The John C. Blanchard House, home of the Ionia County Historical Society and Ionia County Museum, is a fine example of 1880's Italianate architecture. This beautiful mansion is situated on a full acre lot in the heart of Ionia's Historic District.
John C. Blanchard was an early resident of Ionia, a prosperous capitalist, lawyer and politician with major interests in lumber and railroads. The house exterior is Ionia variegated sandstone quarried locally. Inside, the house represents the finest of late Victorian living, interspersed with related artifacts from the history of the Ionia area. The lower level in dedicated to local history, and the Carriage House contains a tool museum and period workshop.
The house and museum are open for public tours on Sunday afternoons between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Tours of the house and museum can also be arranged at other times - we welcome groups! The house is also available to rent for special occasions.
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