| Historic Name: |
Oscar A. & Hulda Olson House |
Common Name: |
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| Style: |
Queen Anne |
Neighborhood: |
Fremont |
| Built By: |
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Year Built: |
1901 |
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| Significance |
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[Updated information added January 1, 2010] This is a well-preserved and distinctive residence that dates from an intense historic period of residential development in Fremont and exhibits late Queen Anne stylistic features. It appears to have been constructed c.1901. However, permit records have not been uncovered for this property. It is located in the replatted Denny & Hoyt’s Addition, one of the earliest platted and developed residential areas in Fremont. Edward Blewett was a wealthy businessman from Fremont, Nebraska who decided to invest in undeveloped land at the northwest corner of Lake Union. On March 20, 1888, Blewett and his wife Carrie purchased the town site for $55,000 under a mortgage held by John P. Hoyt. With the help of their agent, Luther H. Griffith (also of Fremont, Nebraska) and their attorney Edward C. Kilbourne, the Blewetts prepared a plat for the area. This plat, known as Denny & Hoyt's Addition, was approved by King County on May 8, 1888. King County property tax assessment rolls indicate that this land parcel remained unimproved until around 1901. By 1902, Oscar A. Olson appears to have built and owned it was residing there with his wife Hulda four children. Oscar A. Olson was a Swedish immigrant and house carpenter (working for Eckloff Bros. Contractors & Builders). He appears to have settled in Washington State c.1880 and may have owned the property for several years prior to construction of the subject house. The 1905 tax rolls indicate that the house was valued at $800.00. The property appears to have remained in the ownership of Mr. Olson and served as the family residence for several decades. King County property tax records indicate that the house was remodeled in 1910; the extent of that work (possibly interior) has not been identified. In 1902 (permit # 16550) a one-story, wood-frame cottage was constructed to the SW side of the house on the alley; it remains in place also.
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| Appearance |
| [Updated information added January 1, 2010] Located mid-block near the east end of the block with front elevation oriented to the north. Prominent one and one-half story, wood-frame, single family residence that was historically converted to a duplex. Late Queen Anne with variegated cladding and asymmetrical form and façade composition. Main core of house measures approx. 28’ x 30’ w/ an easterly projecting wing measuring 4’ x 28 ft. Concrete foundation and full basement level. Main hipped roof form with prominent front gable projection at west side of facade. Gable roof wing projection at east elevation. Gable wall-dormer at west elevation. Projecting full width hipped roof porch at façade; gable pediment above porch entry. Original narrow horizontal fir siding or similar with corner boards appears to remain in place at main core of the house. Original scalloped shingles remain in place at upper level and front gable of façade. Several of the original tall, narrow double-hung wooden windows (some with beveled glass) appear to remain in place; however, upper floor windows may have been replaced with modern units. Porch distinguished by original slender turned columns. Central chimney in place; rebuilt without corbel. Obtrusive door was added at first floor level center of facade when property was converted to a duplex. |
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| Status: |
Yes - Inventory |
| Classication: |
Building |
District Status: |
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| Cladding(s): |
Shingle, Wood - Clapboard |
Foundation(s): |
Concrete - Poured |
| Roof Type(s): |
Gable, Hip |
Roof Material(s): |
Asphalt/Composition |
| Building Type: |
Domestic - Single Family |
Plan: |
Irregular |
| Structural System: |
Balloon Frame/Platform Frame |
No. of Stories: |
one & ½ |
| Unit Theme(s): |
Architecture/Landscape Architecture |
| Integrity |
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Changes to Windows: |
Intact |
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Changes to Original Cladding: |
Intact |
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Changes to Plan: |
Intact |
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| Major Bibliographic References |
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U.S. Census Records (1880-1920)
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King County Property Record Card (c. 1938-1972), Washington State Archives.
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Polk's Seattle Directories, 1890-1996.
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Sanborn (Insurance) Map Company, Seattle, Washington.
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King County Tax Assessment Rolls, Washington State Archives.
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City of Seattle DPD Microfilm Records.
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