Vineyard Mansion

This impressive red brick and brownstone mansion was built in 1890 for a prominent Saint Joseph attorney, Benjamin R. Vineyard and his wife, Ema (Hoagland), the daughter of George Hoagland, president of the Buchanan Bank. 

An interesting link between Abraham Lincoln and the Vineyards exists, in that when he was 27 years old, Lincoln proposed marriage to Benjamin’s mother, Mary Owens, then of Kentucky.  She turned him down, deeming him to be an unsuitable mate.

The style of the house is Queen Anne with Romanesque Revival influences.  It features multiple bay windows, a tower, and gables.  The expansive porches are supported by round columns with foliated cushion capitals.  The house was designed by the firm of Eckel and Mann.  With only six Romanesque structures in Saint Joseph, this style of architecture is considered a rarity. 

The interior design elements include exceptional hand-made fretwork, woodwork, mantlepieces, cut crystal transom windows, and original cast bronze hardware.

The Vineyard Mansion is now open as a bed and breakfast.

Turn to your right.  Cross twelfth street and go one half of a block to find The Sisters.