Victorian House tour book offers fresh look at Millersburg landmark

More than a decade ago, the members of the Holmes County Historical Society began the idea of putting the history and details of the Victorian House in Millersburg in print.

That idea recently became a reality with the printing of the new book, “Step Into the Past,” an exploration of the Victorian House’s history and the many facts held inside its walls.

“Over the years we have had so many people ask us if we had a book with information and color photos or anything with floor plans,” said Mark Boley, Holmes County Historical Society director. “We had tons of requests for details people could take home with them, and we never had anything.”

Boley said it all came together in this new book that is an enlightening tour through almost every inch of the home.

In celebration of the printing, the HCHS will host an inaugural book-signing event Saturday, Nov. 15 in the Castle Club building adjacent to the Victorian House from 4-9 p.m. All three of the authors behind the compilation of “Step Into the Past” will be on hand to sign books and converse with the public about their effort to bring all this information and pictorial display together.

“It’s such a neat way to explore the Victorian House and to learn about a lot of the things that might otherwise slip past people,” Boley said.

“Step Into the Past” takes people on a visit of one of Holmes County’s most honored historical buildings, defining each room, exploring its storied past and providing glimpses into the home many have overlooked.

The Queen Anne Victorian‐era style house is approximately 7,000 square feet with 28 rooms and was constructed in the early 20th century.

The groundwork for the book was done by a trio of women from the Holmes County Historical Society: Mary Tipton, Carmen Camacho and Melissa Patrick, each of whom took on a different responsibility for filling the pages with interesting facts and details.

“Mary took on the history and timeline of the home, Melissa captured what a walkthrough tour of the home might be like as though Mr. L.H. Brightman himself was taking someone on a tour, and I explored the key points of interest,” Camacho said. “We all kind of contributed in our own special way, and I think it gives the book a lot of depth.”

Camacho said the tour book includes an in-depth history of the home, from its owners to the sanitarium, and much of it is dedicated to the unique architectural structures in the home that give the home it’s intrinsic beauty.

“There’s so many small details that can go unnoticed if you don’t know about them,” Camacho said. “This book presents a lot of those types of things that will draw people’s attention to some of the really beautiful parts of the Victorian House.”

From the English white oak staircase that greets visitors upon their arrival and parts of the home that were imported from Europe to the ornate woodwork and many original light fixtures that still adorn the many rooms, the book includes floor plans that help people get the most out of their visit.

Camacho said while many people would love to take a guided tour of the house led by a tour guide who describes in detail what is present, a limited volunteer staff doesn’t allow that, so this book is something she said is the next best thing because of the immaculate background work that went into compiling it.

Each of the Victorian House’s rooms are filled with historical pieces and details dedicated to a variety of local exhibits like the doctor’s office, the military room, a children’s room and the lawyer’s office, all of which display important artifacts from Holmes County’s history.

It also includes information on the Chris Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum and the Castle Club, both of which are on the HCHS campus along state Route 83 on the north side of Millersburg.

The book will serve as a cherished memory for visitors and for those who enjoy history, and Boley said the hope is to get it distributed to area hotels and lodgings where visitors stay, as well as the Holmes County Chamber.

“Step Into the Past” is available now for $10 and will be available for purchase the evening of the event.