Olson House (Cushing, Maine) facts for kids
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Olson House
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Olson House in 2018
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Hathorne Point Road, Cushing, Maine |
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| Architectural style | Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 93001114 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 31, 1995 |
| Designated NHL | June 23, 2011 |
The Olson House is a historic farmhouse located in Cushing, Maine. This 14-room house became very famous because it was shown in a well-known painting. The painting is called Christina's World by the artist Andrew Wyeth. Wyeth painted the house and the people who lived there, Christina and Alvaro Olson, many times between 1939 and 1968.
The Olson House is now a special place. It was named a National Historic Landmark in June 2011. Today, the Farnsworth Art Museum owns the house. You can visit it and learn about its history and connection to art.
Contents
The House's Early Days
The Olson House, also known as the Hathorn-Olson House, was built a long time ago. It was built in the late 1700s by Captain Samuel Hathorn II. Later, in 1871, Captain Samuel Hathorn IV made some big changes to the house. He added more bedrooms on the third floor. He also built a new roof that was very steep.
In 1929, Christina Olson and Alvaro Olson inherited the house. They got it from their mother, Katie Hathorn. She was a descendant of the original Captain Hathorn.
Andrew Wyeth and the Olson House
The American artist Andrew Wyeth spent a lot of time at the Olson House. From 1939 to 1968, he created many paintings and sketches of the house. His most famous work, Christina's World, was painted in 1948.
Wyeth was inspired by Christina Olson. She had a condition called Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. This made it hard for her to use her legs. Wyeth became good friends with Christina and Alvaro. He even had a studio inside their house. He once said he "just couldn't stay away from there."
Christina and Alvaro Olson lived in the house their whole lives. Christina passed away in 1968, and Alvaro in 1967. Both the Olsons and Andrew Wyeth are buried in the family cemetery on the property.
What Happened to the House Later?
After Christina passed away, a movie director named Joseph E. Levine bought the house in 1968. He really admired Andrew Wyeth's art. Levine tried to run the house as a museum for two years, starting in 1971. However, some people in the local area were not happy about it.
In 1974, Levine offered to give the house to the State of Maine. But he changed his mind in 1975. He was worried that the state might not have enough money to take care of the property.
Later, Apple Inc. CEO John Sculley bought the house. He put it up for sale in 1989. Finally, in 1991, Sculley generously donated the house to the Farnsworth Art Museum.
Today, the Farnsworth Art Museum still owns the Olson House. They keep it open for people to visit. Christopher Brownawell, who leads the Farnsworth Museum, said that this simple farmhouse has become "one of the most recognized images in American art."
A Historic Place
The Olson House is very important historically. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Then, in 2011, it received an even higher honor. It was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is one of the most important historic places in the United States.
See also
