The Bennett Family House on Willowbrook Street

The Bennett family established their residence on Willowbrook Street in 1905 after Thomas Bennett purchased and expanded the Folk Victorian manor following his success as a grain merchant. Three generations lived there, including Thomas, his wife Clara, their children, and later grandchildren who assisted with family affairs. Their income came from agricultural trade, grain storage contracts, and regional shipping agreements.

Local records describe the house as a respected neighborhood property with active parlors, a formal dining room, and regularly maintained upper floors. The central tower, porch, and decorative interiors remained important parts of family life during the years of prosperity.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when Bennett Grain Company lost several major contracts after regional markets weakened and payments were delayed. During the economic downturn of the early 1930s, Thomas reduced expenses by dismissing household staff and closing several unused bedrooms in the tower and upper floors. Repairs to the slate roof, wooden trim, and porch railings were postponed as debts increased. After Thomas died in 1932, disagreements among heirs delayed decisions about the property. By 1934, unpaid taxes and inheritance disputes forced Clara and the remaining family members to leave Willowbrook Street.

The Bennett House was abandoned in 1935 after foreclosure followed years of agricultural business decline, unpaid taxes, and unresolved inheritance disputes. No restoration occurred, and no Bennett descendants returned after leaving Willowbrook Street. Municipal records noted complicated ownership transfers and continued deterioration of the vacant manor. The interior rooms remained closed, with personal papers and household objects left behind. Over the decades, moisture damage, structural wear, and neglect affected the Folk Victorian residence. The mansion remains empty on the residential street, deteriorating without restoration or confirmed future ownership.