The Rock House in Delphi

13/03/2023

The Rock House is a proud to support the Delphi Opera House and the variety of entertainment options it offers to the community. The Rock House is pleased to be a sponsor for the upcoming April performances by comedian Tim Bedore who has appeared on NBC, FOX, HBO, Comedy Central and Showtime. Don't miss seeing his act on April 21 or 22 at the Delphi Opera House. Here's where you can order your tickets before they sell out:

© Delphi Opera HouseWeb accessibility statement. Delphi Opera HousePO Box 72Delphi, IN 46923 765-564-4300Box Office is open Fri & Sat 11:30am-2pm. Call 765-564-4300 to schedule a tour.

03/03/2023

01/03/2023

The 2023 Season of Charm starts at the Rock House . . . TODAY! The Rock House has been hibernating for the winter months, but March 1 starts it 2023 season. Many people have already made their bookings for 2023 as they come to visit family, celebrate weddings, hike Delphi's trails, or relax in the charm and comfort of the Rock House. Last year, over 150 families booked stays at the Rock House, bringing over 400 guests to the Delphi area to eat, drink and enjoy local entertainment. We look forward to this season and the many new guests who have yet to fall under the spell of the Rock House. Don't wait until it is too late...plan your stay now by booking at delphirockhouse.com

21/07/2022

This past year the Rock House has welcomed guests from ... almost everywhere! People from all over the globe have traveled to Delphi and stayed in the Rock House. We have been honored to have guests visit from 12 states --Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kansas, New Jersey, New York, Iowa, Idaho, California -- and 2 countries -- Canada and Sweden! They have loved their time in Delphi, visiting attractions, hiking the trails, and enjoying the people. See what they have to say about our lovely town and their stays in Delphi at the Rock House.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52468596?

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13/07/2022

The Rock House was honored to be recognized for its preservation work by the Delphi Preservation Society (DPS) at its 2022 Annual Meeting. DPS is a leader in historical preservation efforts in Carroll County and we are grateful for its work in saving so many of the county's historical treasures for future generations to enjoy. Thank you DPS and keep up the good work!

25/02/2022

The last snow of the winter of 2022 is melting away in time for Mardi Gras. In 1895, when Libbie Fisher was on the lecture circuit educating women on "her system of modern dressing," one celebrated Mardi Gras by traveling from Delphi on the Monon Route. Round trip tickets for the train trip cost $22.50. Nowadays, one doesn't need to leave Delphi to celebrate Mardi Gras. For a look at all the planned festivities in Delphi for Mardi Gras, check out: https://www.facebook.com/delphioperahouse/

09/12/2021

It was an honor that the Oracle Club chose to have its December meeting at The Rock House. Although The Rock House is a fixture in the history of Delphi, it cannot match the Oracle Club's one hundred-twenty-four-year existence and the key role it played in advancing literacy and learning for Delphi's citizens. The charter members of the Oracle Club were instrumental in establishing the Delphi public library.

24/10/2021

The Rock House was honored to host a visit by former Delphi resident and author Candi Pastor Harrison. Candi has authored numerous books on Delphi's notable people. Her book, Carroll County Artists, Past and Present, showcases the many artistic talents from this county. Candi dedicated the book to Jack Sanders, a teacher and mentor to many students who attended the Delphi schools over many decades. You can purchase Candi's book on Shutterfly.
https://www.shutterfly.com/share-product/?shareid=f6a01d4a-80d2-4733-9ab1-291f734994f1&cid=SHARPRDWEBMPRLNK&fbclid=IwAR1IFfJO-XhQta-vw8ikOEvObqAo3peLTFlPa-lIsERPJXVWjkAlrAQ7-TE

Pictured: author Candi Pastor Harrison, holding her book; Shelley Nogami; Bonnie Maxwell, historic preservationist and archivist central to the book's creation and to the Rock House's preservation; and, Anita Werling, Mayor of Delphi.

14/10/2021

The Rock House is pleased to announce it is now available for short-term rentals...just in time for Parents' Weekend at Purdue next weekend. Visit the campus and renew friendships, then spend your time relaxing at The Rock House. Welcome Boilermakers!

www.delphirockhouse.com

Rock Solid. Charm. Book Your Stay The Rock House in Delphi | A foundation in history, a legacy of comfort.   RatesAvailable for short-term rental, the historic Rock House exudes character and charm. Throughout are period details of a classically-styled bungalow — window seats, a rock fireplace, a...

26/09/2021

The Rock House was honored to open its door to the nearly 300 attendees of the Historic House Tour benefiting the Delphi Preservation Society. Guests were able to experience the many charms of the Rock House and to better appreciate the importance of preservation work in the community. Thanks to all for making the event such a grand success.

25/09/2021

The Rock House is the third stop on the Historic House tour TODAY. It is not too late to get your tickets. Stop by the Delphi Opera House and join the hundreds of people admiring Delphi's many historic gems. https://www.delphioperahouse.org/event-list

24/09/2021

The Rock House is proud to exhibit the works of several acclaimed local artists. The artwork ranges from watercolors by early 20th century artists to photographic work printed on metal by contemporary artists. Join the Historic House tour tomorrow to see this piece and others by some of Delphi’s most renowned artists.
Get your tickets here:
https://www.delphipreservationsociety.org/historic-home-tour

17/09/2021

William Morris, an Englishmen, poet and artist, is most associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement leading to the design of the American craftsman-style bungalow. Morris resisted “useless” ornamentation, focusing instead on reinventing quality, workmanship and handcrafted beauty. He counseled, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

The Rock House’s interior shows that a home’s décor can be both useful and beautiful – evidenced by well-used, yet still functional wood rolling pins.

Don’t miss a chance to see more of the interior of the Rock House during the Historic Home Tour. https://www.delphioperahouse.org/event-list

14/09/2021

When designing the Rock House, Elizabeth Fisher Murphy included many of the elements typical of bungalow houses of the time and she used materials commonly available. With a discerning eye and an understanding of first impressions, she likely selected the front door for the Rock House from a catalog such as the Harris Brothers in Chicago. This type door – commonly referred to as a “cottage door” – has lights, divided by mullions, in the top third of the door with a ledge below. As in the Harris Bros. catalog, the door of the Rock House is made of fir and, now stripped and restored, shows its wood grain and luster in a warm welcome to visitors.

25/08/2021

Thirty days out from the Historic Home Tour...The Rock House is honored to be part of this event to showcase Delphi's fabric of historic homes. Spend Saturday afternoon, September 25th, touring some of Delphi's architectural gems and marvel at how the stewards over the decades have restored and preserved these treasures.

18/08/2021

Restoration of The Rock House would not have been possible without the help of many skilled craftspeople and experts. The first step in preserving the house was a new roof in 2016. Over the next five years, many talented professionals were recruited to each do a piece of the restoration. Thanks to all who made it possible for The Rock House to celebrate 100 years of history!

16/08/2021

Many thanks to all who attended last night's event at The Rock House to benefit the Delphi Opera House. Here's a look before guests arrived! The many generous donations that were contributed will support the Opera House's operations and performance schedule for 2021-22. The Rock House is honored to be able to support this important organization. Thank you!

Next up...mark your calendars for September 25 when ticketed guests will be able to tour The Rock House as part of the Historic Home Tour to benefit the Delphi Preservation Society. For tickets and more details see: https://www.delphipreservationsociety.org/historic-home-tour

13/08/2021

Tickets are still available for Saturday's event at The Rock House, but reservations are required. Contact the Delphi Opera House or go to its website for details: delphioperahouse.org/tickets

12/08/2021

Many stories are told of the construction of the Rock House…some fanciful, some accurate. A tale frequently told involves Libbie traveling the nearby fields and collecting the rocks herself used to build the foundation and walls of the house. The likely more accurate accounts come from the messages left by the many craftsman who worked to build the house. In one of the basement window wells, a message was etched in concrete detailing the amount of materials used in construction: “400 yards of rock, 120 barrels of cement, 22 bushels of lime.”

11/08/2021

The Old Settlers Celebration in Delphi starts tomorrow, August 12th. It is a tradition that reaches back 166 years and has a connection to Elizabeth (Libbie) Fisher Murphy, the builder of The Rock House. In 1921, at its sixty-seventh annual gathering, Libbie was elected as the first female president of the Old Settlers Society. She was given high praise for the success of the annual event and for its focus on history. In 1929, Libbie (then serving as the organization’s secretary), gave an address to the assembled crowd on her vision of what the city of Delphi could become. One of her visions….a new school that would be built on the banks of Deer Creek and would be constructed entirely of split-face granite stones!

10/08/2021

Here is a first look INSIDE the newly restored Rock House. Imagine relaxing with friends, in comfortable furnishings, sipping a cool drink after a hot August day … well, don’t just imagine, be there! Join with other fun colleagues to benefit the Delphi Opera House this Saturday, August 14th from 6 – 8 p.m. For details:
https://www.delphioperahouse.org/event-list

04/08/2021

A nice feature story on the house appeared in the Carroll County Comet. To read the full article on the house’s history and the upcoming tours to benefit the Delphi Opera House and the Delphi Preservation Society, go to the Carroll County Comet: https://www.carrollcountycomet.com/pageview/viewer/current =1

02/08/2021

In designing the house, Libbie Fisher was committed to showcasing nature’s beauty. She used rows of windows in the public rooms so that the “house’s windows shall serve as picture frames to the outside and the walls shall be adorned by nature’s art.” She worked with the stone mason to select stones that would refract light and sparkle. She was particularly pleased with the placement of one pink stone on the east side of the house that reflects the morning sun. Libbie also wanted the structure to serve as a home for humans and for fowl. She had two birdhouses built on the rear porch so robins could build nests to shelter the young.

31/07/2021

Another notable Delphi family lived in The Rock House for four decades. In 1937, Marie and Ernest Goff, owners and operators of the Goff’s Variety Store on the east side of the square in Delphi, purchased the house. The Goffs, and their three children (Elizabeth, James, and Thomas), occupied the main floor as their residence, while the upper floor was frequently rented to tenants. Elizabeth and James visited The Rock House during the restoration and recreated the photo taken of them decades earlier as infants.

30/07/2021

The Rock House has historical connections to the Hoosier Poet James Whitcomb Riley. Libbie Fisher was courted by Riley in the 1880s. Riley made frequent visits to Delphi, giving readings of his works. He enjoyed Libbie’s company and took her on moonlight walks and spoke to her of people he met in his travels. It was on one of the moonlight walks at Baum’s Bluffs for a picnic with Libbie in 1885 that Riley composed his poem “On the Banks O’ Deer Crick.” Riley also penned a poem in Libbie’s honor and at her request– “Curly Locks.” Riley likely never visited Libbie at The Rock House since it was still under construction when Riley died in July 1916.

29/07/2021

The Rock House was designed and constructed by Elizabeth (Libbie) Fisher Murphy. Libbie graduated from Delphi High School, obtained her teaching certification, and taught school at Iowa City, Indianapolis, Pyrmont, and Delphi. She was also an inventor of women’s garments, a lecturer on the Chautauqua circuit, and a mother. In September, 1900, when she was 45 years of age, Libbie adopted twin girls. In December of that year, she married Charles Murphy. A few years later, Libbie and Charles adopted another baby girl. Libbie started construction on the house in 1915. The Fisher-Murphy family lived in the house until 1928.

27/07/2021

Learn more about The Rock House in Delphi and the work to restore it in this Indiana Landmarks article highlighting the preservation process. Many thanks to Indiana Landmarks for its critical support throughout the process.
https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2017/11/reclaiming-a-beloved-bungalow/

A for sale sign drew in a pair of old house lovers, who saw preserving a charming bungalow as essential to keeping Delphi's historic fabric intact.

27/07/2021

27/07/2021

Construction of the Rock House started in 1915, but work was delayed by WWI and it was not completed until 1919. One hundred years later, its restoration was delayed by the pandemic, but completed in 2020. It is now ready to welcome visitors and guests. The house will host a special evening event on August 14th – an exclusive sneak peek – to celebrate the house’s 100-year history and to benefit the Delphi Opera House. Event is limited to 50 people. For more details and to secure tickets, go to https://www.delphioperahouse.org/event-list.