Oliver Rousseau facts for kids

Oliver M. Rousseau (born in 1891 in San Francisco, California – died in 1977 in San Francisco) was a very important person in building homes. He was a home builder, a developer (someone who plans and builds large projects), a contractor (someone who manages building projects), and an architect (someone who designs buildings).

He mostly worked in the San Francisco Bay Area, especially in the Sunset District of San Francisco. He also built homes in Hayward. The houses he built are often called "Rousseaus." These homes were special because they were different from the many similar-looking houses being built at that time.

When he passed away, a famous writer named Herb Caen wrote something important about him. He said, "Another Memorial Day death: Oliver Rousseau, who built good houses while all about him, the pure schlock was rising." This meant that Oliver Rousseau built high-quality homes when many others were building houses that were not as good.

Who Was Oliver Rousseau?

Oliver M. Rousseau was born in 1891 in San Francisco. He grew up to become a key figure in the building industry. He wasn't just one thing; he had many roles. He designed homes, planned neighborhoods, and managed the actual construction.

Building Homes in San Francisco

Rousseau focused much of his work in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Sunset District in San Francisco was one of his main areas. This district is known for its many homes. He also worked in the city of Hayward.

The "Rousseaus" Style

The homes Oliver Rousseau built became so well-known that people started calling them "Rousseaus." This shows how unique and recognizable his style was. At the time, many houses in the Sunset District looked very similar. People often called these "cookie-cutter" homes because they seemed to be made from the same mold.

Rousseau's homes were different. They stood out because they had special designs and good quality. He focused on building houses that were well-made and had their own character. This made his homes very popular and respected.

A Legacy of Quality

Oliver Rousseau's work left a lasting mark on the San Francisco Bay Area. He was known for his commitment to building good houses. The quote from Herb Caen highlights this. It means that while some builders were creating low-quality homes, Rousseau always aimed for excellence. His homes were seen as examples of great craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

His buildings are still part of the landscape today. They remind people of a time when quality and unique design were highly valued in home construction.