The McLaughlin House



As we head up Morton Hill, aka Union Street, in Webster Springs, we come to one of my very favorite houses.

Built in 1894 by Dr. John McLaughlin, this house was also the home of the famed Eli “Rimfire” Hamrick (an indirect ancestor of mine) at one time.

The little building out front was Dr. McLaughlin’s office, but I know personally that it was at least at one time later used as a house.

I’ve made several visits to this stunning house over the years. Here’s glimpses from my latest visit in 2023.






But even though I grew up going to Webster Springs regularly, I didn’t know about this house until 2007. We went one day to find it locked, and I just drooled over it from outside. I was thrilled beyond words to find out it was owned by the historical society and that we could have a tour the next day. I even have video of that tour on a handheld camera!

 






 

I will always feel the excitement of that first visit. It held feelings I don’t have words for, and it’s like a part of me had already been there. This house will always be very meaningful to me, a fascination in its own right that happens to sit in my favorite town.

Have you been inside the McLaughlin house?

📸: Kacie Fleming, 2008 and 2023

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