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Bright Home-312 W. Third Street

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@ Madison-Jefferson County Public Library

Harry Lemen, photographer

Description

This two story brick Old Federal style mansion with Greek Revival cornices was built for Senator Jesse David Bright in 1837. Bright was a controversial politician who expressed pro-slavery sentiments in his political career. He served as Lt. Governor of Indiana from 1843 to1845 and as a United States Senator from 1845 to 1862. His southern sympathies finally led to his downfall as a United States Senator and he was not re-elected to a high office after being ousted from the senate. The home's walls are placed flush with the sidewalk and are one-foot thick brick. Among the unusual and original features of the house are the Anaglypta in the front parlor, the embossed metal ceiling in the upstairs bathroom and the wood paneling under the two front windows. Also of interest is the original fence from a Madison foundry, the hitching post in front of the house and the metal pediment over the entrance. Visitors to this home include John C. Breckinridge, Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. The George Wood Family lived in the house for many years and it was called "Brightwood" during that time. Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Smith owned the home during the latter part of the century. The home sold again in November 2003. Picture circa 1930's
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Image
Format:
Negative
Rights:
Permission to reproduce this image for other than personal use must be requested from the Director of the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library. Please contact at 420 W. Main Street Madison, IN 47250 (812) 265-2744
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Record Contributed By

Madison-Jefferson County Public Library

Record Harvested From

Indiana Memory