree from Rush Medical College in 1871. After settling in Bowling Green, he became a cornerstone of the community through his thriving medical practice and ownership of a drugstore in the Lincoln Block. His civic contributions were equally significant, with roles on the City Council, the Board of Education, and as a federal pension examiner for veterans. Until his death in 1926, Dr. Lincoln’s dedication to public service and healthcare shaped the town’s development, leaving a lasting imprint that echoes through the walls of the house he called home, now a place for others to gather and reflect on such impactful history.
Nettie Willard Lincoln, who married Dr. Lincoln in 1885 after arriving in Bowling Green as a teacher in 1883, brought a cultural richness to the community that complemented her husband’s contributions. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1863, Nettie was a dynamic force, known for her involvement in founding the Shakespeare Roundtable, the longest-running women’s club in Wood County. Her efforts also helped establish what would become the Wood County Public Library, cementing her role in advancing local education and culture. An accomplished artist, her plein air paintings—some of which are preserved at Bowling Green State University—capture her creative spirit. Hosting prominent women’s groups and teaching painting and French, Nettie turned the Lincoln House into a hub of intellectual and artistic exchange, a tradition that the inn seeks to revive through its modern hospitality and community-focused events.
A Journey of Adaptation and Renewal
Following the era of the Lincolns, with Dr. Lincoln’s passing in 1926 and Nettie’s in 1947, the Lincoln House transitioned through various roles reflective of Bowling Green’s evolving landscape. From 1948 to 1961, it served as a fraternity house for Sigma Psi Omega, later known as Sigma Phi Epsilon, providing a lively space for young men during a period of post-war growth. Subsequently, owners Ivan and Mary Stearns repurposed it as a private residence with a student cooperative on the second floor, adapting to the needs of a burgeoning university town. Later, from 2014 onward, Mary Parkinson and Marcus Dumas continued its use for student housing. Each phase of ownership added a new layer to the building’s story, demonstrating its versatility while underscoring the challenge of maintaining its historical integrity amid changing societal demands and the passage of time.
In 2024, a pivotal chapter began when Shaun Reeves acquired the property with a vision to transform it into the Lincoln House Inn, a space that honors its heritage while serving contemporary purposes. Extensive remodeling efforts revitalized the gardens, exterior, and interior, ensuring that the house could function as both a lodging destination and an event venue. The grand opening in October marked a significant milestone, celebrated with a Halloween party that drew community members and visitors eager to witness this rebirth. Recognized by the Historic Preservation Commission, this adaptive reuse project exemplifies a commitment to preserving architectural heritage in Bowling Green. The Lincoln House Inn now stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful restoration, inviting guests to experience history firsthand while providing a venue for connection and celebration in a town proud of its roots.
Honoring History While Looking Ahead
The transformation of Lincoln House into an inn reflects a broader trend in historic preservation, where the past is not merely safeguarded but actively integrated into the present. This project showcases how a building can retain its historical significance through careful attention to original details while being repurposed for modern utility. The recognition by the Bowling Green Historic Preservation Commission underscores the community’s dedication to maintaining its architectural legacy. As a venue for lodging and events, the inn offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with Bowling Green’s history, stepping into a space where every architectural feature tells a story of resilience, from surviving a devastating fire to enduring through decades of change and adaptation.
Looking back, the journey of Lincoln House unfolded as a narrative of perseverance and community value, with each owner contributing to its legacy. The painstaking efforts to preserve elements like lead glass windows and carved fireplaces paid tribute to the vision of Dr. J.C. and Nettie Willard Lincoln, whose civic and cultural impacts were woven into the town’s fabric. Moving forward, the focus should be on sustaining this balance of heritage and innovation, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the house’s significance. Community support for such preservation initiatives remains vital, as does the exploration of similar adaptive reuse projects for other historic structures in Bowling Green. The Lincoln House Inn serves as an inspiring model, demonstrating that history can be a living, breathing part of daily life when nurtured with care and purpose.
