The South Fountain Historic District is the largest intact concentration of high-style late-19th and early-20th century houses in Springfield and as the embodiment of the growth of the upper middle class and the prosperity of the industrial and business leaders who populated the neighborhood.

Francis M. Bookwalter, Vice President and Treasurer of James Leffel & Co., built his Second Empire house in 1876, placing it in the country for the safety of his children.

From Bookwalter's private astronomical observatory, Springfield's first public timepiece was wired to strike the hour on the bell of the Central Fire House, one-half mile north.

This two and a half story brick house has a third bay main entrance under an elaborate Italianate style porch with delicately curved arches.

The narrow elongated double hung sash windows, characteristic of the Italianate style, have carved stone shelf lintels and sills.

This house was built around 1876 for Warren C. Leffel, who inhabited it for twenty years; it is one of the district's better Second Empire structures, featuring elements such as the mansard roof.

Both the front and right side are sheltered by a Stick-style veranda, and the slate roof features details such as crests and a dentilled underside.

David F. Reese, a craftsman, constructed this Colonial Revival style house in 1880 while residing with relatives at 14 West Liberty Street.

James and Margaret Wood were among Springfield's large Irish population, but this house contrasts with the poverty of most of their compatriots in the city.

He built the house in 1884 and sold it a decade later to Robert and Mary Hume, the minister of the downtown United Presbyterian Church and his wife.

The South Fountain Historic District Tour of Homes shows 10 period residences and gardens, including Second Empire, Queen Anne, Italianate, and Arts and Crafts houses.

Annual Fall Porch Festival invites the community to visit the district in a less formal setting than the Tour of Homes.

[11] The Springfield Preservation Alliance[12] sponsors annual summer walking tours to highlight architecture and historical events.