Captain John Oliver House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Capt. John Oliver House
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The Captain John Oliver House from the northeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1544 Rivercrest Road, Lakeland, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | Washington County MRA (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000772 |
| Designated NRHP | December 16, 1977 |
The Captain John Oliver House, also known as Cedarlawn, is a really old and important house in Lakeland, Minnesota. It was built way back in 1849. This house is special because it shows us what homes looked like in the mid-1800s. It also tells a story about how the Lakeland area first started. The house is a great example of Greek Revival architecture, which was a popular style back then. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
What Does the House Look Like?
The Captain John Oliver House is a two-story building. It has a classic look with clapboard siding. These are long, flat boards that overlap on the outside walls. The house shows off a style called Greek Revival. Imagine ancient Greek temples – this house has some features inspired by them!
For example, it has flat, column-like shapes called pilasters on the corners. These pilasters have simple tops. The roof ends have triangular shapes called pediments, just like a Greek temple. The windows have special "dog-eared" frames. The front door is fancy, with small pilasters, a window above it (called a transom), and windows on the sides (called sidelights).
There's also a cool arched window in the middle of the front roof. This window adds a touch of Gothic Revival style. Over the years, the house has had a front porch added. There are also additions to the side and back. But don't worry, its original cool features are still there!
Who Was Captain John Oliver?
John Oliver was an Englishman. He became a captain in the British Royal Navy. That's like being a captain in the navy today! In 1820, he moved to Massachusetts in the United States. For more than 20 years, he worked as a maritime pilot in Boston Harbor. A maritime pilot is someone who guides ships safely into and out of a harbor.
Later, Captain Oliver and his family moved to Minnesota. They were among the very first people to settle in Lakeland Township in 1848. From 1850 until he passed away in 1869, Captain Oliver ran a ferry boat. This ferry carried people and goods across the St. Croix River. It connected Lakeland to Hudson, Wisconsin.
Captain Oliver's sons also helped build the community. His sons George and Charles were important in setting up the town government of Lakeland. Another son, John Oliver, Jr., started the local school. The Oliver family played a big part in making Lakeland what it is today!
