Alford–Nielson House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Alford–Nielson House
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This historic home was thrown to the ground in the 1992 Cape Mendocino Earthquakes.
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1299 Main Street, Ferndale, California |
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| Built | 1875–1899 |
| Built by | James E. Brown |
| Architectural style | Second Empire French Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000100 |
| Added to NRHP | 23 January 1986 |
The Alford–Nielson Home is a very special house in Ferndale, California. It is the only building in the area built in the Second Empire French style. This unique style is part of Victorian architecture, which was popular a long time ago. The house is located in Humboldt County, California.
Contents
History of the Alford–Nielson House
Building the Original Home
In 1874, a builder named James E. Brown constructed the first part of this house. It was originally located at 421 Main Street. This area is now known as the Ferndale Main Street Historic District.
The Alford Family Moves In
William B. Alford (1851-1921) was a local pharmacist. He arrived in Humboldt County in 1872 when he was 21 years old. In 1875, he moved to Ferndale. William and his brother, Dr. Frank A. Alford, owned a drugstore together. Their drugstore was right next to the house's first location.
In 1877, Dr. Alford married Mary Richmond in San Jose, California. In the same year, the larger, front part of the house was added. This new section was built in the special Second Empire French style.
Moving the House and New Owners
In June 1893, a furniture dealer named H.J. Mueller (1864-1900) bought the property. He decided to move the entire house to a new address: 1299 Main Street. The Alford family was still living in the house when it was moved!
Six months later, the Alfords moved out. The Mueller family then moved into their new home. In February 1896, the Muellers added another section to the house.
In August 1903, Ed Mowry bought the house and its furniture. The Mueller family then moved to Livermore, California.
Later Residents and Restoration
The next owner was Maurice Nielson. He lived in the house for 55 years, until 1977. Maurice Nielson helped develop modern ways of making cream and dairy products in Humboldt County.
After Nielson, a couple bought the house. They spent seven years carefully restoring it. Then, they sold the house to Tom and Maura Eastman. The Eastmans applied to have the house added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical buildings in the United States. The house was accepted onto the list on January 23, 1986. At that time, it was 112 years old!
Earthquake Damage and Repair
In 1992, the house was badly damaged by the 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquakes. It was even knocked off its foundation! However, the historic home was later repaired and restored to its original beauty.
- National Register of Historic Places digitized photos, 23 January 1986
- National Register of Historic Places digitized text, 23 January 1986
See also
In Spanish: Casa Alford–Nielson para niños
