5 /5 Dave Cameron: Judge David Davis made his money by land speculation; buying when Bloomington just got its start and selling when Bloomington boomed in population in the 1800s. The house he and his wife had built - when he was nearly 60 - both was ornate and practical. Tours start right after the hour. You get a 20-minute video at 9:10, 10:10, 11:10 in a small visitors center by the property entrance. Then, an hour-long guided tour from someone well versed on Davis and the property of a dozen rooms in the house - everything on the main floor, second floor - including the servants quarters - and the laundry area in the basement. Gives a sense for how the rich lived in the late 1800s - a time when quality workmanship was huge. They even had a brick outbuilding that would have been wood for nearly everyone else - to keep up appearances! The property stayed in the family for 80 years; so fortunately wasnt torn down or subdivided like most mansions of that time. We were the only ones on our tour - had every question answered - and our guide was willing to stay as long as needed.
