History

_{The Charles Davis Mansion was built in 1898 by Charles Davis, furniture manufacturing giant & President of the Davis-Birely Table Company. During the late 1800’s & early 1900’s Shelbyville Indiana’s nationally recognized historical district began to take shape. In the early 1900’s Shelbyville boasted over 20 furniture manufacturers & was known as the ‘Little Grand Rapids’ of furniture manufacturing. The Davis- Birely Table Company became known internationally & was recognized as the world’s largest exclusive manufacturer of Library & Parlor tables at the time. After Charles Davis’ untimely death in 1911 the home became the family compound in the 1920’s for another Indiana business & military icon – Brigadier General DW Deprez, Commanding Officer 76th Infantry Brigade, until the late 1960’s. After his father’s death at age 15 Charles Davis was sent to Shelbyville, IN & began work as a wood shavings sweeper in the milling room of the Conrey-Birely furniture factory. By age 26 Charles Davis had advanced to become President of the company & in 1901 the name was changed to the Davis-Birely Table Co. In 1898 at age 28 no expense was spared by Charles Davis who leveraged his expansive furniture manufacturing resources & the finest master craftsman of the time to create one of Indiana’s most beautiful Queen Anne homes of the late 1890’s.}

_{Mr. Davis traveled to Central America to personally hand pick each piece of mahogany that was shipped back to his factory in Shelbyville, IN & finished for use in the construction of the home. 7.5’ Mahogany inlaid} _{Pocket Doors line each side of the main entry hall of the property providing a breathtaking opulent feel as you enter the property from the 20’x40’ wrap around porch. Green Onyx was imported from Russia in 1898 & ultimately used in the construction of one of the original 8 fireplaces in the home. The original lion foot hand-crafted formal dining room table still resides in the home & has been entertaining families for generations. You will have the opportunity to eat from the very same spot the Davis Family enjoyed over 120 years ago.}

_{The Charles Davis Mansion has been the backdrop for some of Indiana history’s finest business leaders & military minds. In the early 1920’s, & for the next 40+ years the property became home to one of the most influential Indiana business & military leaders of the time. Brigadier General DW Deprez was the Commanding Office of the 76 th Infantry Brigade of the 38 th Division, Indiana National Guard, in which he} _{served until WWII when in 1942, he was named assistant executive officer of Camp Wolters training center in Texas. Later in the war he served with Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces (SHAEF), based in London as members of the joint British/American military government section charged with the responsibility of planning & restoration of the electrical power on the European continent following the invasion. A rich blend of honor, integrity & historical excellence has been at the forefront of this property for over 120 years. The property can be scaled to accommodate a small group/family or for larger group private engagements up to 50 people. Truly the most unique family travel experience central Indiana has to offer.}

_{Located just 20 minutes south of Indianapolis in the nationally recognized historical district of Shelbyville, IN. Contact us today to learn more about how the Charles Davis Mansion can customize your next executive client engagement, group meeting, or corporate strategic planning session that will leave your honored guests with a sense of amazement. Overnight accommodations & short term executive housing also available for the executive on the go.}

_{You can follow our ongoing preservation efforts on Facebook & Instagram @charlesdavis1898 or watch one of our video tours on YouTube.}

Shelby County Tourism

_{We look forward to helping you create memories that will last a lifetime!}

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