The Welborn-Ross House 

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This Italianate late Victorian has many upgrades, but still holds true to it's time period and rests on the National Registry of Historic Places. This home was built between 1875 - 1881 on an oversized lot, which was initially three city lots. This inside space differs from the original floor plan, due to the home being divided into apartments at some point after 1955. Mr. and Mrs. Ross has done a fantastic job of showcasing this home's history, while making it functional with modern amenities. 

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Statement of Significance for the National Historic Registry:

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"The Welborn-Ross house is significant under criterion B, for it's association with Dr. William R. Welborn, an important local physician, banker and entrepreneur, who contributed to the growth and development of Princeton, Indiana's early commercial life and who participated in the establishment of important educational and cultural facilities in town. Rather than achieving significance in any one field of commerce, Welborn is important for his many contributions to the local economy at a critical period. The period of significance spans the date of construction of the house and the year of Dr. Welborn's death. In addition, the building meets criterion C and is an outstanding example of the Italianate architectural style, as demonstrated in rural midwestern towns during the latter half of the nineteenth century. It is one of two structures in the county, built on the same plan which are particularly noteworthy for the exuberance and craftsmanship of their exterior woodwork. The Welborn-Ross home is the only remaining brick example of this particular design in Princeton."

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"The Welborn-Ross house is significant for it's association with commercial development in Princeton during these years, and especially for it's association with one of the town's most respected community leaders. Upon his death in 1898, Dr. William Pinckney Welborn was touted as "not only a progressive man of affairs ... but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, well educated a ... self-made American ... and active in the support of laudable public enterprises. ... A man of public spirit, intellectual attainments and exemplary character."

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"Dr. William P. Welborn was a man of good business sense who provided well for his family. His estate at his death in 1898 included shares of stock in the local bank, utility company, land investments, and other assets in the amount of nearly $44,000 (not including the house on Hart Street). Shares of stock in the library, a printing company and the county agriculture society were evidence of his wide interests. The bank closed it's offices on the day of his funeral as did nearly every other business on the square. The outpouring of grief included nearly the entire town. A week later, a memorial service was held at the Presbyterian Church, where citizens as well as school children honored his memory."

"The Italianate style, first made popular in the United States in the 1840's and 1850's through the pattern books of Andrew Jackson Downing, retained it's popularity in rural Indiana until the end of the century. The Welborn-Ross house, typifies the asymmetrical type, often seen in farmhouses and city properties of well-to-do, influential families. It possesses the popular arched window, and complex brackets which are so indicative of the Italianate style. Yet, the overall impression of the house, because of it's substantial massing and it's setting, s one of permanence and solidity. The east wing, with it's low pitched roof, and second floor fenestration butted up against the roof line frieze, serves to anchor the house to the ground upon which it sits. The brick massing, particularly in the main wings of the house, and the flat limestone arches, tend to enhance the impression of solid conservatism. Balancing this is the free intermingling of symbols in the ornately decorated porch."