The House That Jack Built

The House That Jack Built

(photo source unknown)

Constructed by coal mining magnate Jacob Heatherington, this mansion was credited by Mr. Heatherington as being built by Jack, his mule, who hauled coal in his mines for many many years, helping to build his fortune. Jack also hauled the construction materials for the mansion.

Legend has it that Mr. Heatherington led the mule through each room of the house when construction was finished, showing him the fruits of his labors.

The House was torn down in the 1950's to expand the Shady-Bell Motel, now known as the 7-Inn, located in South Bellaire.

(photo property of Bellaire Public Library)	(photo property of Bellaire Public Library)
A painting of The House That Jack Built and the mule's head keystone from above the main door of the House are always on display at the Bellaire Public Library.

(photo source unknown)

The Eliza Heatherington Monument located at Greenwood Cemetery overlooking Bellaire. Eliza was the wife of Jacob Heatherington, owner of Jack the mule.

Some recommended sources of more information about this subject:

"History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio : and incidentally historical collections pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley" by John Alexander Caldwell [Unigraphic, 1976, [1880]]

"The OHIO STORY" (page 247) by Frank Siedel [World Pub. Co. 1950]

Article from the Stratton House Inn website

The Times Leader newspaper article March 22, 1966.

Article from Southeast Ohio Magazine, Spring 1989