McDonald Mansion facts for kids
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McDonald Mansion
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Mableton, as it appeared in summer 2010.
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 Mableton
Location in California
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| Location | 1015 McDonald Ave. Santa Rosa, California |
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| Built | 1877 |
| Architectural style | Stick/Eastlake |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000560 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Polyanna filming | August 1–7, 1959 |
| Added to NRHP | March 1, 1974 |
The McDonald Mansion, also known as Mableton, is a beautiful old house in Santa Rosa, California. It was built a long time ago, in 1876. This mansion was designed in a special style called Stick/Eastlake style, which was popular during the Victorian era.
The McDonald family, who lived mostly in San Francisco, built Mableton as their summer home. It was a place where they could relax and enjoy the warmer months away from the city.
Contents
The McDonald Mansion: A Historic Home
From Summer Retreat to Family Home
After the first McDonald family members passed away, their oldest son, Mark Jr., and his wife Isabelle took over the mansion. They decided to make Mableton their main home.
In the early 1920s, Mark Jr. and Isabelle started to change the house. They wanted to make it fit their own style and needs. They worked hard to update the mansion.
A Movie Star House!
Mableton became famous in 1959 when its outside was used in a Walt Disney movie! The film was called Pollyanna.
Even though the house looked great, the movie makers changed it a bit. They used a special trick called matte painting. This made the house look taller and added more fancy details for the movie. It was like magic on screen!
Fire, Rebuilding, and New Beginnings
In 1977, something sad happened. While the house was being fixed up, a fire broke out. A big part of the mansion was destroyed.
But the owner at the time, Dr. Jack Leissring, didn't give up. He worked to rebuild the house. He made sure it was restored to its former glory.
In 2005, Dr. Leissring sold the house. A technology expert named John Webley and his wife Jennifer bought it. They still own the house today.
A Grand Renovation
In 2006, a company called Rynerson O'Brien Architecture started a big project. They spent five years making Mableton even better.
Their work included:
- Making the outside of the house look new again.
- Creating Victorian-style rooms inside, just like they would have been long ago.
- Adding new and exciting features to the backyard.
Today, the McDonald Mansion stands as a beautiful reminder of history in Santa Rosa.
