Samuel Spitler (George F. Barber Design No. 60) House, Brookville, Ohio, originally uploaded by rmcgervey.
The Queen Anne architecture is the most important feature of the Spitler House. It is a unique three-story frame Queen Anne (High Victorian) style house erected by Spitler, a miller and plumber, in 1894.
Judith Kitchen, architectural historian, described the house in the Ohio Historical Society’s publication, Echoes, as “A fantastic building, with an octagonal tower, profusion of porches, and imaginative use of ornamental detail.” She stated, “It is rare to find a house of this style in a small town.” (Brookville’s population in 1894 was about 600). Judith wrote that she knows of no other (like it) in existence today.
Warren Rasor, a local builder and craftsman, using plans (Design No. 60) of architect George F. Barber, built this beautiful house for Samuel Spitler. According to family members, the material to build the house cost about $1,700.00 and the labor cost was approximately $500.00. All of the rooms have been restored to original state. The exterior is painted in the original colors of light cream and green.
Samuel Spitler was born in Clay Township in 1861, the son of Daniel and Prudence (Litten) Spitler. Ettie Pearl (Weaver) Spitler was born in Perry Township in 1872, the daughter of Josiah and Sarah Ann (Baker) Weaver. Their daughter Anona was born in Brookville in 1904 and married Floyd Fred Stoner.
