400 S. West Street, Bellevue, OH
The former Higbee, Woodward, Ellis, Quirin Mansion, and Charter House Restaurant.
Presently Faith Bible Church of Bellevue since 1968.
Home of Pastor and Mrs. Ralph H. Flynn

Built in 1855 by H. G. Higbee
Original property was sixty acres - one-third of Bellevue in 1855.
The outside stone walls are two and one-half feet thick 
The inside brick walls are covered with three inches of plaster.
It is listed on the State of Ohio inventory list of historical buildings
and is eligible for the National Listing of Historical Places in America.

It was the home of Henry Quirin, world's greatest bee keeper.
During WWI gas was introduced as a weapon of mass destruction. Both sides wore gas masks.
However, the bees had none and all died off. Henry designed a special box
made of bee's wax and was able to mail live queen bees overseas
to repopulate the bees in Europe.



Original photos and frames of Gurton (1796-1874) and Mary (1801-1879) Woodward,
parents of Dr. Amos Woodward, second owner of 400 S. West Street.
The pictures, a wedding gift, hung in the building for three generations.
After Arabella Woodward (daughter) died the pictures went to New England.
In 2000, Elizabeth Body Armstrong, great, great, great granddaughter of Gurton and Mary,
returned the pictures to 400 S. West Street.


A rare statue of Jael told about in the Bible. Read Judges Chapter 4
"Jael smote the nail into his [Sisera's] temples  . . . so he died."


Main stair case (before)

Main stair case (during make over)

Main stair case (1903 hardwood floor brought back to life during make over)

Dark old varnish covered beautiful cherry wood banister.

Next large hall gets make over too.
Notice window on table and some in the door way. All will be redone.
Carpet samples are also on the table. Full carpet will be in this room.

Main stair case (looking down stair well from 2nd floor)
A large copy of Rembrandt painting will cover this area above the steps.

Meanwhile work goes on in another room on the 2nd floor.
Fireplace is given a new front and an old mantel is being refinished.
Wallpaper has been selected and will be applied soon.


Ornate columns greet visitors in the main entrance hall.


Large windows with built-in shutters grace the mansion.


Leaded glass in windows and doors reveal the craftsmanship of 1855.

Twenty-seven flower gardens surround the mansion; all cared for by Susan Flynn, wife
of Pastor Ralph Flynn, who is redoing each room of the mansion. More than 1 year is
being spent on each room. Private 1 hour tours are available by request. 419-483-6024.

Church Services for Faith Bible Church of Bellevue
10:40 AM and 6:00 PM
  Ralph Flynn, Pastor

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