Daweswood House

The Daweswood House Museum was originally the home of the John Brumback family. Brumback, a blacksmith and farmer, designed and financed the construction of the brick farmhouse in 1866-67. The home’s design relies heavily on elements of the Italianate style of architecture, a popular style of the time.

In 1917-18, the Dawes family purchased 140 acres of the Brumback farm. The brick farmhouse, then fifty years old, became the family’s country home. During the late 1920s, modernization and structural changes were made to suit the family’s lifestyle.

Today, ten rooms of the Daweswood House Museum display 19th and 20th century antiques and memorabilia from four of the Dawes’ five homes. The museum reflects the lifestyle and collecting interests of the Dawes family and represents the home of a family that lived comfortably among the things they enjoyed.

After a trip to Germany, the lower level of the Daweswood House was named by the family as the "Rathskeller," and houses shovels used by 102 notable men and women who have dedicated trees at The Arboretum. Early tree dedicators initialed the Rathskeller ceiling with soot from a burning candle. Because of space limitation, more current dedicators have signed the ceiling with a marking pen.

Guided tours of the museum are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 3:15pm. There is a minimal cost of $2 for adults and $1 for children. Tours are also offered by appointment by calling the Education Director at 740.323.2355. Group tours are given with prior notice.