Riverview at Hobson Grove facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Riverview
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hobson Grove Park at 1100 West Main Avenue, Bowling Green, Kentucky |
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| Built | Late 1850s–1872 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Warren County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000546 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1972 |
Riverview at Hobson Grove, also known as Riverview or Hobson House, is a beautiful old home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It has a special style called Italianate architecture, which was popular a long time ago. Building the house started in the 1850s, but the Civil War stopped it. The house played a small part in the war. It was finally finished in 1872. Today, it has been restored to look like it did in the Victorian period. It is a main attraction in Hobson Grove Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Discovering Riverview's Past
A Home with History
Riverview was built for Atwood Gaines Hobson and his wife, Juliet Hobson. It sits on a small hill near the Barren River. This is why it was named Riverview, because it has a great view of the river. Building the house began in the 1850s. However, work stopped when the Civil War began.
Atwood Hobson supported the Union side in the war. His oldest son, William, became a colonel in the Union Army. The family worried about their unfinished home. A Confederate officer named Simon Bolivar Buckner helped them. He had fought with Atwood's brother in another war. Buckner agreed to protect the house.
His soldiers built a temporary roof over the basement. They used the basement to store supplies during the winter of 1861–1862. At that time, Bowling Green was the capital of the Confederate side in Kentucky.
Clever Design Ideas
Riverview was finally completed in 1872. It is a great example of Italianate architecture. This style often has arched windows and decorative brackets under the roof. The house also has a small tower on top called a cupola. Inside, the two main rooms have painted ceilings.
The Hobsons added some very smart ideas to their home. They had a special tank in the attic made of wood and lined with copper. This tank collected rainwater from the roof. It provided running water for a toilet on the second floor. This was very advanced for its time!
Another cool feature is a hole in the ceiling under the cupola. This hole is part of the house's cooling system. When the windows in the cupola are open, along with windows and doors downstairs, it pulls hot air up and out. This keeps the air moving and the house cooler, like a modern attic fan.
Saving Riverview
The Hobson family and their children lived in the house until 1952. After they moved out, different people rented the house. It was damaged by a fire and then left empty. In 1965, the city of Bowling Green bought the property. They planned to tear down the house and build a golf course.
But the house was saved! In 1966, a group of people formed a non-profit organization. It was called the Hobson House Association. They raised money to restore the house. They wanted it to look like it did during the Victorian era. The golf course was built nearby, and you can see it from the hill where Riverview sits.
Visiting Riverview Today
Riverview, including the house, its grounds, and a museum, opened to the public in 1972. The City of Bowling Green owns and takes care of it as part of Hobson Grove Park. A group of volunteers, called the Friends of Riverview, helps keep the house and its history alive.
Riverview hosts many fun events throughout the year. These include teas, luncheons, and an Easter Egg Hunt. They also have a Victorian Garden and Antique Festival. Other events include Tea with Mrs. Claus and special Candlelight Tours.
Riverview is also part of many Civil War driving tours and Heritage Trails in Kentucky.
