kids encyclopedia robot

Watkins Manor House facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Watkins Manor House
Paul Watkins House
Watkins Manor House 01.jpg
The Paul Watkins House viewed from the north
Watkins Manor House is located in Minnesota
Watkins Manor House
Location in Minnesota
Watkins Manor House is located in the United States
Watkins Manor House
Location in the United States
Location 175 East Wabasha Street, Winona, Minnesota
Area 4 acres (1.6 ha)
Built 1924–27
Architect Cram & Ferguson
Architectural style Jacobethan
NRHP reference No. 84000255
Designated  November 8, 1984

The Watkins Manor House is a beautiful, historic mansion located in Winona, Minnesota, USA. It was built a long time ago, between 1924 and 1927. This grand house was made for a man named Paul Watkins.

Paul Watkins was an important leader of the J.R. Watkins Company. He was known for starting the idea of selling products directly to people's homes. This was called door-to-door sales.

A famous architect named Ralph Adams Cram designed the house. He used a special style called Jacobethan. In 1984, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important building because of its design and connection to Paul Watkins.

Today, the manor is part of a place where older people live. It has apartments and shared spaces for the community.

Discovering the Watkins Manor House

The Watkins Manor House is a large, old home in Winona, Minnesota. It was built almost 100 years ago, from 1924 to 1927. This house was created for Paul Watkins, a very important person in the history of the J.R. Watkins Company.

Who Was Paul Watkins?

Paul Watkins (1865–1931) was a key leader of the J.R. Watkins Company. His father started the company. Paul helped make the company famous by using a new way to sell products. He started the idea of door-to-door sales. This meant people would go directly to homes to sell items.

A Special Building Style

The house was designed by a well-known architect named Ralph Adams Cram. He was famous for designing churches and other large buildings. The Watkins Manor House is special because it's a rare home designed by him.

The style of the house is called Jacobethan. This style mixes ideas from old English architecture. It often includes tall chimneys, decorative gables, and large windows.

Why is it a Historic Place?

In 1984, the Watkins Manor House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. The house was recognized for two main reasons:

  • Architecture: It's a great example of the Jacobethan style.
  • Commerce: It shows the history of business through Paul Watkins and his company.

What is it Used For Now?

The Watkins Manor House is no longer a private home. Today, it is part of a larger complex for senior citizens. The manor itself has been turned into apartments and common areas for people living there. It's a way to keep this historic building alive and useful for the community.

kids search engine
Watkins Manor House Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.