4. The Old Congregational Church Parsonage - 308 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio

The old Congregational Church Parsonage was built in 1896. It only served as a parsonage for about 10 to 15 years before it became a family home until the 1960's. In the 1960's the home was turned into a rental, a duplex. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

According to the Ashland County Auditor's online records, the Starkey family has owned the National Registered historic home since 1990.

Mr. Starkey passed away a number of years ago and the home is in a trust for his three children. Offers have been made on the home but have continually fallen through. I've lived in Ashland since May of 1996 and the parsonage has been empty since then. The roof is in dire straights and just sitting empty, who knows what else has is wrong with the house.

The Ashland County Auditor's website states this century home at 308 Center Street has a value of $86,290. The land itself is only valued at $16,970. The city and county will loose out, loose out on yet another piece of irreplaceable historic architecture, as well as the tax revenue. It does not have to come to demolition. Action should be taken NOW to prevent this! For these reasons the old Congregational Church Parsonage at 308 Center Street Ashland is #4 on my list of top 10 most endangered historic properties in Ashland County.