James and Angelina Collins House 917 East Main Street New Albany, IN 47150
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Built in 1852, this brick Federal/Greek Revival style house was home to James and Angelina Maria Lorraine Collins. Mrs. Collins wrote the first cookbook published in the state of Indiana: Table Receipts Adapted to Western Housewifery. The book was printed by John R. Nunemacher's City Bookstore. The portrait below of the Collins is from the collection of the Indiana Room at the Floyd County Library.
By 1865, Bela C. and Delphine Kent purchased the home. Mr. Kent was partners in the wholesale grocery and produce business of Kent & Childs, located in downtown New Albany. In addition to his business, Mr. Kent also served as Mayor of New Albany from 1879-1883.
The second photo below, also from the collection of the Indiana Room, shows the house circa 1945. Like many of the city's larger homes, it was divided into aparrtments during World War II.