LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — One of Lima’s architectural crown jewels is open to the public this holiday season. The 1893 Victorian mansion, long part of the Allen County Historical Society and located next to the Allen County Museum, offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s historic past.
The home sits along Market Street, an area once known as the “Golden Block,” where grand mansions once lined the roadway. The 6,500-square-foot MacDonell House features five bedrooms, six fireplaces, 53 doors and 95 windows, making it one of the city’s most admired historic properties. Now fully decorated for the holidays, the mansion offers guests a festive and detailed look at Victorian-era elegance.
“We have a group of volunteers who decorate it to the hilt. It is absolutely gorgeous. In fact, each room you see a different tree, and you're like, Oh, this is my favorite. And then you go into another room, and this one's my favorite. And you know, pretty soon you don't know which one is your favorite anymore,” said Christine Fowler Shearer, director of the Allen County Museum.
Visitors still have time to see the MacDonell House decorated for the season. Tours are available by visiting the main museum Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 per person, with proceeds supporting upkeep of the historic home. An app is also available for download, offering additional information and a virtual tour.
