Have it all – architectural character, a desirable location and a fascinating history! This beautifully-detailed Queen Anne home retains many original features, is located in one of New Albany’s oldest and most prestigious suburbs, and has a unique connection to a notorious episode in the City’s past. The development of Silver Hills, located overlooking the city, was facilitated when the New Albany Highland Railroad Company began providing streetcar service to Silver Hills in 1890. The Tuley family, who had owned the land for many years, sold off different parcels to developers, who in turn platted it and sold lots. The Silver Hills Land Company platted the tract of land that included Ridgeway Avenue in 1891. Five houses were initially built on the avenue, this home being one of them. The neighborhood has been identified as being potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Built 1868. Shotgun. The Bliss-Knobloch House. Michael Sohn purchased this lot from William Munster and his wife in August 1868 for $800.00 and had this house built immediately. He sold the new house to C. H. and Mary Bliss in April of 1869 for $1060.00. Mr. Bliss’s occupation was listed in the 1871 New Albany City Directory as a merchant.

Built c.1915. Bungalow. The Brock-Wolf-Froman House. This area of New Albany was once a separate town, which was incorporated in 1886 and was known as Silver Grove. The boundaries were roughly Silver Street to the west, Charlestown Road to the north, Beharrell Avenue to the east and Spring Street to the south. The town had its own town hall with town council along with is own police and fire departments. Silver Grove became part of New Albany in 1915. 

James W. Brock purchased this lot in March of 1906 from James H. Brock.  The house was built around 1915 and the first entry for the address was in the 1917 New Albany City Directory listing James W. as residing here.  Previously, the family resided at 2108 Shelby Street.  James died in March 1918 and the house was sold in March of 1920.

Built c.1900.  One-third double-pile.  The Bofis-Capper-Fristoe House. This house was built about 1900 on the south end of the Hegewald property at the corner of East 10th and Elm Streets. The Hegewald family could have built this single-family structure for investment purposes because the New Albany City Directories show that the house saw numerous occupants over a lengthy period of time.

Built c.1888. Queen Anne. The McFall-Rouff House. This beautiful brick, Queen Anne house - likely eligible for individual listing in the National Register of Historic Places - was built between 1888 and 1889 for Charles W. McFall, a carrier for the U.S. Post Office. In his later years, Mr. McFall had a grocery at 1422 East Elm Street.

In November of 1904, Dr. Hettie McFall sold the home. There were several owners before William F. Ruoff, a lawyer, purchased the house in August of 1913 and lived here for over 30 years. Mr. Ruoff died in December of 1944 and his widow, Lee, remained in the home until May of 1965.

Built 1906. Queen Anne. The Thompson-Zoeller House. John Thompson was a carrier for the U.S. Post Office and he purchased this lot in May of 1906 for $490.00. He immediately had this house built for he was listed in the New Albany City Directory of 1907-08.

In May of 1921, the Anthony C. Zoeller family purchased the home and resided here through October of 1951. Mr. Zoeller eventually became the proprietor of the Zoeller Service Station located on the northeast corner of Ekin Avenue and 15th Street in New Albany.

Built 1887. Gabled-ell. Rockafellow-Gohmannn House.  James H. Rockafellow purchased this lot on Upper 1st Street, as it was originally known, in July of 1886 from the Board of Foreign Missions for $230 and had this house built. Mr. Rockafellow was a dealer in furniture on Main Street in downtown New Albany.  The property changed hands in 1892 before being sold to Edmund G. Gohmann in September of 1894.  Mr. Gohmann was secretary of the manufacturing company, Gohmann Bros. & Kahler.  

Built in Queen Anne style in 1906 for Andreas Kopp, a sales agent dealing in flour, etc.  This house became home to the Fred J. Williams family in August 1919.  Mr. Williams was the associate general agent for the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Co. He also had his insurance office at the house.

By the mid 1940s, Elizabeth Williams was listed as living here. The house remained in the Williams family through the early 1970s.