The Gibson-Henson House

305 Lafayette Street NE

c. 1901

 An Old Decatur landmark, the Gibson-Henson House was built in 1901 by cotton broker Johnnie Knight. This picturesque Queen Anne design was created by Knoxville, Tennessee architect George Franklin Barber, one of the most successful residential architects in the Victorian era.  This particular design, known as the “Every State of the Union” was introduced to the American public in the August 1899 issue of American Homes.  In 1908, Mr. Knight sold the home to George and Frances Holland. Mr. Holland moved to Decatur from Iowa to lead the Holland-Blow Stave Company. In 1918, Mrs. Holland passed possession of the stately house to Jerry and Kate Gibson. The Gibson family occupied it for about seventy years. Jerry was the secretary-treasurer of the Holland Blow Stave Company. Following the Gibson era, the house was unoccupied for more than a decade and, as a result, fell in to disrepair. In 1984, Wally and Barbara Inscho saved it from demolition. The home survived because of the high-quality materials and craftsmanship of its original construction. The two-story Victorian has pine and poplar siding with detailed gables and three roof dormers of varying sizes and shapes. A hipped porch dominates the lower façade and continues around one side of the home. Inside are many original details including twin parlors and a formal dining room. The first-floor spaces are graced with original oak floors. Each parlor features its original pocket doors, paneled wainscoting walls and a fireplace. Upstairs are three bedrooms with bay windows. Current owners, Rodger and Brenda Henson, renovated the kitchen and have added crown moldings throughout the first floor. You will not want to miss seeing these homeowners’ maximalist style and lavish Christmas décor when visiting their Victorian treasure.