The Havilah Beardsley Mansion, the oldest existing house in the City of Elkhart, was built by Dr. Beardsley in 1848 of solid double brick construction. The two story central portion is the original section and is structurally the same now as it was when it was built. The home's west wing was added fairly soon after the home was finished, and the east wing was added later as a grandmother's quarters. The animation on this page shows the progression of changes to the home over the years. From 1913, the house was a private home until, in 2007, the Ruthmere Foundation obtained so that it could become an historical, educational and cultural resource for Elkhart.

In many ways, the house is the same as it was in the 19th century. Beautiful walnut, cherry and mahogany woodwork are still intact, along with the original parlor ceiling, and the curved central staircase. Many interior doors contain beautiful etched glass panels. The parlor of the home features a white Italian marble fireplace and decorative medallions on the ceiling. These are especially remarkable for a home of this age, since the materials would have been transported via the St. Joseph River, because railroads had not arrived in the city yet.

Following the doctor's death in 1856, Rachel continued to live in the house until her death, and the house then remained in the Beardsley Trust until 1913, when it was purchased by John N. Collins. Albert A. Gordon then bought the home in 1917, followed by Dr. B.F. Kuhn (1920), Dr. Arthur W. Kistner (1941), Dr. and Mrs. A.B. Smith (1952) and finally, Gearge and Darlene Adkins (1981).

Currently, the Ruthmere Foundation is engaged in further restoration of the home, including conversion of the east wing, into a welcome center including exhibits about Dr. Beardsley, his home, business and the burgeoning City of Elkhart he founded.

The most recent residents of the home, George and Darlene Adkins, are responsible for the maintenance of the Havilah Beardsley House in as close-to-original condition as possible while still making it a livable modern home. The Ruthmere Foundation and the citizens of Elkhart are indebted to the them, not only for their restorative efforts, but for providing much initial research information about the home and its features.