Gen. Cass and Belle Smith House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gen. Cass and Belle Smith House
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 500 W. Main St. Lake City, Iowa |
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| Built | 1901 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| MPS | Lake City Iowa MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001207 |
| Added to NRHP | August 27, 1990 |
The Gen. Cass and Belle Smith House, also known as the Smith-Jacobs House, is a special old home in Lake City, Iowa. It's considered a historic place because of its unique style and the people who lived there. This house was built in 1901 and shows off the beautiful Queen Anne design.
It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it's recognized as an important part of history in the United States.
Contents
The Smith-Jacobs House History
This house has a rich past, starting with its first owners, the Smith family. Later, the Jacobs family made it their home for many years.
Who Lived in This Historic Home?
The Smith-Jacobs House was home to two important families in Lake City. Each family played a role in the town's history.
The Smith Family: Early Owners
The house was built for G.C. Smith and his wife, Lottie Belle Huff. G.C. Smith was born in Lake City in 1861. His parents, Peter and Sarah, were among the first people to settle in the area. G.C. Smith was a local businessman. He and Belle had this large, brick house built in 1901.
The Jacobs Family: Later Residents
In 1913, John W. and Bertha Jacobs bought the house from the Smiths. John W. Jacobs was a local attorney, which means he was a lawyer. He was also a politician, meaning he was involved in local government and making decisions for the community. The Jacobs family lived in the house for a long time, until the mid-1960s.
What Does the House Look Like?
The Smith-Jacobs House is known for its interesting design. It's a great example of Queen Anne architecture.
Queen Anne Architectural Style
This house is a 2½-story building made of brick. It's built in the Queen Anne style, which was popular around the time it was constructed. This style often includes towers, turrets, and decorative details. The house was designed by an architect named Flagel from Racine, Wisconsin.
Unique Features of the House
The house has an uneven, or asymmetrical, shape. It features a cross-gable roof, which means the roof has sections that cross each other. A large porch stands out on the southeast side of the house. Between the first and second floors, there's a band of rough brick called a beltcourse. At the roofline, you can see a decorative cornice with brackets. These details make the house special.
Why Is This House Important?
The Smith-Jacobs House is important because it has kept its original look and feel over the years. This makes it a valuable example of its architectural style and the history of Lake City.
A Recognized Landmark
The house has a "high degree of integrity," which means it's still very much like it was when it was built. This makes it historically significant. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This listing helps protect the house and recognize its value to history.
