Ham House
Who built the Ham House?
Mathias Ham
What happened to the first town clock and why?
It fell because it was too heavy
How many sides does this structure have?
8
Name one house is this district
Octagon House, Garland House
What is the Ham House today?
Museum for Dubuque history
Who lived in the Ham House after Mr and Mrs Ham died?
Sarah Ham
What building was the clock put on at first?
John Bell and Company (grocery store)
Who lived in the Octagon House?
Langworthy Family
Name a person in the Langworthy family
Edward
Who is fondly known as the "father of Sauerkraut."
Mathias Ham
What happened in the Ham House one night?
Sarah Ham heard someone outside her door so she shot at the door. The next morning there was a trail of blood to the river so people believe it was a river pirate
Where is the town clock now?
Main street in the Plaza
Who was the architect?
John F. Rague
Why are the Langworthy's famous?
They were very important in developing the new city and the mining business here.
How much did it cost for the brick on the outside of the Octagon House?
$8,000
Iowa's oldest log cabin, a historic granary, and the Humke schoolhouse.
What is the town clock on now?
4 pedestals
Where is the Octagon House?
Langworthy District
What is a historic district?
A historic district is an area of important buildings based on architecture or historic events. Unique buildings or homes of important people or that had important events occur in them.
Name 2 things that make the Octagon House unique from looking at it?
The Octagon House has a raised basement, cupola (small dome or structure on top of the building), roof deck, veranda (open porch that has a roof), and little ornamental detail.
What was Mathias known for?
He mined lead, owned land, developed ferry boat industry in Dubuque, made railroad investments, and invented Sauerkraut.
What happened to the clock after it fell?
Shipped to New York to get fixed
Why is the structure 8 sides?
It gives it 20% more space than regular houses with 4 sides
Name one regulation the people have for their yard
Cannot have chain link fences, they have to be well groomed, cannot make major alternations to the home, and must have any yard decorations or additions approved by the city.
Name one thing you can do at the Ham House in the summer
Crafts, 4th of July celebration, picnic explore the granary and learn about Dubuque history