In Indianapolis’s Lockerbie Square Historic District, this house is closely associated with poet James Whitcomb Riley, the "Hoosier poet," who lived there from 1893 until his death in 1916. Built in 1872 for baker John R. Nickum, it later became Riley’s home with Magdalena and Charles Holstein. Because preservation began soon after Riley died, much of the household from his time remains, including his wicker chair and deathbed. The house is also significant as a well-preserved Italianate residence, with its brick construction, central tower, decorative brackets, hand-carved woodwork, and surviving features of late-19th-century domestic technology.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Attribution

Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana · USA