Jonas J. Pierce House is a large, stylish Second Empire residence that is a full-blown and early example of the architectural style. This house retains most of its original interior and exterior architectural detail. While the introduction of later alterations has modified the house, its architectural character is also better preserved than other Second Empire residences in the Shenango Valley (Mercer and Lawrence Counties).
Smaller and far less grand than the Pierce House, it has lost the architectural integrity of its windows, cornice, and porches under aluminum siding. It has a modem porte cochere and much later rear and side additions. The Willson House retains nearly all exterior detailing, including brickwork, entry, and tower with cresting and porches.
However, this residence is balanced and sedate compared with the bold volumes and heavy detailing of the Pierce House. The T. C. Gibson residence at 285 East Main Street in Greenville is a brick, two-story Second Empire residence with a convex Mansard roof. It retains the imbricated slate roof with attic dormers, sandstone window lintels, and sills. This house has lost its rear wing and front porch and gained a three-story fire escape on the east facade.
The Jonas Pierce Mansion, also on the National Register, is located around the corner at 18 East Shenango Street. Pierce’s father, noted industrialist James Pierce, lived in an opulent 30-room mansion, now demolished, near the intersection of Shenango and Mercer Avenues. President George W. Bush is a descendant of James Pierce.
