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Description
Two story, wood-framed house with square roof. Upstairs has two windows with shutters and a decorate balcony that runs along the length of the second story. The first floor features a wooden entry door on the right side, and one double window with shutters. The faux balcony has a farmhouse fence painted white. In front of the brick front porch are a small fruit tree on the right, and what appears to be an aspen tree on the left. This property is listed in the Santa Clara Historic Properties directory, with the following description: "This Greek Revival style home may be the oldest wood house in Santa Clara. Much of the home was built of Maine pre-cut lumber sailed around Cape Horn about 1850. Samuel Johnson, a business and civic leader, was believed to be a squatter on the entire block in 1849 and finished building the home in 1852 when the newly incorporated City of Santa Clara granted him title to the block for $15. The residence is also known as the 1/2 and 1/2 house, because, as the need arose, Johnson sent for lumber to add rooms. Mary Schumacher, widow of a civil war colonel purchased the home in 1873 and granted the deed to her daughter, Laura Jarvis, in 1909. Most of the one-story and garage additions were completed in 1976 by owner Frank Barcells, a former city council member. The living room hand-carved Italian Carrera marble mantle and bay window containing a leaded beveled transom were added circa 1900. Four fireplaces, including a charcoal brazier in the dining room, and the living-room picture window were added in the 1920's. The Greek Revival style generally features a freestanding two-story rectangular shape with the short side facing the street. This main structure is often flanked by one-story wing(s) and Doric, Ionic or Corinthian columns supporting balconies or roof overhangs. The front door is often located on one side and opens to a hall with a narrow, steep, straight staircase."
Type
image
Format
Black & White
Identifier
F5DE9210-EE67-468D-80BC-108094714690 2007-90-178
Subject
Houses Santa Clara (Calif.) Wooden buildings Trees (LCSH) Balconies Shutters
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