Shelton McMurphey Johnson House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Shelton McMurphey Johnson House and Grounds
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Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
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 Location in Eugene OR
Location in Oregon
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| Location | 303 Willamette St., Eugene, Oregon |
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| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Walter D. Pugh, Nels Roney & W. H. Abrams |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003028 |
| Added to NRHP | June 14, 1984 |
The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House, also known as the Castle on the Hill, is a historic home in Eugene, Oregon, United States. This beautiful house was built during the Victorian era, a time long ago when Queen Victoria ruled. It is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a special building worth protecting.
The house is named after the three families who lived there over many years. Today, you can visit the house on public tours. It also hosts private events, letting people step back in time to see how families lived long ago.
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Finding the Castle on the Hill
The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is easy to find in Eugene. It is located at 303 Willamette Street. The house sits on the south side of Skinner Butte. From its spot, it looks out over the city's downtown area. You can also see the train depot from the house.
A Look at the House's Past
Building the House in 1888
The house was built in 1888 for a person named T. W. Shelton. It was designed by an architect named Walter D. Pugh from Salem, Oregon. The house was built in the Queen Anne style. This style is known for its fancy details and unique shapes.
Changes Over the Years
The house has changed a few times since it was first built. In the 1910s, it was made bigger for Robert McMurphey. Later, in 1951, Curtis and Eva Johnson remodeled it. During their remodel, they brought back the house's original turret. A turret is a small, round tower often found on old castles or large houses.
Fires and Restoration
The house has faced some tough times. It had two big fires. One fire happened while it was still being built. Another fire occurred in 1950 during the Johnson family's remodel. Despite these challenges, the house was repaired and restored.
The House Today
In 1976, Eva Johnson gave the house to Lane County. Now, the City of Eugene owns it. A special group called Shelton McMurphey Johnson Associates helps keep the house open. This group is a nonprofit, which means they work to help the community, not to make money.
Design and Surroundings
Queen Anne Style Details
The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is famous for its Queen Anne style. You can easily spot it because of its beautiful carved wood. It also has a large, round tower, which is a key feature. The house is painted green with matching trim, making it stand out.
Size and Original Property
The house has two stories, plus a basement and an attic. It measures about 54 feet by 37 feet. The house sits on a large piece of land, about 1.25 acres. When it was first built in 1888, the property also had a barn and a carriage house. A garage was added later on.
What Remains Today
Today, only the main house from the original buildings is still there. Over time, some new things have been added to the property. These include a chicken coop, a greenhouse, and a dog kennel. Many of the original trees and plants from 1888 are still growing on the land. The total cost to build the house in 1888 was $8,000.
Skinner Butte's Importance
The house is located on Skinner Butte. This area is very important to the history of Eugene, Oregon. Eugene Skinner, who founded the city, settled here. Skinner Butte is a large area of land, about 100 acres. It offers many fun activities for people today. You can go hiking or try rock climbing. The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House museum is also part of this historic area.
Images for kids
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Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
