Grace Cooke House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Grace Cooke House
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View from Oahu Ave.
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | 2365 Oahu Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii |
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| Area | 13,500 sq ft (0.31 acres; 0.125 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Architectural style | American Craftsman bungalow |
| NRHP reference No. | 83003556 |
| Added to NRHP | October 24, 1983 |
The Grace Cooke House is a special old home in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It is also known as the Harold St. John Residence. This house is important for two main reasons. First, it's a great example of American Craftsman style architecture. Second, a famous professor named Harold St. John lived here. He taught about plants at the University of Hawaiʻi. The house and its land were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's a historic landmark worth protecting.
Contents
What is American Craftsman Style?
The Grace Cooke House is a beautiful example of the American Craftsman style. This style was popular in the early 1900s. It focuses on natural materials and handmade details. You can see this in the house's design.
Outside the House
The house sits on a natural rock outcrop. It has steps made of bluestone leading up to the front porch. The foundation is made of lava rock. These natural materials help the house blend in with its surroundings.
The front porch is very large. It wraps around the right side of the house. On the left, there is a wing with a gable roof. The rest of the house has a shingled hip roof. You can see the wooden rafters under the roof. They are carefully crafted and add to the house's charm. The outside walls and porch columns have decorative shingle patterns. A simple railing lines the porch.
Inside the House
Two sets of double doors lead from the porch into the house. On the left side, you'll find the bedrooms and bathrooms. On the right, there's a big, open living and dining area. This area has paneled walls and special ceilings called coffered ceilings. The kitchen is located off the dining area.
The house also has a basement. This area was originally used as living space for a maid. The attic was partly finished later on. During the 1930s, Professor St. John added two dormer windows to the attic. Most of the house remains just as it was built.
The Famous Resident: Harold St. John
One of the most important people to live in the Grace Cooke House was Harold St. John. He was a very respected professor of botany. Botany is the study of plants. Professor St. John taught at the University of Hawaiʻi. His connection to the house makes it even more special.
Amazing Trees in the Yard
The property also has some very old and impressive trees. In the front yard, you can see two beautiful Royal Poinciana trees. They are located right next to the driveway. There is also a West Indian mahogany tree.
Perhaps the most amazing tree is a huge Sandbox tree. This tree is so special that the City and County of Honolulu has called it an "exceptional tree." This means it's recognized for its size and importance.
Images for kids
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Sandbox tree in front yard
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Royal Poinciana trees
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Front yard and sandbox tree
