McArthur House
109 N. View Street February 2008
138 S. River St. August 2005
This home was moved from 138 S. River St. in Aurora. Prior to the restoration the home could easily be described as an ugly gray house. The Preservation Commission along with numerous volunteers and dedicated contractors saw the potential this home had and unlocked it.
One of the oldest homes in Aurora, this home dates back to the 1840s. Pictured is an 1867 Bird’s Eye Map featuring the home.
138 S. River St. November 30, 2005
Moving day!
138 S. River St. on its way to 109 N. View St. November 30, 2005
109 N. View St. December 2005
Restoration in progress! The home was moved to the excavated site at 109 N. View St., and contractors have begun the construction of the new foundation.
109 N. View St. May 2006
Restoration in progress! The foundation was completed. The non- original siding was removed, and the windows were in the process of being restored!
109 N. View St. August 2006
Restoration in progress! The porch restoration is underway, and the house’s siding has been repaired and primed.
109 N. View St. November 2006
Restoration in progress! The house has been painted. The porch is completed, but not painted.
109 N. View St. September 2007
Restoration completed! The historic front doors have been installed. The porch was painted, and the landscaping completed.
Living Room
Living Room
Dining Room
Dining Room
Kitchen
109 N. View St. February 2008
This home was saved from demolition, moved and restored through the generosity of a local developer, the city of Aurora, and many fantastic volunteers and contractors. The home was purchased by a preservation minded buyer who resides in the home and continues to preserve this important piece of Aurora’s history.
History of the McArthur House
In the 150 years since its original construction, the home at 109 N. View St. has witnessed the transformation of the centuries. One of Aurora’s earliest homes, it was built in the early 1840s by Alexander McArthur, a cooper who immigrated to America from Scotland. Only the second house on River Street, its original location, the home saw the very beginnings of the Town of West Aurora. After marrying Eliza McFarlane aboard a ship in a New York harbor and staying briefly in Rochester, Alexander’s son John brought his bride to live in this home. At that point, the building housed 14 people, prompting John to add a second story to the house during the Civil War to accommodate the demands placed on the home by its growing family. This home even merited a visit from legendary detective Allen Pinkerton and his wife, who were entertained there after being stranded on the prairie.
Since the McArthur family owned the residence, it has been home to Fremont Taylor, jeweler and watchmaker, and George Phelps, a barber. Later it was used as rental property, became a restaurant and served as a bus depot for Continental Trailways.
In addition to changes in use, the home has experienced many physical changes. Besides the addition of the second story (around the Civil War), a shed was added to the building and may have functioned as a workshop or retail space for its owners. Truly, this home has seen incredible changes, especially its recent restoration to its 1840s appearance.
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