Calder Houses facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Calder Houses
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1214 and 1216 2nd Ave., SE., Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Built | 1868 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001238 |
The Calder Houses are two old and special homes in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States. They were built way back in 1868. These two houses look exactly alike and were built by a man named Charles Calder.
Charles Calder moved to Cedar Rapids in 1851 from New York. He was very good at buying and selling land and buildings. This is called real estate and land speculation. By the time he passed away in 1890, he owned a lot of land in the city.
These houses are two stories tall. They have a special roof shape called a gable at the front. The houses are made of brick and sit on strong stone foundations. They are some of the very oldest homes still standing in Cedar Rapids. Because they are so important to history, the Calder Houses were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This list helps protect important places in the United States.
Contents
Who Was Charles Calder?
Charles Calder was an important person in early Cedar Rapids. He arrived in the city in 1851. This was a time when Cedar Rapids was growing fast. People like Charles Calder helped shape the city.
He worked in real estate. This means he bought land and buildings. He would then sell them, often for a profit. This helped new homes and businesses get built. His work helped Cedar Rapids become the city it is today.
What Makes These Houses Special?
The Calder Houses are special for a few reasons. First, they are very old. They show us what homes looked like in the 1860s. This was right after the American Civil War.
Second, they are identical. It's not common to see two houses built exactly alike by the same person. This makes them a unique pair. Their brick walls and stone foundations show how well they were built. They have lasted for over 150 years!
Protecting Historic Places
The Calder Houses are on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value.
Being on the list helps protect these places. It encourages people to keep them in good condition. This way, future generations can also learn from and enjoy them. The Calder Houses help us remember the early days of Cedar Rapids.
Images for kids
-
The Calder Houses from the rear
