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 is an amazing old house in Bowling Green, Kentucky. People also call it Riverview or Hobson House. It was built in a special style called Italianate architecture. Building started in the 1850s, but the Civil War stopped it. The house even played a role in the war! It was finally finished in 1872.
Today, Riverview looks just like it did during the Victorian era. It is the main attraction in Hobson Grove Park. This historic home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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History of Riverview at Hobson Grove
Building a Home: The Hobson Family
Riverview at Hobson Grove was built for Atwood Gaines Hobson and his wife, Juliet "Julia" (van Meter) Hobson. They chose a spot on a small hill overlooking the Barren River. That's why they named it "Riverview."
Construction on the house began in the 1850s. However, work had to stop when the U.S. Civil War started.
Riverview During the Civil War
Atwood Hobson supported the Union side during the Civil War. His oldest son, William, became a colonel in the Union Army. The family worried about their unfinished home.
A Confederate general named Simon Bolivar Buckner helped them. He had fought with Atwood's brother in an earlier war. General Buckner agreed to protect the house. His troops 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 state of Kentucky.
Finishing the House: Italianate Style and Clever Ideas
Riverview was finally completed in 1872, after the war ended. It is a great example of Italianate architecture. This style has arched windows and wide roofs with fancy decorations. It also has a small tower on top called a cupola.
The Hobson family added some very clever ideas to their home. They had a special tank in the attic that collected rainwater from the roof. This water was used for a toilet on the second floor. This was very modern for their time!
Another cool feature is a hole in the ceiling under the cupola. It's like a big skylight. This hole helps keep the house cool. When the windows in the cupola are open, hot air is pulled up and out of the house. This creates a constant flow of cool air, much like a fan does today.
Saving Riverview: From Abandoned to Restored
The Hobson family and their descendants lived in the house until 1952. After that, different people rented it. The house was damaged by a fire and then left empty. By 1965, it was in very bad shape and almost torn down.
The city of Bowling Green bought the property. They planned to knock down the house and build a golf course. But a group of people formed a non-profit organization called the Hobson House Association. They raised money to save the house. They wanted to restore it to its beautiful Victorian style.
Thanks to their efforts, Riverview was saved! The golf course was built nearby, and you can see it from the hill where Riverview stands.
Riverview Today: A Living Museum
Riverview, including the house, its gardens, 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, Tea with Mrs. Claus, and special Candlelight Tours.
Riverview is also a stop on many Civil War tours and Heritage Trails in Kentucky. It helps people learn about history.
