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Building Style/Type: Victorian Eclectic/Central Block with Projecting Bays Foundation Material: stone Additions: none minor No. Stories:~ Wall Material(s):-'b::..:r.;.:ic::.:;k:.-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ X major (describe below) Alterations: _ none X minor _ major (describe below) Number of associated outbuildings --'0'---_ and/or structures --'0'---_ Briefly describe the principal building, additions or alterations and their dates, and associated outbuildings and structures. Use continuation sheets as necessary. The Knight House is an example of a design built several times in the area in the first part of the twentieth century. Although the setting and site of the house have changed drastically from the agrarian setting the house was once a part of, the original house has changed little since its construction. The interior has been modified, though not drastically, as part of its new function as a retail store. A large 1 1/2 story addition, almost the size of the original house, was added to the rear of the building c. 1990. A short one story enclosed breezeway connects the two parts of the present building. Architect/Builder: unknown, probably builder of several similar area houses. Date of Construction: c.1912 Historic Themes: Mark themes related to this property with "S" or "C" (S = significant, C = contributing). (see instructions for details) _ Industry Economics ~ Agriculture ~ Politics/ Invention Education ~ Architecture Government _ Archeology _ Engineering _Landscape _Religion Art Entertainment/ Architecture Science _ Social History Recreation Commerce Law _ Ethnic Heritage _ Transportation Literature Communications _ Exploration/ _ Community Planning _ Maritime History Other _ Military & Development Settlement _ Performing Arts Health/Medicine Conservation Write a chronological history of the property, focusing primarily on the original or principal owners & significant events. Explain and justifY any significant themes marked above. Use continuation sheets as necessary. This design variant of the central block with projecting bays, with its pointed arch window in its gable ends, eyelid dormer, and wrap-around porch, is one of several similar houses built in Utah County circa 1909. The intact condition of the building, with unobtrusive additions, make this a significant example of the Victorian Eclectic style in Orem. Newell J. and Eliza Knight purchased this property in November of 1909 from Charles E. Millhallin and built the home shortly after. Knight was a member of one of the first four families to settle on the Provo Bench. His father, Newell Knight, homesteaded 160 acres on the bench. Knight gained prominence in the community as manager of the Garden City Canning Company in Orem from 1904 to 1912. He also served Orem as a trustee for the Provo Bench School District, and as chairman of the Sharon L.D.S. Ward Chapel construction finance committee. Knight built the house at 212 S. State in 1909, and lived there with his family until 1916, when the Knights moved to Idaho. The house was sold to Thomas and Anna Walters. The Knights returned to Orem some time after the sale, and remained influential and respected as an early Orem settler. Newell died in Provo in 1935. The Walters lived in the home until June, 1926, when they sold it to Joseph and Ethel Finch. The Finch family lived in the home for the next thirty years, farming the surrounding thirty acres and operating a fruit stand in the house's front yard. Joseph Finch had an active role in Orem's civic affairs as Orem City judge and justice of the peace from 1928 to 1931. The house served an additional role as his office during this time. Finch also served in the L.D.S. Church's Sharon Ward as bishop, while Ethel served in various ways in the Relief Society and Primary. Joseph Finch left Orem in 1936 for the Mulrose Sanitarium, in Duarte, California to be treated for tuberculosis; he died there in June, 1938, at the age of 48. Ethel continued to live in the home and managed the farm with the assistance of her family. In 1974 Ethel Finch died and the property was sold to a finance company. Several businesses have since been housed in the building.