The Jesse Andrew House is a historic building in West Lafayette, Indiana protected by the National Register of Historic Places because of its historic value in the time of the founding of the city. Its humble beginnings started as it was home of Jesse Andrew, a vibrant member of the early West Lafayette community. Mr. Andrews is considered to be one of the cities founders as he took a major part in the establishment of the government. The house was originally built in 1859 making it the oldest home and one of the oldest structures in the city. It went through major renovations in the 1930s, turning it into a duplex, before being sold out of the Andrew's family to a local rental company in the 1980s.
For the last 35 years the house has been called home by many college students, thankful for its historic value and proximity to campus. Four of the most recent residents (2016-2018) were students at Purdue named Matthew Mills, Gregg Ray, Ben Claywell, and the one and only Daniel Grimm III. When interviewed about his dwelling place, Gregg responded, "It's a great place to live and so close to my classes, but I think my favorite part is knowing its history. I mean the building is almost 160 years old! How many great men and women have lived in this place? From [Jesse] Andrews to Will Claywell the home has definitely been a part of shaping the lives of many heroes. It is meaningful to me to be able to walk in the footsteps of these and many other great people." As the Jesse Andrew Home is protected as a National Historic landmark, Gregg's experience will not end with him; maybe his children, or his children's children will too walk in the footsteps of the legends of old and will take part in the great making of history at the footsteps of the Purdue Memorial Union in Jesse Andrews House.
Significance
"The Jesse Andrew House is significant as the oldest home extant in West Lafayette, and as the residence of one of the town's founders. A Greek Revival-style structure, built in 1859, this home remained in the Andrew family until 1982, and is one of few original structures remaining near the Purdue University campus. Jesse Andrew, Sr., the original owner of this house, was considered one of the most influential settlers in the area in the 1850s, One of 43 settlers who originally established the town government in 1866, Jesse Andrew also drew up the town's original plat. Both he and his son, Jesse Charles Andrew, who purchased this home in 1881, were prominent merchants in the community. As West Lafayette expanded, both men were responsible for platting important additions to the city. Subsequent owners of the home included Jesse Charles Andrew's brother, Thomas, and his son, Joseph, both of whom achieved local prominence. Thomas M. Andrew was the organizer and first president of the Purdue State Bank (now Purdue National Bank), and also served as a member of the Indiana State Legislature in 1904. His son, Joseph H. Andrew, who later owned and occupied this structure, was active in the American Red Cross, and served on that organization's National Board of Governors. The current owners purchased the structure from the Andrew family in 1982, and recently completed an extensive renovation."