Captain R.W. DeLion House
history : victorian homes : Captain R.W. DeLion House
712 Clay Street / Built 1883
Captain DeLion from Chile prospered with a thriving shipping and commissions business. He also served as a city councilman and Port Townsend's mayor. Built for $9,000, with many upgraded features DeLion's house defined elegance. Charactarized by Italianate Villa lines this home boasted thirteen rooms within 4,000 square feet. The home had the first central heating system in Port Townsend and no fireplaces. The rooms are large and airy with twelve foot ceilings.
Rudolf W. DeLion in his 56 Years of life was a man of varied personal and professional experiences.
Emotionally and economically, his life was a "roller Coaster". After many failed businesses, including a failed shipping drydock, DeLion was charged with insanity by his family and later comitted suicide.
At the time of his death he was nearly poverty stricken and a fraternal organization covered the cost of his burial expenses.
After serving as a boarding house and neglected by multiple owners the house was finally abandoned.
The home has been restored to its former Victorian opulence and serves today as a family home.
history : victorian homes : Captain R.W. DeLion House