Historical Society: Claim Pearis-Johnston House through eminent domain
“Sitting on West Main Street, the Johnston House was originally targeted for demolition by the city of Princeton late last December. Princeton Code Enforcement Director Bill Buzzo said at the time that the home had passed the point of saving in that it would cost more to save the home than to tear it down and build on top of it.
Later, the Historical Society secured an injunction to prevent the home from being demolished. Historical Society President Lois Miller said the home was too valuable historically to be torn down. A portion of the home survived the Confederate burning of the town during the Civil War, a building on the site served as the first post office for Princeton, Johnston, himself, also wrote several books about the geneology of the surrounding areas.
Judge William Sadler granted a 30-day reprieve of demolition in order for the historical society and the owner of the property to work out an agreement to sell the home to the historical society.”
Christian, Matt. Princeton Times 15 March 2013.