I-House
The I-House was perhaps the most popular rural house form in the 19th and early 20th century. It was a symbol of economic achievement for rural midwesterners, and appeared in various sizes, proportions and architectural styles everywhere in Missouri. This house form is called an “I-house,” because the type was first identified in the states of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa; it was popular, however, throughout the central United States. The I-house is similar in plan to the central passage house, but two stories in height. The entry hall contained an open stair leading to the second floor, which allowed the bedroom area to be completely separated from the living space below. (St. Louis, 1995)