Built in 1895, it was the childhood home of Eddie Rickenbacker (1890–1973), who at various times in his life was a flying ace, Medal of Honor recipient, race car driver and a pioneer in air transportation.

About 1900 William and Eddie Rickenbacker built an ell to the north, over a cellar.

Eddie grew up in this house, and it was his nominal residence during World War I until he rented an apartment in 1922 with his wife.

[3] The house was purchased by the city in 1998, when it was poor condition, with the intent of making it the centerpiece of a museum that would revitalize the area.

The foundation aims to open a museum focusing on the life of Eddie Rickenbacker and the history of the surrounding Driving Park neighborhood.