News : Historical Society members keep Horridge House and Horridge history alive

The military room at the Horridge house contains World War I and other memorabilia.

The large pantry near the kitchen of the Horridge house.

When you ask Rose Rouse what her favorite part of the Horridge House is, she answers with three words: "All of it!"

Rouse, a member of the Benton County Historical Society, gave Vinton Today a short tour of the house where George Horridge lived with his wife, Elizabeth.

Horridge built the house in 1863.He was President of Farmers Bank, served on the city council and school board and was one of the principal contributors to the library. He also donated to the Presbyterian Church (which is next door to the house) the pipe organ that is still in use there.

After Elizabeth's death, George married Carrie Smith. She made several changes to the house, adding an attached garage for her electric car as well as many other rooms and decorations that are still on display there. 

The Benton County Historical Society owns the Horridge House, as well as the Ray House and the Depot.