Eugene Zimmerman (1862-1935)
Eugene Zimmerman, or Zim as he was more commonly known, was a world-famous cartoonist in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His style could range from simple pencil drawings to lifelike paintings, and his sense of humor propelled him to the top of his field. He worked for then-popular political cartoon magazines "Puck" and "Judge" that were similar to today's "Mad" Magazine.
His works are largely unknown today as most political humor often does not stand the test of time and jokes are lost to history.
Zim was a very active citizen of Horseheads. Together with his father-in-law, he constructed the bandstand in Teal Park, was a volunteer fireman for many years, and was always drawing caricatures of noted local businessmen and friends. His mischievous nature made him a favorite among the local children.
Just as it was
Stepping in to the Zim House is stepping back in time. After Zim's death in 1935 his daughter Laura continued to live in the home and it remained largely unchanged until she willed the home and it's contents to the Horseheads Historical Society upon her passing in 1980. Then, with the help of Cornell University students, the contents were meticulously cataloged and preserved. Using family pictures, the home was returned to its late 1800s-early 1900s appearance inside and out.
Apart from the extra Zim artwork on display, walking into the house today, one could almost expect Zim and his family to return from the outing they were on when you arrived.
Designed and built
The Zim House was completed between 1888 and 1890. It was designed and built in a collaboration between Zim and his architect/carpenter father-in-law, Alvah Beard. Zim, his wife Mable, adopted son Adolf and their daughter, Laura, moved in as soon as the walls and roof were done and completed the home while living there.
From the grand two-story studio room to smaller details like the name "ZIM" inlaid on the entry floor, the home shows many personal touches that such a method of construction allowed.
