SHNA Homes - 324 River St.

The Tilghman House

c. 1884
324 River Street

The Tilghman House was built between 1884 and 1887. This three-story house expresses the Georgian style through a large facade flanked by heavy matching end-wall chimneys. The steeply-pitched gable roof has a central over-sized gable dormer, accented by a paladin window. A half-gabled verandah is supported by Greek Doric columns. The front is detailed with classic dentils.

William G. Tilghman and his wife, Mattie, bought the house in 1894 from it original owner, Irving Tillis. William was a farmer and co-owner of Noah J. Tilghman & Sons, a major lumber and shingle mill in Palatka. This mill was sold to the Wilson brothers in 1890. However, William then bought the D. A. Boyd mill and continued in the cypress shingle business.

After William and Mattie died, their daughter, Helen, lived in the house until the mid-1970's. She divided the house into apartments, which she rented out while she lived there. Helen was a supporter of the arts and loved to garden. She had a small fernery behind her house.

After several owners used the house as rental property, the City of Palatka bought it in 1991 and leased it to the Palatka Art League, which renovated the house. It is now maintained as an active Arts Center. In addition, an artist's cooperative gallery is open to the public Friday and Saturday afternoons. Visitors are welcome.

If you have any additional information on this home, please