The town of Kentland, at the time of my visit, wasn’t particularly bustling. There weren’t a ton of thriving shops. There weren’t a lot of places to eat. I think it is a town that needs a little help. Your business would mean so much! Please, take some time, see the sights, visit the places that are open–and then take a drive through the roads surrounding town.
Driving through the neighborhoods of Kentland, Indiana was pure joy. It felt like we passed one beautiful home after another. Just look at these lovely ladies. There’s so much to love about Victorian architecture. Fortunately, our Indiana towns are full of fabulous examples.
Victorian Architecture
Did you know that it isn’t supposed to be referred to as Victorian “style” because the architecture applies to a peaceful period of time (1837 to 1901) when Queen Victoria ruled Britain.
According to Biography.com, Queen Victoria might have appeared grim and stern, but in private, she was said to have a “radiant smile.” She was the first monarch to take a train ride and the second longest reigning monarch (only surpassed by Queen Elizabeth the II in September of 2015).
She loved her husband and, when he died in 1862 at the age of 42 from typhoid fever, she fell into depression and forever after wore black for mourning. They had had nine children. Due to the number of children she had, she had a connection (relation or through marriage) to every European monarch save for Spain and France. Those connections helped ensure a peaceful reign.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, it was a time of industrialization. Newspapers were spreading, photography and the telegrapher were new, and civic projects were booming. New bridges, new railways, underground sewers, and more advanced Britain. New advances allowed for changes in the way homes were designed and built.
Victorian homes represent the grandness and attention to detail of this period. OldHouses.com shares that there are four ways to identify a Victorian home. They are:
- Steeply pitched roof of irregular shape, usually with dominant front-facing gable
- Textured shingles (and/or other devices) to avoid smooth-walled appearance
- Partial or full-width asymmetrical porch, usually one story high and extended along one or both side walls
- Asymmetrical facade
While it may be hard to see, each of the Kentland homes possess some sort of unusual detailing. We drove slowly around the residential areas surrounding the town. In every direction there was something beautiful. In this case, I don’t even think I have a favorite. There is something to love about all of them. But I sure do love the bright paint colors!
Want to see more? Well, then, what are you waiting for? Head out and see the sights in this small Indiana town. Add Kentland to your Indiana travel itinerary. Venture off the interstate and see what you can find.
Kentland, Indiana Victorian Architecture Images
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is Little Indiana.
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Kentland, Indiana in Newton County
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