• Deere-Wiman House
• About the House
• History of the House
• The First Owner
• The First Lady

• Butterworth Center
• About the House
• The First Owner
• The First Lady

About Butterworth Center

Originally known as Hillcrest, Katherine and William Butterworth's home is dramatically different from Katherine's girlhood home, Overlook, which is only one block away.

In part, the difference can be attributed to the age of each home. Overlook was built in 1872, in a style typical of a Victorian home of the time, while Hillcrest was built 20 years later, as the 20th century neared.

However, the primary reason for the contrast between the homes may have been the lifestyles of their residents. Overlook, now known as the Deere-Wiman House, was home to three families, including six children, during its life as a private residence. The Butterworths, who had no children, were the only occupants of Hillcrest and entertained frequently for business.

The Butterworths expanded Hillcrest several times, and today the home is more than triple its original size. In 1909, the living room and dining room were each lengthened by eight feet. The living room addition was sunken to accommodate a 26-rank pipe organ, while newly installed French doors at the south end of the dining room opened to a new patio.

The table, sideboard and chairs in the dining room today are pieces that were originally owned by the Butterworth family. A pantry and kitchen adjacent to the dining room were also added in the 1909 remodeling.

In 1917, the Butterworths replaced a carriage entrance on the first floor of home with a spectacular library. The renovation allowed them to add a stone porte cochere beneath the library. Through the porte cochere, guests entered the Oak Room on the home's lower level and climbed an oak staircase with massive antique newel posts to the home first floor foyer.

The Butterworths instructed their architect that a 25 by 50 foot 18th century Italian ceiling painting, painted on canvas, would be the focal point of their new library, and to design the room accordingly. By skillfully weaving new elements, such as extensive stonework and stained glass window inserts, together with antique pieces, the room was decorated to reflect the 16th century Italian renaissance period.

Today, the library contains several pieces of furniture original to the home, including a tabletop mirror that allows visitors to view the ceiling painting without neck strain. Large formal portraits of Katherine and William Butterworth look down on visitors. A portrait of Josiah Little, one of Mrs. Butterworth's ancestors, also hangs in the room.

The second floor of the house features four bedrooms, including the Butterworths' master bedroom, and four baths. In 1925, one of the bathrooms was added and another remodeled. Both were decorated with Italian tile that is still in place today. The third floor of the home includes servants' rooms and a large room that served as Katherine Butterworth's wardrobe room. An elevator was added to the home in 1905.

The Butterworths created extensive and lush gardens on the three acres that surrounded their home. Today's visitors can stroll the property and enjoy the wide variety of trees and plants that the couple planted and nurtured.