Neff, Edward E., House
Why it's listed
Built in 1887-88 at 123 North Franklin Street in Delaware, Ohio, this brick Queen Anne house was commissioned by Edward E. Neff, a successful dry goods merchant and former county treasurer. It has an irregular plan, a rounded corner turret with a hexagonal frame top story, a steeply pitched hipped roof of patterned slate, and gables decorated with scalloped shingles and sunburst motifs. Sandstone lintels and sills, carved wood details and a corner entry porch add to its character. Inside, oak and cherry trim, six fireplaces with mantles, an open oak staircase and original shutters survive. Queen Anne buildings were uncommon in 1880s Delaware and were usually built of frame, so this brick example with its turret and detailing stands out locally. A later owner added electricity, bathrooms and the rear garage in the early 1920s. Ohio Governor Frank B. Willis rented the house for about four years after 1917.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the house is one of the most substantial and distinctive Queen Anne residences in Delaware, notable for its brick construction, corner turret and detailed ornament. It reflects the prosperity of its original owner and the architectural tastes of the late 1880s. It also retains its original slate roof, floor plan and interior finishes.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 87002546, listed January 28, 1988. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 123 N. Franklin St., Delaware |
|---|---|
| County | Delaware County |
| Listed | January 28, 1988 |
| Reference number | 87002546 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1887-1888 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used as a single dwelling; the form says interior features have been preserved by its four owners and that minor alterations were made in the early 1920s. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.30277, -83.06905 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary for a privately owned home: it does not by itself restrict what an owner may do with their own money, and it does not require public access. Restrictions come from local landmark or historic-district ordinances, which are separate (how they differ).
Owner-occupied houses are not eligible for the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit, which applies to income-producing buildings, but many states offer credits for homeowners. Listing also opens the door to preservation easements and to buying a plaque. Start with what listing means for homeowners, renovating a listed house and selling one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 87002546.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q137760256
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.