Jeanne and William Buckworth: The January House in Odessa

The article delves into the rich history and modern-day charm of January House, a historic property in Odessa, Delaware, owned by Jeanne and William Buckworth. Built around 1780 for Thomas Star, the house was originally known as Cantwell’s Bridge before the town was renamed Odessa in the 19th century. The property's deed lists the original sellers as the January family, derived from the French Huguenot Thomas Janvier, who Americanized his name. The Buckworths acquired the house through a unique arrangement with H. Rodney Sharp, a DuPont Co. executive who championed architectural preservation in Odessa during the mid-20th century. Sharp, who had established a settlement of ten historic buildings, including January House, along with a Colonial Revival garden, offered the house to his secretary, Jeanne Buckworth, and her husband, who were passionate about Odessa. January House holds significant historical value, having witnessed the ebb and flow of Odessa's prosperity and population. Originally, the house faced the Appoquinimink River, designed with six rooms stacked across three stories. This historic core, featuring wide, random-width flooring and four fireplaces, is now flanked by two additions constructed during Sharp's restoration efforts. The current front of the house is a symmetrical four-bay brick facade. The Buckworths further expanded the property by purchasing an adjoining 40-acre plot to complement the existing two-acre gardens. Over the years, the house has undergone several transformations to suit its owners' tastes. A notable change involved removing a large Victorian addition with columns during Sharp's project to restore the structure to its Colonial core. The present-day kitchen was added during this restoration, forming part of a two-story, Federal-style wing that also includes a second-floor bathroom. Originally, the kitchen was a utilitarian space with metal cupboards. However, the Buckworths re-faced the cabinetry with barn wood and integrated an exposed brick wall, which was part of the house's original exterior, to create a warmer, more rustic feel. The formal dining room's large fireplace, capable of cooking, suggests it may have been the original kitchen, serving as a central gathering place for warmth and sustenance. The Buckworths also cherish family heirlooms within the home, such as a dining table and breakfront crafted by a family friend, Ronald Starnes, and a J.E. Caldwell grandfather clock from the mid-1800s. The Buckworths have also enhanced the living spaces with modern comforts, such as a large sunroom overlooking the river, complete with a gas fireplace. This addition allows them to enjoy the scenic views year-round. During the holiday season, the January House becomes a focal point for Odessa’s annual home tours, known for its abundant decorations. Jeanne Buckworth, often referred to as the "Christmas Star Lady," positions a large star on the hillside, visible to passers-by. The couple's daughter, Dawn, notes their continuous efforts to introduce new and amazing decorating ideas. Jeanne Buckworth primarily uses natural greens from her garden and grounds, including juniper, cryptomeria, magnolia, and holly, for her holiday arrangements. Collaborating with Scott Mastrangelo of Gardens Great and Small, the Buckworths incorporate unexpected materials like gourds, dried hydrangea, and river birch, aligning with Odessa's natural aesthetic that avoids anything shiny or glittery to maintain a Colonial-era feel. Mastrangelo's approach includes foraging for moss and using fresh apples on china platters, and rubbing gourds with olive oil for a mottled effect. Jeanne Buckworth also employs simple yet dazzling arrangements, such as sliced pomegranates in crystal bowls with roses, and votive candles floating on cranberries in glass cylinders, demonstrating that impactful displays can be easy to create. The article concludes by listing details for Odessa's annual Christmas tours, including the Women’s Club of Odessa’s house tour and the Historic Odessa Foundation’s holiday tour. #HistoricHome #OdessaDelaware #ColonialArchitecture #HomeDecor #HolidayDecorations #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #HistoricOdessaFoundation #HistoricHome #OdessaDelaware #ColonialArchitecture #HomeDecor #HolidayDecorations #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #HistoricOdessaFoundation