The Bonine house, located at M-60 and Penn Road in Vandalia, was once home to James E. Bonine and Sarah Bogue and has been made famous due to its participation in the Underground Railraod.

The Bonine house is appreciated for its astonishing Second Empire Victorian architecture. The house has a grand tower, extended porches and iconic front doors. This piece of architecture is significant to U.S. history because the Bonine family formed one of the many “stations” along the Underground Railroad.

Today, guests can visit the Bonine House during events and tours open to the public. The Bonine House will host a Christmas Open House from 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3 and 9-10. For more information visit urscc.org. (Leader photos/EMILY SOBECKI)