IRVINGTON — The Benton House Book Sale will be held from Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21 at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Ave. in Irvington. Hours are 5-8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. They accept cash, check, and credit cards (additional fee for credit card sales).
Thousands of books and other materials will be up for sale under the big tent in the parking lot. Hardback books are priced at $2, paperbacks at $1, and children’s books are $1. They will also have a selection of specialty books, donated furnishings, and collectibles individually priced.
The sale is possible through the hard work of many volunteers who help sort and carry the books, organize and maintain the sale, and do a lot behind the scenes. They are an important reason the Benton House has become an icon in Historic Irvington.
The Benton House Book Sale is one of the major fundraisers for the historic home, with all proceeds going to the care and maintenance of the property. Built in 1873, it was the home of Allen R. Benton, twice president of Butler University when it was in Irvington. Architecturally, it is a fine example of the Second Empire style. The inside of the home is decorated according to the period, with original features throughout.
In 1966, the Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation was formed to oversee the purchase and restoration of the home. The Benton House Association was formed a few years later to maintain the home and manage the use of the property. The Benton House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is listed as an Indiana museum — and is the only east side property listed on the Historic Register. The home is available for rental for small parties and receptions.
In addition to the home itself, the Benton House grounds are home to historically accurate gardens filled with plants of the era. Many heirloom varieties can be seen in all their glory this time of year, carefully maintained by the Irvington Garden Club’s master gardener Ed Meyers.
The next event to raise funds for the historic property will be the Benton House Tour of Homes and Classy Car Show on Sunday, September 15 from noon-5 p.m. The Home Tour features homes and other properties in Irvington notable for their architecture, decor, and unique Irvington flair.
For more information about the Benton House, visit thebentonhouse.org or call 317-357-0318.
