…The KING HOUSE

The King House in Veterans Park at 6th & Church Streets in Newark was originally built in 1831 at North Second Street and Park Place in downtown Newark by Samuel Dennis King. In the 1890’s the house was moved to 64 North Second Street to make way for the Auditorium Theater. By 1973 HCA was considering the creation of a museum in Newark.  In February the Museum Committee was formed. Sam Schnaidt was Chairman, plus members Loren Yeakley, Maurice Holman, and Donna Yeager. king house before moving Left Photoking house on wheels King House Before Moving      

Right Photo King House on Wheels

In 1973, progress was again forcing the King House to be moved to make way for a motor inn.  The owner, Robert Weakley, offered it to HCA if they would move it, restore it, and preserve it.  After seeing the interior, the Museum Committee members were unanimously agreed to accepting the offer. In August, HCA purchased the King House for $1.00 – plus moving costs. The house was moved for the second time – this time to Veterans Park. There were two Heisey-King family connections. The first occurred when James K. Hamill, grandson of Samuel Dennis King, married Sue Heisey Walker, granddaughter of A. H. Heisey.  The second was when Alice Heisey, daughter of A. H  married Fred King, cousin of Catherine King Knight, wife of William King, son of Samuel and grandfather of Elizabeth King.  The house was occupied by descendants of the King family for 142 years.  Elizabeth King, the last resident, left in July 1973. king house dedication day Left Photoking house dedication speakers King House On Dedication Day in 1975    

Right Photo King House Dedication Day Speakers

  In June 1975 the King House officially became The National Heisey Glass Museum.  Now this restored home not only preserves the memory of two of Newark’s most notable families, it has become the showplace of Newark’s most outstanding product – Heisey Glass!  

…The BONES

While excavating for the basement of the King House, the workman uncovered some bones. The park had once been part of a cemetery. It was thought by officials that all bones had previously been moved to Cedar Hill Cemetery back in 1850 when this cemetery was abandoned. Digging was halted and the bones were re-interred. Plans for a 9-foot basement were abandoned.  The current basement is 4 feet plus 3 feet that were added to the foundation above ground level to obtain a 7-foot basement.  Filling, grading and terracing was adjusted to counteract placing the house higher than planned!