John C. Kesterson House in Fairbury listed on National Register of Historic Places

FAIRURY - The John C. Kesterson House has long been a treasure in the Fairbury community. Due to its historic value, History Nebraska announced Thursday that the house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History Nebraska notes the house's Italianate architecture, which was very popular among the prominent early settlers of Nebraska towns.

Built by and named after a successful horse-breeder, freighter and businessman, the John C. Kesterson House was built in 1879 with a wing added to the north in 1885.

The home retains an exceptional degree of integrity with a minimal amount of alterations over the years. The home retains most of its historic materials, including all of its original windows and an ornate front porch. The home also features several unique details including cast-iron gargoyles and a hitching post.

Dave Calease with the History Nebraska Preservation Office said he appreciates the care taken by its owners to keep important historical details intact.

“Anyone who thinks that old homes need their windows ripped out and the floor plan rearranged needs to look at the John C. Kesterson House," Calease said. "Very comfortable home with great historic features inside and out. Some updating – I think we all appreciate indoor plumbing – but by and large, this home is a great example of late-nineteenth-century architecture that has been well maintained over its 140 years.”

The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's inventory of properties deemed worthy of preservation.  It's part of a national program to coordinate and support local and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect the nation's historic and archeological resources.  The National Register was developed to recognize historic places and their role in contributing to the United States' heritage.