Visit the Austin – Whittemore House at 15 Austin Street in Vermillion. The Clay County Historical Society invites you to see the Victorian room settings and displays relating to Clay County history. The home was built by Horace J. Austin in 1882 and remained in the family until 1969. At that time the house was donated to the Clay County Historical Society.

The Austin – Whittemore House is open 9:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, but to make sure we are open, please call ahead. Please call ahead to set up tours. The Austin – Whittemore House can be used for special functions, such as wedding receptions, reunions, club meetings and Christmas parties. Call for cost quotes.

Research Opportunities: Vermillion and Clay County History, Clay County Cemeteries, Local Newspaper Archives, Family Histories, Books for Sale (See Book Shelf / Book Shop.) etc.

Events: Attic Treasures (Second Weekend in May), Ice Cream Social (Third or Fourth Thursday in June) and Candlelight Tour of Homes (First Friday in December). Check local listings for changes and exact dates.

Membership Information / Dues:
Individual: $15.00/year
Family: $25.00/year
Life: $200.00
Business & Organizations: $50.00/year

Austin – Whittemore House

The town of Vermillion was built below the bluff near the Missouri River. In March of 1881 a flood devastated much of Clay County. The flood washed the little town away. The residents and merchants moved above the bluff, where the town is presently located.

Mr. Austin had acquired land on the bluff and decided to build this lovely brick house for his wife and him. For ten years prior to his death, he enjoyed the home while serving in the state legislature.

Many legislators and local people were served at elegant dinners and receptions in the house. Mrs. Austin (Rachel Ross) was an active member of the WCTU and many of the meetings were held in this home. Mrs. Austin was also a schoolteacher at the “Old Log School House” when she met Mr. Austin.

After Mr. Austin’s death, Mrs. Austin built an addition to the house that included a dining room, a conservatory south of the dining room and a large bedroom on the second floor.

The Austins had one daughter Helen whose nickname was Pansy. Pansy and her husband were the parents of five children. It was after Pansy’s death that the Clay County Historical Society acquired the house.

The home is furnished by items donated by local Clay County families.