The Mansion of Golconda

The late John Gilbert, Sr., who made his mark as a banker, merchant and the operator of river steamboats in Golconda Illinois and Evansville Indiana, ordered the Mansion built in 1894 for his son, John Gilbert Jr., and his family. Later a mayor of Golconda, John Jr. played an important role in commerce in the town in the early years of the 20th Century.

The massive brick structure occupied a prime spot on "Silk Stocking Row", the choice waterfront residential area in Golconda, and no expense was spared to make the Riverview Mansion a showplace.

A tour of the Mansion offers some interesting glimpses of the workmanship that went into the construction of the house. With six spacious rooms on each floor, separated by 18-inch thick masonry walls, there are nearly 8,000 square feet under its gabled slate roof. A few of the original curved pressed glass windows remain, the wavy distortion adding to their gleaming charm.

An original stained glass window can be viewed on the staircase landing between the first and second floor, and there are six tiled fireplaces; three on the first floor and three upstairs.

The woodwork, an especially attractive and well preserved feature, is a prime example of the carpenters' art. The level of detail in the wood moldings rival the White House in Washington, DC. Even with the power tools available today, the intricate detailing would cost a fortune to duplicate. The beautiful arched hand carved piece in the front hall has a Library of Congress patent plate on the lower left edge - the craftsman was understandably proud of his design. Sliding "pocket doors" separate the main floor rooms, and can be closed for privacy, or just to display the sheen of the magnificent polished wood.

In addition to the unique workmanship, the Mansion has played an important role in the lives of several Golconda families who lived and worked here throughout the years, and the history of Golconda itself. Converted to use as a boarding housein 1928, and later to a commercial hotel, the building has played host to many during its good and lean years. Official Red Cross headquarters during the devastating 1937 Flood, many of the temporary homeless stayed here even as the rising waters lapped against the cieling of the basement below. A metal plaque is still attached to one of the doors showing the highwater mark on the building.

In 1981, nearly $200,000 was spent restoring and renovating the entire facility. Some of the upgrades can be seen today; like the plush carpeting on the main floor.

In 1985 the Mansion was purchased and converted into hotel with fine dining facilities and enjoyed success until 2005 when it was closed and put on the market.