The Springer Home

417 Sherman Street SE

Built in 1901

Celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2026, the home at 417 Sherman Street has a rich history dating back to 1901. Originally constructed as a two-room schoolhouse by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the building served as a place of education for local children. Religious instruction was taught in German, while traditional subjects such as reading, writing, and arithmetic were taught in English. Shortly after its construction, a third room was added, which now serves as the primary bedroom. The church later converted the building into a parsonage. Over the years, the home underwent a significant expansion, with the addition of bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and den. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church retained ownership of the property until 1970, when it was sold to Orby and Mildred Hobbs. The home was subsequently purchased in 1988 by Lynn Temple, who resided there for more than 36 years. During her ownership, Ms. Temple completed extensive renovations, including remodeling the kitchen, installing French doors, replacing wall paneling with drywall in the hallway and den, updating several windows, and converting a bedroom into a spacious bathroom. One of the most significant improvements was replacing the home’s original knob-and-tube electrical wiring with a modern electrical system. Despite these updates, the living room, dining room, and front bedroom retain their original plaster walls. The Springer family became the fourth owners of the historic property in May 2025. Following the purchase, they undertook several improvements, including interior and exterior painting, a new roof and gutters, and the installation of additional hardwood flooring. The home’s existing hardwood floors were also sanded and refinished, preserving their original character. Among the home’s distinctive features are the light fixtures in the living and dining rooms, which were gifted to Ms. Temple and once hung in Decatur’s oldest home on Lafayette Street. Throughout the residence, visitors will also find artwork by talented local artists, including Shannon Fulenwider and Jessica Lloyd Hales of The Art Loft, mixed-media works by Sandy Castor, and reclaimed-wood creations by Sheila Sexton. As the home celebrates 125 years, the Springer family is proud to continue its legacy, preserving its historic charm while ensuring it remains a cherished part of Decatur’s historic district for generations to come.