Patterson Law Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Patterson Law Office
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View from the southwest.
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1517 18th St Central City, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | NA |
| Architectural style | False-Front Building, Vernacular Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001451 |
| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1979 |
The Patterson Law Office is a special old building in Central City, Nebraska. It was built in 1872 and looks like a "false-front" building. This means it has a tall front wall that hides the roof behind it, making the building look bigger than it really is.
This historic office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's important because of its age, its unique design, and its connections to a lawyer named John Patterson and a famous writer and photographer named Wright Morris.
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Why is the Patterson Law Office important?
The Patterson Law Office is important for a few reasons. It is one of the oldest "false-front" commercial buildings known in Nebraska. It was built almost 20 years before most other business buildings from the 1800s in the state.
Who was John Patterson?
The building is also important because of its link to John Patterson. He was born in Ireland and came to Lone Tree (which is now Central City) in 1872. That's the same year the law office was built!
John Patterson became a well-known lawyer in Merrick County. He was a trial lawyer, which means he represented people in court. He also served as the county attorney, helping with legal matters for the county government. Patterson played a big part in helping Central City and Merrick County grow. He even worked as the county superintendent of schools, overseeing education in the area.
What does the building look like?
The Patterson Law Office is a one-story building. It has that special "false-front" design and a roof that slopes down on two sides, called a gable roof. The building sits on a strong stone foundation.
You can see parts of Greek Revival architecture in its design. This style was popular in the 1800s and often used elements from ancient Greek temples. Look for details around the door, windows, and the decorative trim under the roof. Inside, the office has two rooms. The walls are covered with special wooden panels called wainscot paneling.
How is it connected to Wright Morris?
Another interesting fact is that the Patterson Law Office appears in the books and photographs of Wright Morris. He was a famous American writer and photographer. His connection makes the building even more special!
