HISTORIC RESOURCE EVALUATION AND SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES REVIEW FOR THE 1858 HOMESTEAD COTTAGE AT 228 FITCH STREET, HEALDSBURG, SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
SUBMITTED TO: Jane Rosenberg [email protected]
SUBMITTED BY: Stacey De Shazo, M.A. Principal Architectural Historian [email protected]
Evans & De Shazo, Inc 1141 Gravenstein Highway South, updated September 30, 2019 Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-812-7400 www.evans-deshazo.com
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...... 1 PROJECT LOCATION AND UNDERSTANDING ...... 1 REGULATORY SETTING ...... 3
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT ...... 3 SECRETARY OF INTERIOR’S STANDARDS ...... 4 CITY OF HEALDSBURG GENERAL PLAN: HISTORIC RESOURCES ELEMENT (CHAPTER 6) ...... 5 HISTORIC PRESERVATION PRINCIPLES AND BEST PRACTICES ...... 6 METHODS ...... 7 HISTORIC SETTING ...... 7
EARLY AMERICAN PERIOD (1848 - 1850) ...... 7 HISTORY OF HEALDSBURG ...... 8 HISTORY OF THE MATHESON STREET ...... 10 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE ...... 14
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE...... 14 NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL STYLES (1850 – 1890) ...... 15 QUEEN ANNE ARCHITECTURE (1870-1901) ...... 15 MATHESON STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT ...... 16 RESULTS OF RECORD SEARCH ...... 16 NWIC ...... 17 LOCAL RESEARCH ...... 17 ONLINE RESEARCH ...... 17 GUSTAF H. PETERSON ...... 17 1858 HOMESTEAD COTTAGE OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPATION HISTORY ...... 19 HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL FIELD SURVEY ...... 23
1858 HOMESTEAD COTTAGE ...... 23 EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE ...... 33
CALIFORNIA REGISTER OF HISTORICAL RESOURCES ...... 34 CRHR EVALUATION...... 34 INTEGRITY ...... 36 STANDARDS REVIEW ...... 37
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR STANDARDS FOR REHABILITATION REVIEW ...... 37 CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES – REVIEW ...... 43 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 43
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ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ...... 44
BALANCE OF MATERIALS AND DIFFERENTIATING DESIGN ...... 44 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 46
ATTACHMENTS: Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms (Appendix A)
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INTRODUCTION
Evans & De Shazo, Inc (EDS) completed a Historic Resource Evaluation (HRE) and a Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (Standards) review of the 1858 Gustaf H. Peterson Homestead Cottage, at 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California within Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 002-231-006 (Project Area). The 1858 Homestead Cottage is listed in the City of Healdsburg Cultural Resource Inventory (1983) and on the 2012 Office of Historic Preservation Historic Properties Directory (HPD) as a 7N, which means that it needs to be reevaluated; however, it does not appear to have been formally evaluated by a qualified Architectural Historian. As such, the City of Healdsburg has requested an HRE, as well as a Standards review to address potential impacts to historical resources. The house also appears to have been identified as a contributor to the potential Matheson Street District1, and is located within the City of Healdsburg H-D Historic Overlay District that encompasses both sides of Matheson Street between East Street and First Street. The proposed project, although in the early stages of development, consists of the restoration and rehabilitation of the 1858 Homestead Cottage (Project) that may include the removal of the contemporary addition along the rear of the house, as well as a shed addition added to the south façade, as well as the construction of a new addition that is in keeping with the original style of the house. Since the proposed Project may impact a historical resource, the City of Healdsburg has requested an HRE and a Standards review to be completed by a qualified professional architectural historian in compliance with the CEQA, as well as the Healdsburg 2030 General Plan Historic Resources Element (Chapter 6) policies and requirements set forth in Healdsburg Zoning Ordinance Article 17 regarding H-D Historic Overlay Districts, and consistency with Chapter 8 of the Citywide Design Guidelines. (Ord. 1172 § 2, 2018; Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1715), 1998.). The following HRE is based on specific guidelines and evaluation criteria of the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) (14 CCR §15064.5 and PRC§ 21084.1) and the City of Healdsburg historic preservation policies and ordinances. The Standards review is based on criteria that conforms with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to the Treatment of Historic Properties. The HRE and Standards review was completed by EDS Principal Architectural Historian, Stacey De Shazo, M.A., who exceeds the Secretary of Interior's qualification standards in Architectural History and History. PROJECT LOCATION AND UNDERSTANDING
The Project Area is located approximately 0.25 miles east of the Healdsburg Plaza and located within a 0.45- acre lot on the corner of Fitch and Matheson Streets within APN 002-231-006. Although in the early stages of development, the proposed Project includes changes to the 1858 Homestead Cottage that include the restoration and rehabilitation of the original cottage and the removal of an inappropriate contemporary rear addition, and construction of a new addition that will be designed of materials and in a style that complies with the Standards.2
1 Also referred to locally as the Matheson Street Historic District, but officially recorded as the Matheson Street District. 2 To be included in the final draft of this report based on the final drawing set to be submitted to the City of Healdsburg.
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Figure 1. Project Area map.
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REGULATORY SETTING
California Environmental Quality Act CEQA and the Guidelines for Implementing CEQA (State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15064.5) give direction and guidance for evaluation of properties and the preparation of Initial Studies, Categorical Exemptions, Negative Declarations and Environmental Impact Reports. Pursuant to California State law, the City of Healdsburg is legally responsible and accountable for determining the environmental impact of any land use proposal it approves. Cultural resources are aspects of the environment that require identification and assessment for potential significance under CEQA (14 CCR 15064.5 and PRC 21084.1). There are five classes of cultural resources defined by the State Office of Historic Preservation (OHP). These are:
• Building: A structure created principally to shelter or assist in carrying out any form of human activity. A “building” may also be used to refer to a historically and functionally related unit, such as a courthouse and jail or a house and barn.
• Structure: A construction made for a functional purpose rather than creating human shelter. Examples include mines, bridges, and tunnels.
• Object: Construction primarily artistic in nature or relatively small in scale and simply constructed. It may be movable by nature or design or made for a specific setting or environment. Objects should be in a setting appropriate to their significant historic use or character. Examples include fountains, monuments, maritime resources, sculptures and boundary markers.
• Site: The location of a significant event. A prehistoric or historic occupation or activity, or a building or structure, whether standing, ruined, or vanished, where the location itself possesses historic, cultural, or archaeological value regardless of the value of any existing building, structure, or object. A site need not be marked by physical remains if it is the location of a prehistoric or historic event and if no buildings, structures, or objects marked it at that time. Examples include trails, designed landscapes, battlefields, habitation sites, Native American ceremonial areas, petroglyphs, and pictographs.
• Historic District: Unified geographic entities which contain a concentration of historic buildings, structures, or sites united historically, culturally, or architecturally. According to California Code of Regulations Section 15064.5, cultural resources are historically significant if they are:
• Listed in, or eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) (Public Resources Code 5024.1, Title 14 CCR, Section 4850 et. seq.);
• Listed in, or eligible for listing in, the NRHP;
• Included in a local register of historical resources, as defined in an historical resource survey meeting the requirements of Section 5024.1(g) of the Public Resource Code; or
• Any object, building, structure, site, area, place, record, or manuscript which a lead agency
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determines to be historically significant or significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic, agricultural, educational, social, political, military, or cultural annals of California, provided the lead agency’s determination is supported by substantial evidence in-light of the whole record. A resource may be listed as an historical resource in the CRHR if it has integrity and meets any of the following criteria: 1. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States; 2. Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history; 3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction or represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic values; or 4. Has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California or the nation. Buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts representative of California and United States history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture convey significance when they also possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. A resource has integrity if it retains the characteristics that were present during the resource’s period of significance. Enough of these characteristics must remain to convey the reasons for its significance. Secretary of Interior’s Standards The 1858 Homestead Cottage is listed in the City of Healdsburg Cultural Resource Inventory (1983) and on the 2012 Office of Historic Preservation Historic Properties Directory (HPD) and as such is considered a Historical Resource for the purposes of CEQA, any “substantial adverse changes” need to be considered (PRC § 21084.1 and 21083.2(l)). According to the CEQA Guidelines, demolition, destruction, relocation or alteration that impairs the significance of an historical resources constitutes a “substantial adverse change”; however, a project that conforms with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to the Treatment of Historic Properties can generally considered to be a project that will not cause a significant impact (14 CCR § 15126.4(b)(1)). The Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation The Standards (codified as 36 CFR 67) defines "Rehabilitation" as "the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values." Generally, a project that follows the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation is considered a project that has mitigated impacts to historical resources to a less-than a significant level. The Standards pertain to historic buildings of all materials, construction types, sizes, and occupancy, and encompass the exterior and the interior, related landscape features and the building's site and environment, as well as attached, adjacent, or related new construction. The Standards are to be applied to specific rehabilitation projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility.
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1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment. 2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken. 4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved. 5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. 7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. 8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken. 9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. 10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. City of Healdsburg General Plan: Historic Resources Element (Chapter 6) The City of Healdsburg consists of 339 historic properties and six historic districts, with approximately two- thirds of the properties subsequently assigned a California Historical Resources Status Code3. The California OHP has determined that most of the remaining properties need to be re-evaluated before a status code can be assigned. The Project Area is located within a defined H-D Historic Overlay District (Zoning Ordinance, Article 17), however, while the 1858 Homestead Cottage is not listed as a contributor to the locally
3 City of Healdsburg Planning and Building Department, “Historic Preservation,” https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/362/Historic- Preservation.
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designated Matheson Street District, it likely contributes to the significance of this district, as explained within this report.
Figure 2. The boundaries of the Matheson Street District, and a star that indicates the location of the subject property.
20.12.070 Design, materials and exterior appearance In accordance with the design guidelines, all designs for any construction, repair, or replacement purposes within a HD Overlay area shall be in harmony with the general architectural characteristics of the area, including windows and doors and associated trim, use of exterior building materials, roof types and profiles, and general size and massing of the building. All designs and exterior treatments shall be consistent with Chapter 8 of the Citywide Design Guidelines. (Ord. 1172 § 2, 2018; Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1715), 1998.) Historic Preservation Principles and Best Practices When considering projects involving historic resources, a set of preservation principles applies regardless of project type or property type. Consider the following principles in addition to guidelines in this chapter.
• Respect the historic design character of the building. Do not try to change the style of a historic resource or make the structure look older than its actual age. Confusing the character by mixing elements of different styles can weaken the appearance and historic quality of the structure. Likewise, when constructing an addition, do not try to emulate a historic style to make the addition look older than its actual age. Additions should relate to the original building in general massing and scale, but should be distinguishable. Additions should be designed and located to be subordinate to the original structure. An addition should be located to the rear of the original structure whenever possible, and to the side when the rear is not possible, in order to minimize the visibility of the addition. • Protect and maintain significant features and stylistic elements. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship should be treated with sensitivity. The best preservation procedure is to maintain historic features from the outset to prevent intervention. Protection includes the maintenance of historic material through treatments such as
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rust removal, caulking, limited paint removal and reapplication of paint. • Preserve any existing original site features or original building materials and features. Preserve original site features wherever possible and maintain them to avoid deterioration. Avoid removing, altering, obscuring or covering an original material or feature. • Repair deteriorated historic features and replace only those elements that cannot be repaired. Upgrade existing materials, using recognized historic preservation methods wherever possible. If disassembly is necessary for repair or restoration, use methods that minimize damage to original materials and the replacement of original configuration. • Design additions and alterations to a historic structure to respect the historic structure and maintain its integrity. When constructing an addition, do not try to emulate a historic style to make the addition look older than its actual age. A contemporary design for an alteration or addition to a historic structure should not be discouraged as long as it does not destroy character-defining features of the historic structure and as long as the design is compatible with the historic structure and the district. Wherever possible, a new addition or alteration to a historic structure should be done in such a manner that if it were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the structure would be unimpaired.
METHODS
The HRE and Standards review were prepared by EDS Principal Architectural Historian, Stacey De Shazo, M.A., in compliance with CEQA regulations and guidelines, and the City of Healdsburg policies and ordinances. EDS utilized research obtained at the Northwest Information Center (NWIC) of the California Historical Information Systems (CHRIS), as well as local research obtained from the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society (HMHS) that included a review of historic maps, photos, and documents, as well as online research that included Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com to obtain details regarding property ownership and to develop a historic context in which to evaluate the historic significance of the property. EDS also conducted an intensive level field survey to document the 1858 Homestead Cottage within the current setting and completed Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 forms for the property (Appendix A). HISTORIC SETTING
Early American Period (1848 - 1850) American settlement in and around Healdsburg began when Cyrus Alexander, a trader and trapper for whom the Alexander Valley is named, met Captain Henry Delano Fitch (1798-1849) in San Francisco in 1840. Fitch was a sea captain, prominent merchant, and San Diego society man who is believed to have been the first “Euro-American” to settle in San Diego. Fitch arrived as Master on the brig Maria Ester in 1826. In 1827, Fitch applied for Mexican citizenship. He remained involved in coastal trading, including the hide and tallow trade, and even opened a store in San Diego. In 1840, at Fitch's request, Alexander traveled north by horse, reaching the Russian River later that year. When Alexander told Fitch of the land he had found, Fitch applied for and obtained a grant of 48,000-acres from the Mexican government in 1841. The grant was aided by his marriage
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to Maria Antonia Natalia Elijah Josefa Carrillo, daughter of Joaquin Carrillo and the sister-in-law to General Mariano Vallejo. The land grant became known as Rancho Sotoyome. The name Sotoyome is likely a combination of indigenous and Spanish languages, meaning "the home of Soto" or "Rancheria of the brave."4 Fitch did not reside on Rancho Sotoyome, but instead hired Alexander to manage the land and ranch stock under a four-year agreement. Alexander built a large one-story adobe building in 1842 on the land, making him the first Euro-American settler in the area. He also built several outbuildings, a tannery, grist mill and cigarette factory for Fitch at the southern slope of Fitch Mountain, of which most of the labor needs were supplied by the local Pomo Indians.5 In 1843, Frank Bidwell came to work for Alexander on the Rancho, and for his service was granted 500-acres in 1845. In 1845, as payment for managing Rancho Sotoyome for four years, Alexander also received 8,000-acres of land within what is now known as Alexander Valley. When Alexander gave his notice to Fitch, the management of Rancho Sotoyome was then handed over to Moses Carson, brother of "Kit" Carson. A home was built for Fitch and his wife, Josefa, along the Russian River, but Fitch died in 1849 before being able to move onto the Rancho. In 1850, Josefa and their nine children moved to new house on the Rancho and Josefa began to seek legal title to the land. History of Healdsburg In 1850, California was granted statehood and the Public Land Commission was formed to determine the validity of all Spanish and Mexican era ranchos. As such, Henry Fitch’s widow, Josefa, filed multiple claims to the land, but she had an incredibly difficult time maintaining possession of the Fitch family property after her husband’s death and was involved in numerous legal cases to petition for recognition of her inheritance of her late husband’s property. By 1855, Josefa was deeply in debt and faced several lawsuits over defaulted loans.6 During this time, some early settlers such as Harmon G. Heald purchased land from Josefa; however, many others were squatters that also claimed the land. In 1858, Josefa’s claim was made official by the United States (U.S) government; however, by this time she was only able to retain a small portion of original rancho land. In 1849, Harmon G. Heald, an Ohio-born settler for whom Healdsburg is named, traveled to California with his brothers in search of gold during the California Gold Rush. In 1850, without much success in gold mining, Heald moved to Sonoma County where he settled on a plot of land, according to the Healdsburg Tribune, “lying between the slew and Dry Creek” on a small portion of Rancho Sotoyome that he purchased from Josefa.7 Heald built a small cabin on the land that was situated in what is now the west side of the 300 block of Healdsburg Avenue (across from Plaza) and opened a small store in 1852. In 1854, Heald established a post office and built a larger store in 1857 that became known as Heald's Store or Heald's Station.8 Heald
4 Erwin Gustav Gudde and William Bright, California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998), 370. 5 Edwin Langhart Museum, Healdsburg Cultural Resource Survey Final Report, conducted by Edwin Langhart Museum, City of Healdsburg, California. Funded in part by California State Office of Historic Preservation, 1983. 6 Fitch Family Papers, 2016. 7 “The History of the Heald Family,” Healdsburg Tribune, 5 August 1954. 8 Edwin Langhart Museum, Healdsburg Cultural Resource Survey Final Report, conducted by Edwin Langhart Museum, City of Healdsburg, California. Funded in part by California State Office of Historic Preservation, 1983, 10.
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also continued to purchase available cheap land within the Sotoyome Rancho when a series of land auctions were held by Josefa who had to sell her land to pay her delinquent property taxes (Figure 3). In 1857, when Josefa received official title to her original grant, the land she sold to Heald became an official sale in the eyes of the government. Heald then laid out his plan for the town within an approximate 8-acre town plat that included two north and south streets, running southeast-northwest, and two streets running perpendicular to the main streets, which formed a square at the four intersections, which became the Plaza. He then laid out two more streets in each direction, and this formed the town plat. Heald donated the land for the central Plaza and lots for a school, churches and a cemetery. The remaining 85 lots were then sold for $15.00 each. During this time, the population of Healdsburg consisted of approximately 300 people, but continued to grow as development increased. Heald died of consumption on December 15, 1858.9 The earliest settlers generally comprised of failed gold miners who came to farm the fertile land of the valley. Many of the early settlers in the town developed land for agriculture and ranching that mainly consisted of raising cattle for the hide and tallow trade and growing grain crops. In 1867, the town was incorporated, and the first city council meeting was held that same day.
Figure 3. Josefa Carrillo de Fitch Sotoyome Rancho land sale, 1856 (courtesy of the HMHS). In 1872, the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad (SFNPR) built a rail depot in Healdsburg to support the Northwestern Pacific Railroad (NWP) rail line that ran through Healdsburg and onto Cloverdale. While the rail depot was being constructed, work had also begun on the NWP rail line that brought the first rail bridge to span the Russian River. Healdsburg’s agricultural industry, which was the base of the local economy, was fueled by the extension of the SFNPR that provided a means to transport local products to faraway markets
9 Ibid; J. P. Munro-Fraser, History of Sonoma County, California (San Francisco: Alley, Bowen & Co., Publishers, 1880), 153.; Bev Reeves, Healdsburg and Northern Sonoma County, California: A Pictorial History (Marceline, Missouri: D-Books Publishing, 1996).; Thomas H. Thompson, Atlas of Sonoma County California with Illustrations (Oakland: Thos. H. Thompson & Co, 1877).
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on the east coast. This led to greatly increased agricultural production and by the 1870s, grain and cattle farms were replaced with fruit orchards and grapes. During the 1880s and throughout the 1890s, fruit canning and packing businesses were abundant throughout the area and the related businesses were common sites along the railroad lines, which was close to the Project Area. The area was within town limits, and only a few blocks south of the Plaza and a few blocks north of the Healdsburg rail depot. At this time, the population of Healdsburg was growing along with the economy that largely depended on tourism and agriculture production to support the growing population. By the 1890s, the city’s population had increased along with the growth of the economy, which led to the creation of a substantial middle class in Healdsburg. This increased housing development throughout the town and even lead to growth in the northern portions of Healdsburg where a large number of moderately-sized homes were built, of which the vast majority constructed were in the Queen Anne architectural style.10 By the early 1900s, apples, peaches, and prunes were the dominant crops in Healdsburg and they shipped from the many packing plants that still lined the rails. During this time, Grove Street had become a prestigious and popular area near Healdsburg and many large homes were constructed on large plots of land of which many had working orchards. In 1919, Healdsburg’s flourishing wine industry nearly collapsed with the passage of the Volstead Act in 1919 (aka Prohibition). During this time, prune orchards in Healdsburg increased significantly, replacing the grapes. In 1933, with repeal of the Volstead Act, Prohibition ended; however, prunes remained the most significant agricultural crop during this time. In 1967, prunes were the most important industry in Healdsburg and remained the largest cash crop until the 1970s when many orchards reverted to vineyards. Today, wine is the primary agricultural product. History of the Matheson Street Matheson Street, originally known as South Street, was part of a development known as Matheson Addition that was named after Roderick Nicol Matheson (Figure 4). Roderick was a strikingly handsome man of intelligence, limitless energy, optimism, and political ambition. Prior to making his way to Healdsburg, Roderick was struck with gold fever and set out in 1849 to make his fortune in the fold fields of California. Already married, he left his wife behind and journeyed around Cape Horn to San Francisco. Although he only lasted a short time in the mines, he started making a name for himself in San Francisco. He helped to organize the Mechanic's Institute in San Francisco, a training school, and became its president. In 1852, he was appointed Comptroller of the City of San Francisco. He was an active member of the fire department, one of the founders of the vigilant Engine Company No. 9, and a member of the Marion Rifles, a local militia. In 1854, he was appointed a general of a division of former citizens of the Mexican Army, and resident Commissioner of Mexico in San Francisco. As Commissioner, he contributed greatly to better relations between the U.S. and Mexico. His Mexican Commission was confirmed by Juarez, then Chief Justice of Mexico. In 1856, Matheson moved his family including his wife, Maria Antoinette “Netty” Seaman Matheson, and his son, Roderick (born in 1849 while his father was in route to California), and brother-in-law Jesse Seaman, to Healdsburg where he had a Greek Revival style house built at 751 South Fitch Mountain Road (aka 751 Matheson Street). These
10 City of Healdsburg Planning and Building Department, Healdsburg 2030 General Plan. https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/633/General-Plan-Background-Report-PDF.
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three had joined Roderick in San Francisco in 1853 and apparently lived with him in a house on Washington and Leavenworth Streets in the Nob Hill section of San Francisco. Jesse served as a Matheson's clerk in the Comptroller's office. A daughter, Maria Antoinette was born in 1855. Roderick soon reverted to a former vocation as a teacher and taught in the first school built in Healdsburg, the Russian River Institute, beginning in March of 1858.11 Roderick, always active in politics, had become a member of the Free Soil Party, which was intent on keeping slavery out of California and Oregon. President-elect Abraham Lincoln invited Matheson to attend his inauguration in Washington D.C. in January 1861 due to his association with the Free Soil Party. Following the March 4th inauguration, Matheson was one of five men summoned by Lincoln to discuss California appointments, but by April, with war imminent, President Lincoln asked for 75,000 loyal state militiamen to serve for three months. Irretrievably drawn into the whirlwind of passions and politics of the mounting national crisis, Matheson immediately volunteered and was soon elected Colonel of the 32nd New York State Volunteer Infantry, organized on Staten Island on 31 May 1861. Because of his California connection, Matheson and others commonly referred to this regiment as the First California Regiment. Colonel Matheson led his troops in the Battle on Bull Run in 1861, but he always found time to write to his wife and family in Healdsburg. In early 1862, while Roderick was away, Netty gave birth to their third child George. In October 1862 at the age of 38, Matheson died from a battle wound during the Battle of Crampton's Gap in Burkittsville, Frederick County, Maryland. Matheson's body was taken to New York City, where it lay in state in the Governor's room at City Hall until October 9th. For the service, many notables such as Generals John C. Fremont and John S. Ellis, and C.K. Garrison, who had been Mayor of San Francisco in 1853 attended the service. After the service, what remained of Matheson was placed aboard a ship that crossed the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco aboard the steamer Sonora, and on November 6 the steamer reached Petaluma and was met by the Petaluma Guard, the Emmet Rifles, the Santa Rosa Military Company, and the Sotoyome Guard of Healdsburg, which Matheson had been a member. He was then taken by wagon to Healdsburg where he lay in state, but this time at Platt's Hall where services were held for his family and friends such as Leland Stanford. Colonel Matheson was finally put to rest at Oak Mound Cemetery in Healdsburg on November 9, 1862. Soon after his funeral, South Street was then renamed Matheson Street to commemorate him.
11 “Our Healdsburg History,” Hannah Clayborn’s History of Healdsburg. Electronic document, http://www.ourhealdsburg.com/history/matheson.htm. Accessed August 8, 2018.
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Figure 4. Roderick Matheson, ca. 1850 (left) and Colonel Roderick Matheson, 1861 (right) (courtesy of HMHS). As early as 1867, Matheson Street between Fitch Street and University Street, which includes the 1858 Homestead Cottage located on the corner of Fitch and Matheson Streets, was lined with several houses on the north and south sides of the street including the 1858 house first owned by Gustaf H. Peterson12 (Figure 5). During the 1860s, Matheson Street had larger lots on the north side than the south, and Fitch Street included a large parcel to the west that included Healdsburg’s first public school. By 1898, the parcels along Matheson and Fitch Streets had been divided into smaller residential size lots; however, the 0.45-acre lot where the 1858 Homestead Cottage is currently located (Figure 6) remained intact. By the turn of the 20th century, Matheson Street was considered an important and prominent Street in Healdsburg.
12 The 1867 map has the surname of the original owner of the Project Area - Peterson mis-spelled as “Peaterson”.
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Figure 5. 1867 Bowers Map showing the location where the 1858 Homestead Cottage faced Matheson Street, highlighted in red.
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Figure 6. 1898 Reynolds & Proctor Map, with red border around the Project Area. ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
The following section is intended to provide a brief understanding of Vernacular and National architectural styles that are originally associated with the 1858 Homestead Cottage, as well as elements of Queen Anne architectural style. Vernacular Architecture Vernacular architecture13 is characterized as a functional shelter for people, animals and stores, “built to meet needs”, constructed according to the availability and performance of materials, and formed in response to environmental and climatic conditions. This regional specific nature of the architecture in a rather simple, functional form defines “vernacular architecture” without attributing a specifically defined architectural style,
13 The term “vernacular architecture”, as opposed to traditional, vernacular or folk buildings, first appeared in the post-war period of the 1950s and 1960s when architects sought to appropriate simple traditional buildings to legitimize prevalent functionalist theories of design.
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as the attribution of a studied and accepted architectural style to such a regional and functional type would not be appropriate. To further understand the Vernacular architecture, it is important to know that the definition of what “vernacular architecture” encompasses is not universally agreed upon, and is sometimes extended to include the “everyday”: city neighborhoods, market towns, roadside diners, suburban housing developments, barns and anonymous industrial complexes. In addition, the definition of the term is falling out of favor, as a more focused definition of “vernacular architecture” has been set forth by the Vernacular Architecture Forum (VAF), which more closely aligns with the earlier description of Vernacular style that focused on regional and functional elements, which is gaining wider acceptance in the field of architectural history. As such, this use of the term Vernacular is carefully considered when evaluating buildings that appear to have “no style” or one that does fit the traditional known architectural styles. Whether thatched cottages or trailer parks, vernacular architecture is typically defined as those buildings that are outside the main-stream of professional architecture, and may carry a form, design, or use of materials that is fit for the region and function of the building, structure, or object. National Architectural Styles (1850 – 1890) The “National” architectural style is often interchanged or combined with Vernacular style and labeled Vernacular National but is considered part of the Folk architectural style. Single-wall structures can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest, West, and the South. In California, the National architectural style is associated with the expansion of the west. Buildings are often constructed of single-walls, plank walls, or box house construction. These modest structures, of which some were meant to provide temporary shelter, typically consisting of floor structure constructed on a rubble stone or wood foundation; however, equally common was no foundation. They are built in a box-like form with wall panels constructed on the ground and then stood up to form rooms. The panels were attached to one another, leaving no room for corner posts or vertical structural members. Often, door and window openings were cut out of after the wall was constructed. The roof and floor structures provided rigidity to the box. Other variations in form include gable front, gable front and wing addition, and the hall-and-parlor family house with an addition at the rear of the house. Queen Anne Architecture (1870-1901) The Queen Anne architectural style (also known as Queen Anne Revival) is associated with the Victorian era that flourished between 1870 and 1901 during the reign of Queen Anne in England. Introduced in the 1860s by English architect Richard Norman Shaw, Queen Anne architecture resembled Victorian architecture but was much less formal. The Queen Anne style featured many special details that reflected an opulent lifestyle and often included steeply pitched, complex slate roofs, patterned shingles (referred to as fish scales), faux half-timbering, brightly colored siding with contrasting trim, large brick or stone chimneys, front-facing towers, turrets and gables, second-story balconies, wrap-around porches, bay windows, stained-glass windows, tall double-hung windows accented with art glass or decorative patterns, spindle railings, and ornamental trim.
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MATHESON STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
The Matheson Street Historic District is documented on a Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) form by the Langhart Museum (now the HMHS) and was designated by the City of Healdsburg as a local historic district (1983). According to the HRI of the Matheson Street District conducted by the Langhart Museum in 1983, “The Matheson Street District is the most beautiful, and one of the earliest residential districts in Healdsburg. Being the widest street in the survey area, it is completely tree-lined, with large set-backs and stately homes. Running east to west on the eastern side of town, the addition was incorporated circa 1860. The structures within the district range in time span from 1865 to 1910, and like the Johnson Street District contains some of the most prestigious architecture in Healdsburg. Unlike parts of Johnson Street, Matheson Street District retains its integrity and continuity of upkeep. Landscaped expanses and various street furniture frame these impressive residences. Until about 1870 this area was known as "South Street", so named for the western end which formed the south side of the downtown Plaza. It was renamed in honor of Civil War hero, Roderick Matheson, who also owned a large parcel at the eastern-end of the street, outside of the City Limits, and who subdivided the parcel known as Matheson's Addition circa 1860. Residential construction in the Matheson Street District began as early as 1855. An 1867 plat map suggests that even at that time the residences were larger than average. By 1877 construction had extended east of University Street and continued to extend slowly eastward. On the road to the Fitch Mountain resorts, Matheson Street has remained the most visible residential street in Healdsburg.” 14 The Matheson Street Historic District currently includes 29 contributing buildings, of which the 1858 Homestead Cottage is located within the district but was not formally included as a contributor. In addition, to issues with the current district boundaries, the period of significance is not clearly developed for the Matheson Street Historic District as contributing properties were all constructed within a period from approximately 1865 to 1910; however, it appears that the period would more likely range from 1858 to 1941 if all the 29 buildings, including the 1858 Homestead Cottage we found to qualify as contributors. Also, although not fully developed, the district document suggests that buildings within the current boundaries consist of representative examples of various architectural styles including Queen Anne, Spanish Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts, American Colonial Revival, among others; therefore, it is likely that the potential district is significant for its architecture and as a whole would be considered a historical resource under CEQA. RESULTS OF RECORD SEARCH
The following section details the results of a review of documents associated with the 1858 Homestead Cottage and the surrounding area available at the EDS Office, the NWIC, the HMHS, and those available
14 Matheson Street District Historic District Inventory form, 8/83.
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through on-line sources. NWIC Information obtained at the NWIC on July 9th, 2018 (#18-0047) that is currently on file at the EDS office was utilized for this Project. A review of these records revealed that the 1858 Homestead Cottage has not been previously evaluated for significance and is not currently recorded on DPR 523 forms; however, the building is recorded on an HRI form (HRI# 5448-0078-0011) and as such, it is listed in the Directory of Properties in the Historic Property Data (HPD) file for Healdsburg, Sonoma County (OHP 2012). The 1858 Homestead Cottage is listed in the HPD as a 7N, meaning which means that it needs to be reevaluated. The HPD includes resources listed as part of local HRI inventories, as well as those listed in the NRHP, CRHR, and as California Historical Landmarks (CHL) and California Points of Historical Interest (CPHI). Within an 1/8- mile of the Project Area, there are two NRHP/CRHP-listed properties, which are detailed below.
• Healdsburg Carnegie Library (NR# 88000924), location of the HMHS.
• Healdsburg Memorial Bridge (NR# 11000214) Local Research Local research was conducted at the HMHS to review available primary source documents such as the Polk's City Directories for Healdsburg (Sonoma County, Calif.), historic maps, photographs, and newspaper articles, as well as additional documents related to the 1858 Homestead Cottage. Research revealed that the house is listed in the Healdsburg Inventory of Historically Significant and Potentially Significant Properties and is located within the City of Healdsburg H-D Historic Overlay District that encompasses both sides of Matheson Street between East Street and First Street, and includes the Project Area. Online Research Online research was also conducted that utilized the following sources:
• www.newspapers.com
• www.ancestry.com
• www.calisphere.com (University of California)
• http://heritage.sonomalibrary.org/digital/collection (Sonoma County Library) GUSTAF H. PETERSON
One of Healdsburg' s earliest settlers was Gustaf H. Peterson, who built the Homestead Cottage at 228 Fitch Street (previously 108 Fitch Street) in 1858. Peterson was born in Sweden in approximately 1815 and traveled to the U.S. in early 1830s where he embarked on a career in merchandizing that took him to New Orleans, Cuba, and in the early 1840's to Sacramento where he met and boarded with many pivotal figures in California such as Stanford, Fair, Huntington, Crocker, Hopkins, and Mackey and “as a result, he became their lifelong
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friend”.15 Peterson was an entrepreneur who was involved in mining, retail, and banking ventures in San Francisco and Healdsburg, where he settled and married Ellen (maiden name unknown) in 1858. Ellen was born in New York and she and Gustaf had one child, a son, Charles Waldemar Peterson (1875 – 1949). Peterson purchased the lot where the Project Area is located and had the subject house constructed. During the 1860s, Peterson served as President of the Healdsburg Coal Mining company along with B.F. Tucker, J.C. McManus, E.L. Green, J.J. Piper and D.M. Johnson. Peterson and Tucker were also business partners and sold merchandise that included groceries, provisions, hardware, dry goods, boots, shoes, wines, and liquors out of the G.H. Peterson Hardware store in downtown Healdsburg during the 1860s and 1870s (Figure 7 and Figure 8). On May 4th, 1871, Peterson was elected to the Board of Trustees for Sonoma County.16 During this same year, Peterson presented to the Board a deed from Mrs. Matheson, whose husband was Roderick Matheson, and Jessie Seaman to convey to the Town of Healdsburg the title to certain lands to be utilized to extend Tucker Street. This not only allowed the growth of this portion of Healdsburg, but it also allowed for the collection of increased revenue. As a result, the town approved a poll-tax of one dollar per capita that was levied under town Ordinance No. 6 and assessed against and collected from the citizens for the following year to pay for the extension of Tucker Street. Gustaf died in 1897 and is buried in the Oak Mound Cemetery. Ellen went on to remarry and had at least four more children.
Figure 7. ca. 1873 photos of the G.H. Peterson Hardware store on Powell Street in Healdsburg (courtesy of the Sonoma County Library Heritage Collection).
15 Hannah Clayburn et al., Historic Homes of Healdsburg, A Self-Guided Tour. Chevron U.S.A. Inc. 1995 (20). 16 Alley, Bowen & Company, History of Sonoma County (San Francisco: Alley, Bowen & Company, 1880).
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Figure 8. Advertisement in the Russian River Flag, Number 4, December 7, 1871, Page 3. 1858 HOMESTEAD COTTAGE OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPATION HISTORY
As part of the record search, EDS reviewed documents available at the HMHS, Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, city directories, and newspapers, as well as documents available online to determine the property ownership and occupancy history of the 1858 Homestead Cottage. The 1858 Homestead Cottage located at 228 Fitch Street was originally owned by Gustaf H. Peterson and his wife Ellen. They appear to have owned the house from 1858 until Gustaf’s death in 1897. The next known owners were Melville Milton and Mattye (Newman) Rosenberg. Melville was born in 1873 in California and Matty was born in 1881 in California as well. Melville and Mattye married in 1905 and made their home in Healdsburg. Melville was the owner of a shoe store (aka Rosenberg & Co.) located on the corner of West (Healdsburg Avenue) and Powell Streets in Healdsburg. Melville was the shoe business from 1909 until 1929, until he sold his business and retired (Figure 9). Melville and Mattye had two children, Melville Casper and Barbara Annette. At some time, likely in the 1920s, the 1858 house was moved from its original location within the parcel to the southern portion of the property (Figure 10). It is likely that because Mattye was an avid gardener, who often hosted local social clubs, and she likely advocated for the relocation of the house as it allowed for a large open space to be developed for outdoor entertaining and gardening (Figure 11). After Melville passed away in 1939, the family shared the house (Figure 12 and Figure 13) at the age of 64. Mattye, who was often hosted parties in her garden remained a widow until she died in 1956. The 1858 Homestead Cottage has remained in the Rosenburg family approximately 100 years and remains in the family today.
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Figure 9. Article in the Press Democrat, Sunday, March 31, 1929 (www.newspapers.com).
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Figure 10. Healdsburg Sanborn map, June 1911, updated December 1941, Sheet 12.
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Figure 11. 1932 photo labeled on the back as “Mattye’s outdoor living room” (courtesy of Jane Rosenberg).
Figure 12. Article from the Press Democrat, Saturday, May 6, 1939 (www.ancestry.com)
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Figure 13. ca. 1940 photo of the 1858 Homestead Cottage, labeled on the back “Elsa Coates Marcatos” (courtesy of Jane Rosenberg). HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL FIELD SURVEY
On August 10, 2018, EDS Principal Architectural Historian, Stacey De Shazo, M.A., completed a field survey of the Project Area that includes the 1858 Homestead Cottage. The survey was completed in compliance with CEQA and the City of Healdsburg policies and ordinances. The following section documents the results of the field survey. The 1858 Homestead Cottage was visited subsequently on February 12, 2019 by EDS Principal Architectural Historian, Stacey De Shazo, M.A., and Senior Architectural Historian, Brian Matuk, M.S. 1858 Homestead Cottage The 1858 Homestead Cottage was originally designed in the Vernacular and National architectural styles, and was likely embellished upon with elements of Queen Anne architectural style during the late 1800s and early 1900s. There also appear to be at least four additions added to the house that include a ca. 1900 shed addition along the south elevation, a 1930s/1940s addition along the rear of the original house, a contemporary addition that is rectangular and clad in stucco on two sides, and a fourth addition added to the contemporary addition. The original building is a single-story, side gable plan building with a steep pitched roof and centered
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gable located above the front entry door. There are decorative fish scale shingles and verge board that are classic elements of Queen Anne design that are set within the centered gable. The house is clad in horizontal wood clap board. There is a large contemporary addition along the rear (east elevation) of the house and a small shed addition along the south elevation. The roof has a slight eave overhang, closed soffits, and the roof is clad in asphalt shingles. The original portion of the house, the ca 1900 shed addition, the 1930s/1940s addition, and the contemporary stucco addition all rest on a raised foundation with post and pier construction; however, the contemporary shed addition is set on a concrete slab foundation. There was a modest porch that has been removed under permit number (unknown) The house is set-back from the street and situated along the southwest portion of the parcel that allows leaves a large portion of the house for garden space. There is a gated drive way and detached garage that are accessible via Matheson along the north side of the property. West Elevation (Primary Facade) The west elevation consists of side gable plan building with a steep pitched roof and centered gable located above the front entry door (Figure 14). There are decorative fish scale shingles and verge board set within the enclosed centered gable that are classic elements of Queen Anne design. There is a fixed stained glass window that has been removed during the demolition of the porch. The opening is currently covered in plywood and the stained glass window is being stored within the house. There is a centered, recessed front entry door that is not original and has been replaced with a contemporary door; however, the transom window above the door appears to be original (Figure 15). There four, tall, double-hung, wood windows that are framed in wide trim that appear to be original to the building (Figure 16).
Figure 14: Photo showing the west elevation, facing east.
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Figure 15. Photo showing the centered door and transom.
Figure 16. Photo of the west elevation, facing south/southeast.
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North Elevation The north elevation consists of the original portion of the 1858 Homestead Cottage with that is clad in clap board and decorative verge board set along the gable eaves (Figure 17). There is also an angled bay window that appears to have been added in the early 1900s and consists of three, 3 over 1, double hung wood windows (Figure 18). There are two window opens that are boarded up with plywood along this elevation that has been removed and stored during permitted work. The 1930s/1940s addition consists of two rectangular windows of which one has been removed and the opening is boarded up, and the second window is a rectangular window with a single fixed window in the center that is flanked by two louver windows (Figure 19). This portion of the house is clad in horizontal, v-notch wood siding. The north elevation of the contemporary stucco addition consists of vertical wood boards and what appears and a window opening that is boarded up as the window has been removed during construction (Figure 20). The north elevation of the contemporary shed addition is exposed walls (Figure 21).
Figure 17. Photo showing the north elevation, facing south.
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Figure 18. Photo showing the original 1858 portion of the house (right) and the 1930s/1940s addition (left), facing south/southeast.
Figure 19. Photo showing the original portion of the house along the north elevation (right side of photo) and the 1930s/1940s addition (left side of photo), facing south/southwest
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Figure 20. Photo showing what appears to be three additions, 1930s/1940s addition, and the contemporary additions, facing south.
Figure 21. Photo showing the north elevation of the contemporary addition, facing south.
East Elevation The east elevation of the 1930s/1940s addition consists of a small staircase constructed of red brick and iron railing that leads to a rear entry door with a metal awning and a rectangular window with a single fixed
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window in the center that is flanked by two louver windows. There are also three additional windows along this portion of the addition that include narrow glass louver window above the rear entry door, an eight light fixed window, and a double-window along the gable (Figure 22). The east elevation of the contemporary additions consists of a stucco clad walls and one narrow vinyl window and several metal vents (Figure 23).
Figure 22. Photo showing the east elevation of the 1930s/1940s addition, facing south/southwest.
Figure 23. Photo showing the east elevation (stucco addition on left), facing north.
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South Elevation The south elevation consists of original wood cladding and small double hung wood window set within the center of the gable (Figure 24). The 1900s shed addition, is clad in wood that is similar to the original and is the type of addition that is typical during this period (Figure 25). The shed addition consists of two, double hung wood windows There is also a rectangular planed contemporary addition with exterior walls along this elevation that are clad in stucco. There is also a large contemporary brick fireplace along this addition, although it is not visible from the street view (Figure 26). There are several narrow, horizontal, metal sliding windows that are situated near the roof eaves.
Figure 24. Photo showing the north elevation shed addition, facing east.
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Figure 25. Photo showing the shed addition (wood), as well as a contemporary addition (stucco), facing east.
Figure 26. Photo showing the second contemporary stucco clad addition, along the south elevation, facing east.
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Auxiliary building and Landscape There is a side gabled, wood framed garage (Figure 27) set along the northeast portion of the property that appears to have been constructed in the 1950s and appears to be undergoing maintenance. There is a contemporary, metal rolling garage door along the north elevation that faces Matheson and a large opening for a picture window along the west elevation (Figure 28). The landscape consists of several mature trees and plants, as well as an outdoor fireplace constructed of river rock that was likely built in the 1930s or 1940s (Figure 29).
Figure 27. Photo showing the south elevation of the garage, facing north.
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Figure 28. Photo showing the west elevation, facing east.
Figure 29. Photo showing the gardens, and rock fire place in the background, facing east/southeast. EVALUATION FOR HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The 1858 Homestead Cottage was evaluated to determine eligibility for listing on the CRHR. The period of significance for the house is defined as 1858, which is the date the original portion of the house was constructed. The following section provides an overview of historic significance of the house.
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California Register of Historical Resources The CRHR is an inventory of significant architectural, archaeological, and historical resources in the State of California. Resources can be listed in the CRHR through several methods. State Historical Landmarks and NRHP listed properties are automatically listed in the CRHR. Properties can also be nominated to the CRHR by local governments, private organizations, or citizens. The CRHR follows similar guidelines to those used for the NRHP. One difference is that the CRHR identifies the Criteria for Evaluation numerically instead of alphabetically. Another difference, according to the OHP is that “It is possible that historical resources may not retain sufficient integrity to meet the criteria for listing in the NRHP, but they may still be eligible for listing in the California Register. A resource that has lost its historic character or appearance may still have sufficient integrity for the California Register if it maintains the potential to yield significant scientific or historical information or specific data”.17 To qualify for listing in the CRHR, a property must possess significance under one of the four criteria and have historic integrity. The process of determining integrity consists of evaluating seven variables or aspects that include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. According to the National Register Bulletin: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, these seven characteristics are defined as follows:
• Location is the place where the historic property was constructed.
• Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plans, space, structure and style of the property.
• Setting addresses the physical environment of the historic property inclusive of the landscape and spatial relationships of the building(s).
• Materials refer to the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern of configuration to form the historic property.
• Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history.
• Feeling is the property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time.
• Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. The following section examines the 1858 Homestead Cottage’s eligibility for listing on the CRHR. CRHR Evaluation 1. (Event): Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States. The 1858 Homestead Cottage is associated early settlement in the town of Healdsburg along
17 California Office of Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Series #6 California Register and National Register: A Comparison (for purposes of determining eligibility for the California Register)
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Matheson Street and is likely a part of the Matheson Street District. Although Matheson Street, developed slowly, this house is associated with the settlement and growth associated with the Town of Healdsburg that is considered a significant event in the town or regionally. Therefore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage appears eligible for listing in the CRHR at the local level under Criterion 1. 2. (Person): Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history. Although the 1858 Homestead Cottage was originally associated with Gustaf H. Peterson, who was a local business person in Healdsburg in the late mid to late 1800s, he is not someone that made a significant impact that is important to the town or the state. In addition, although the house is associated with the Rosenberg family since the beginning of the 20th century, and were successful locally in business and as community members, they did not make a significant impact to locally to the Town of Healdsburg or the state. Therefore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage does not appear eligible for listing in the CRHR at the local level under Criterion 2. 3. (Construction/Architecture): Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values. The 1858 Homestead Cottage is associated with Vernacular and National architectural styles, and has elements of Queen Anne architectural style. Despite the alterations and additions to the rear, the original form and style of the building in its current state is considered a good example of Vernacular and National architectural styles at the local level, but would likely not be considered a good example of Queen Anne architectural style. However, the majority of the original house still embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Vernacular and National styles that include a steeply pitched, narrow windows, tall double-hung windows, and local sourced materials. Therefore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage appears eligible at the local level under Criterion 3. 4. (Information potential): Has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California, or the nation. Criterion 4 most commonly applies to resources that contain or are likely to contain information bearing on an important archaeological research question. While most often applied to archaeological sites, Criterion 4 can also apply to buildings that contain important information. For a building to be eligible under Criterion 4, it must be a principal source of important information, such as exhibiting a local variation on a standard design or construction technique can be eligible if a study can yield important information, such as how local availability of materials or construction expertise affected the evolution of local building development. The 1858 Homestead Cottage, although designed in a local Vernacular and National style, does not have the ability to convey information potential that is unique or unknown in regard to an architectural style. In addition, the property was not evaluated for archaeology, and so it cannot be
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 35 determined if the property contains associated archaeological deposits that will yield, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California or the nation. Integrity The following section provides specific integrity-related details regarding the 1858 Homestead Cottage. • Location. Although the 1858 house was moved in the early 1900s, it remains within the original parcel where it was constructed. Therefore, the 1858 house does retain integrity of location integrity of location. • Design. The 1858 house was designed in the Vernacular and National architectural styles, with elements of Queen Anne style added during subsequent alterations, and it displays these styles in the current design such as the steeply pitched roof, simple form, dominant gable, bay windows, and decorative elements such as verge board. Therefore, the 1858 house retains integrity of design. • Setting. The setting of the 1858 house has not changed in the past 160 years, but the surrounding neighborhood still retains its residential nature with various late 1900s and early 1920s architectural styles. Therefore, the 1858 house retains integrity of setting. • Materials. Based on photographic evidence and an intensive level field survey, it appears that the original portion of the 1858 house is relatively unaltered along the north, west, and east elevations; however, the rear elevation has changed, these changes have not severely impacted the materials of the original building. Therefore, the 1858 house retains integrity of materials. • Workmanship. The original workmanship of the 1858 house, as built retains many key features of the original design related to a particular craft, technology, or aesthetic of a particular period of history in the early settlement of Healdsburg. These features include the clap board siding, a simple form, raised foundation, centered gabled roof, and tall narrow double-hung wood windows with wide trim details that signal a particular woodworking style and skillset from a certain period in time and the woodworker/contractor appears to have achieved a certain level workmanship. Therefore, the 1858 house retains integrity of workmanship. • Feeling. Feeling is the quality that a historic property has in evoking the aesthetic or historic sense of a past period. The 1858 house retains all original windows along the west elevation (primary façade), and along a portion of the north and south elevations and the form of the house with the steeply pitched roof lend to the feeling of early settlement architecture. Although there are alterations along the east elevation, these alterations are not visible from the street view and therefore do not detract from the feeling that the house was constructed in 1858. Therefore, the 1858 house does retain integrity of feeling. • Association. The 1858 house is a single-family residence that retains association with the Peterson and Rosenberg families, and although the Rosenberg’s have made the most significant changes to the house and property, due to the longevity of association both families have with the house it
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 36 appears to retain association. Therefore, the 1858 house and property retain integrity of association. The 1858 Homestead Cottage retains all seven aspects of integrity including location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. Based on a thorough evaluation, the 1858 Homestead Cottage was found to be significant under CRHR Criterion 1 for the theme of early settlement in the Town of Healdsburg residential in the mid-1800s. The 1858 Homestead Cottage was not found eligible under CRHR Criterion 2. The 1858 Homestead Cottage was also found to be eligible under CRHR Criterion 3 for association with Vernacular and National architectural styles. However, the 1858 Homestead Cottage was not found to be eligible under CRHR Criterion 4 for its potential to yield important information related to history or prehistory. Furthermore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage retains the necessary integrity to convey historical significance under CRHR Criteria 1 and 3. In summary, the 1853 Homestead Cottage qualifies for listing on the CRHP under Criterion 1, and under Criterion 3. STANDARDS REVIEW
The Standards review was conducted at the recommendation of the City of Healdsburg to ensure compliance with CEQA and the Citywide Design Guidelines, Chapter 8, and to address potential impacts to the 1858 Homestead Cottage as a result of the proposed Project. Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation Review Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. When repair and replacement of deteriorated features are necessary; when alterations or additions to the property are planned for a new or continued use; and when its depiction at a particular period of time is not appropriate, Rehabilitation may be considered as a treatment. The following section addresses the proposed Project within the context of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The Standards and EDS' analysis of the proposed Project, as it relates to the Standards, is presented below. The Standards review was applied to the 1858 Homestead Cottage. 1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.
EDS Response: The Project does not propose a change in use of the subject property as a single-family residential property.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 1.
2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.
EDS Response: The original form of the 1858 Homestead Cottage retains a high degree of integrity related to the historic character of the property, and is critical for conveying significance under
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 37 Criterion 3. The character-defining features that remain on the building that support significance include the double-hung wood windows (with ogee lugs), centered door and transom window, centered roof gable, roof pitch, clap board siding, and raised foundation the steep pitched roof and irregular shaped roof form, which are all character-defining features of the two architectural style. All of the original materials, design elements, and details associated with the original construction of the house in 1858 are proposed to be restored.
The proposed removal of the rear additions that appears to have been added post-1900 would not impact original historic features or materials that characterize the property.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 2.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
EDS Response: There are no proposed changes that would create a false sense of historical development, as all new and altered features would utilize contemporary materials that are compatible with—but do not mimic—the overall architectural design and materials at the original 1858 Homestead Cottage. No conjectural features are proposed to be added to the existing 1858 Homestead Cottage, nor does the design of the proposed new construction include any features that would create a false sense of historical development. This is evidenced in the contemporary but historically sensitive design and materials including wood siding that is differentiated in size from the original narrow drop lap siding on the 1858 Homestead Cottage, the new windows will vary in size from the original tall narrow double-hung wood windows and will not have “ogee lugs”, in addition the new gable dormers, which are appropriate, but will be a new feature that faces Matheson Street that the north facing elevation addition is contemporary.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 3.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
EDS Response: While no observable and documented changes to the subject property appear to have acquired historic significance in their own right, particular Queen Anne style elements that were added to the 1858 Homestead Cottage prior to 1900, including the bay window at the north elevation and the decorative vergeboard in the gable ends, contribute to the overall historic character of the property and are proposed to be retained.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 4.
5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.
EDS Response: The distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques associated with the
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 38 1858 Homestead Cottage will be preserved and if any features are beyond repair they will be replaced in-kind (Figure 29). This includes the side gable roof and rectangular form of the original 1858 Homestead Cottage, which will remain proud of all proposed additions to the property, as well as historic materials including the horizontal wood clap board, Queen Anne vergeboard added prior to 1900, double-hung wood windows. Additionally, while the non-original porch has recently been removed from the 1858 Homestead Cottage (prior to the review) a new porch is proposed to be constructed that is very similar in overall design and materials as that which existed historically. Although it is not known what type of porch was originally on the 1858 house as it was removed and replaced in the 1920s when the house was moved, the architect has designed a porch that is period appropriate with the use of appropriate materials such as wood, which is required to meet the Standards.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 5.
Figure 30. Fitch Street, proposed view, showing the west elevation (Townsend Residential Design, September 2019).
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
EDS Response: All historic features will be repaired rather than replaced, including the double-hung wood windows at the original 1858 Homestead Cottage, the Queen Anne vergeboard, the stained-
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 39
glass window that is currently stored on-site, and the horizontal wood siding. Any features at the building exterior that are damaged will be documented and assessed for appropriate repairs. When specific elements of the damaged feature are too deteriorated to repair, those individual elements would be replaced in-kind, with the aim to retain as much historic fabric as possible. Any features that are too deteriorated to repair as a whole, would be replaced in-kind, with respect to design, texture, profile, and color, based on physical evidence. This is reflected in the submitted drawing ste by Architect Chris Townsend (dated September 12, 2019).
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 6.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
EDS Response: No chemical or physical treatments are proposed that would have the potential to damage historic materials at the 1858 Homestead Cottage. All cleaning and paint removal techniques are proposed to use gentlest means possible, and will follow guidance in Preservation Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wood Windows and Preservation Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 7.
8. Significant archaeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.
EDS Response: There have been no archaeological studies or known archaeological resources within this property.
Evaluation: It is not currently known if the proposed Project complies with Standard 8.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
EDS Response: The Project proposes the removal of all non-contributing additions that were constructed outside of the period of significance. This will restore the general form of 1858 Homestead Cottage.
Typical to homestead cottages from the mid-nineteenth century, this building was constructed for functional, residential use during a time when Healdsburg was in its early stages of development as a town. As such, the 1858 Homestead Cottage does not provide a reasonable amount of interior space to continue use as single-family residence in the contemporary era. The “Rehabilitation” treatment provides flexibility in this manner, and the proposed new additions were designed to be compatible with the general massing of the building. Additionally, the design of the proposed new
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 40
additions increases the overall scale of the building in a sensitive manner to ensure all new construction remains substantially setback from the original form of the 1858 Homestead Cottage to avoid overwhelming the building’s original, simple rectangular form. The proposed new additions along the rear ensures that the 1858 Homestead Cottage remains “proud” of all new construction.
The overall form and design of the proposed additions are compatible with the 1858 Homestead Cottage, and were designed to reflect the general architectural character of the original building form without mimicking specific architectural elements and also provide continuity with the houses that are reflexed in the Matheson Street District, which includes a wide range of styles (Figure 31). The new horizontal wood siding on the new addition is proposed to be slightly narrower than that at the 1858 Homestead Cottage, to remain compatible yet distinct from the historic materials at the original building. Similarly, all new windows (i.e. double-hung, single-hung, or fixed) at the proposed additions that will be visible from the public right-of-way are proposed to be wood to remain compatible with the historic materials that characterize the 1858 Homestead Cottage. The existing shed-roof addition at the south elevation of the 1858 Homestead Cottage is proposed to be removed, and two new windows are proposed for this area. These two windows are proposed to be custom- made double-hung wood windows, with ogee lugs, to match the current historic windows (in-kind replacement) at the north and west elevations of the 1858 Homestead Cottage. The two gabled roof dormers, which will be visible from Matheson Street, are designed with a classic eave return that is commonly used throughout the district (Figure 32). There are also two bay windows along the ground floor and windows styles that are compatible but vary from the original. The current roof material is not a character-defining feature, nor would the roof material likely have been for this house, noting that the Standards considers slate, metal, and clay tile character-defining features – that would not apply to this project). In addition, the use of different roofing material to divide the historic portion of the house from the new addition should not be undertaken as it would not meet the Standards. Noting that a weather-tight roof is basic in the preservation of a structure, regardless of its age, size, or design.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 9.
HRE and Standards Review for 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, CA 41
Figure 31. View of the original portion of the rehabilitated 1858 Homestead Cottage, from the northwest corner of Fitch and Matheson Streets (Townsend Residential Design, September 12, 2019).
Figure 32. Matheson Street, proposed view, showing the north elevation (Townsend Residential Design, September 12, 2019)
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10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.
EDS Response: The proposed new rear addition has been designed to attach to the 1858 Homestead Cottage at the rear, which will only impact the substantially altered east elevation of the original 1858 Homestead Cottage form, which currently serves as an interior wall. As such, the new addition will not alter the essential form and integrity of the 1858 Homestead Cottage, and if removed in the future, the original simple, side gable roof and rectangular building form of the building will remain unimpaired.
Evaluation: The proposed Project complies with Standard 10.
As described above and based on the drawings provided by Townsend Residential Design (dated September 12, 2019). The proposed Project complies with all ten of Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation. CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES – REVIEW
Separate from the Standards review, the City of Healdsburg has requested a summary paragraph on how the Project meets the “Historic Preservation Principles and Best Practices” guidelines. In accordance with the city guidelines, the new design is not only in compliance with the Standards, but also ensures compliance with the “Historic Preservation Principles and Best Practices” by preserving and restoring the original 1858 Homestead Cottage within the setting of the original property. In addition, and as detailed in the Standards review, the current addition that is proposed for demolition is inappropriate in style as additions were cobbled onto the original house; however, the new addition respects the original house remaining subordinate to the new house, preserving character-defining features such as windows, decorative trim work, roof pitch, and wood cladding, and the new addition does not emulate the historic style of the original 1858 homestead house. In addition, recommended preservations treatments that protect and restore trim work, wood cladding, wood windows etc.. will be utilized to preserve and restored character- defining features using preservation briefs as guidelines including, Preservation Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wood Windows and Preservation Brief 10: Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork. Finally the new addition is designed in a way that if the addition was later removed that it would not impact the essential form or integrity of the 1858 Homestead Cottage. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Historical Resources include properties eligible for listing on the NRHP, the CRHR, or a local register of historical resources (as defined at Public Resources Code §5020.1(k)). The 1858 Homestead Cottage has been identified in a local survey and listed on a local inventory; therefore, therefore it is considered a Historical Resource for the purposes of CEQA. However, since the house had not been previously evaluated for historical significance following the CRHR criteria, the City of Healdsburg, in compliance with CEQA regulations and guidelines and Healdsburg’s historic preservation policies and ordinances, requested that an HRE and Standards review be completed to appropriately address any potential impacts to Historical Resources.
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EDS Principal Architectural Historian, Stacey De Shazo, M.A., conducted research and a field survey to evaluate the 1858 Homestead Cottage to determine if the building meets the criteria to be listed in the CRHR. The evaluation determined that the 1858 Homestead Cottage is significant under CRHR eligibility criteria 1 and 3, at the local level. EDS worked with the Project architect and property owner to ensure that the proposed Project scope of work would comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. After review of the current plans provided by Townsend Residential Design (dated September 12, 2019), EDS determined that the proposed Project complies with all 10 Standards, and therefore, the proposed Project does not have the potential to cause a substantial adverse change to Historical Resources under CEQA. ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
The subject of new additions is important because a new addition to a historic building has the potential to change its historic character as well as to damage and destroy significant historic materials and features. A new addition also has the potential to confuse the public and to make it difficult or impossible to differentiate the old from the new or to recognize what part of the historic building is genuinely historic. Generally, a new addition to a historic building should preserve the building’s historic character. To accomplish this and meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, a new addition should:
• Preserve significant historic materials, features and form;
• Be compatible; and
• Be differentiated from the historic building. Every historic building is different and each rehabilitation project is unique. Therefore, the guidance offered here is not specific, but general, so that it can be applied to a wide variety of building types and situations. To assist in interpreting this guidance, illustrations of a variety of new additions are provided. Good examples, as well as some that do not meet the Standards, are included to further help explain and clarify what is a compatible new addition that preserves the character of the historic building. Balance of Materials and Differentiating Design A variety of design techniques can be effective ways to differentiate the new construction from the old, while respecting the architectural qualities and vocabulary of the historic building, including the following:
• Incorporate a simple, recessed, small-scale hyphen to physically separate the old and the new volumes or set the addition back from the wall plane(s) of the historic building.
• Avoid designs that unify the two volumes into a single architectural whole. The new addition may include simplified architectural features that reflect, but do not duplicate, similar features on the historic building. This approach will not impair the existing building’s historic character as long as the new structure is subordinate in size and clearly differentiated and distinguishable so that the identity of the historic structure is not lost in a new and larger composition. The historic building must be clearly identifiable and its physical integrity must not be compromised by the new addition.
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• Use building materials in the same color range or value as those of the historic building. The materials need not be the same as those on the historic building, but they should be harmonious; they should not be so different that they stand out or distract from the historic building. (Even clear glass can be as prominent as a less transparent material. Generally, glass may be most appropriate for small-scale additions, such as an entrance on a secondary elevation or a connector between an addition and the historic building.)
• Base the size, rhythm and alignment of the new addition’s window and door openings on those of the historic building.
• Respect the architectural expression of the historic building type. For example, an addition to an institutional building should maintain the architectural character associated with this building type rather than using details and elements typical of residential or other building types. These techniques are merely examples of ways to differentiate a new addition from the historic building while ensuring that the addition is compatible with it. Other ways of differentiating a new addition from the historic building may be used as long as they maintain the primacy of the historic building. Working within these basic principles still allows for a broad range of architectural expression that can range from stylistic similarity to contemporary distinction. The recommended design approach for an addition is one that neither copies the historic building exactly nor stands in stark contrast to it.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
California Historical Society 2018 U.C. Digital Library. Electronic document, http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll65/id/19436. Accessed August 20, 2018. City of Healdsburg Planning and Building Department 2018 “Historic Preservation.” https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/362/Historic-Preservation. Accessed July 20, 2018. 2018 Healdsburg 2030 General Plan. https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/633/General-Plan-Background-Report- PDF. Accessed July 20, 2018. Clayburn, Hannah, Rich Cartiere, Frances Etchell, and Carl Moore 1995 Historic Homes of Healdsburg, A Self-Guided Tour. Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Clayborn, Hannah 2018 Healdsburg History Timeline. Electronic document, http://www.ourhealdsburg.com/history/historyhome.htm. Accessed July 29, 2018. Cronise, Titus Fey 1868 The Natural Wealth of California, San Francisco. H.H. Bancroft ad Co., 1868. Edwin Langhart Museum 1983 Healdsburg Cultural Resource Survey Final Report. conducted by Edwin Langhart Museum, City of Healdsburg, Healdsburg, California. Funded in part by California State Office of Historic Preservation. Gudde, Erwin Gustav, and William Bright 1998 California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names. University of California Press. Healdsburg Inventory of Historically Significant and Potentially Significant Properties Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society 2018 Historic documents and records. History of Sonoma County 1880 History of Sonoma County. Alley, Bowen & Co., San Francisco. Republished in 1973 by Charmain Burdell Veronda, Petaluma. Our Healdsburg History 2018 Hannah Clayborn’s History of Healdsburg. Electronic document, http://www.ourhealdsburg.com/history/matheson.htm. Accessed August 8, 2018.
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Reeves, Bev 1996 Healdsburg and Northern Sonoma County, California: A Pictorial History. D-Books Publishing, Marceline, Missouri. Sanborn Fire Insurance Company 1888 Healdsburg, California. Sanborn Map & Publishing Company, New York. 1893 Healdsburg, California. Sanborn Map & Publishing Company, New York. 1899 Healdsburg, California. Sanborn Map & Publishing Company, New York. 1911 Healdsburg, California. Sanborn Map & Publishing Company, New York. 1941 Healdsburg, California. Sanborn Map & Publishing Company, New York. Sonoma Heritage Collection - Sonoma County Library 2018 Electronic document, http://heritage.sonomalibrary.org. Accessed August 30, 2018. Thompson, Thomas H. 1877 Atlas of Sonoma County California with Illustrations. Thos. H. Thompson & Co, Oakland. Tyler, Norman et al. 2009 Historic Preservation, An Introduction to the History, Principals, and Practices. W.W. Norton & Company, New York.
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Appendix A: DPR Forms
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State of California The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # 5448-0078-0011 PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial NRHP Status Code Other Listings Review Code Reviewer Date
Page 1 of 14 *Resource Name or #: 228 Fitch Street P1. Other Identifier: 1858 Gustaf H. Peterson Homestead Cottage *P2. Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted *a. County Sonoma County and *b. USGS 7.5' Quad Healdsburg Date 1993 T 9N ; R 9W ; of of Sec 2 ; MD B.M. c. Address 228 Fitch Street City Healdsburg Zip 95448 d. UTM: Zone 10S, 511617 mE/ 4273576 mN e. Other Locational Data: The resource is situated within an approximate 0.45-acre Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 002-231-006, located at 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California. The property is located on the southeast corner of Matheson Street and Fitch Street, approximately 0.10 miles east of the Healdsburg Plaza in downtown Healdsburg.
*P3a. Description: The resource includes a 1858 Homestead Cottage and ca. 1950 auxiliary building. was originally designed in the Vernacular and National architectural styles, and was likely embellished upon with elements of Queen Anne architectural style during the late 1800s and early 1900s. There also appear to be at least four additions added to the house that include a ca. 1900 shed addition along the south elevation, a 1930s/1940s addition along the rear of the original house, a contemporary addition that is rectangular and clad in stucco on two sides, and a fourth addition added to the contemporary addition. (See Continuation Sheet, Page 2) *P3b. Resource Attributes: P5a. Photograph or Drawing HP1: Single family residence; HP4. Ancillary building *P4. Resources Present: ◼ Building Structure Object Site District Element of District Other P5b. Description of Photo: West elevation, facing east, 08/10/2018 *P6. Date Constructed/Age and Source:◼ Historic Prehistoric Both 1858 Homestead Cottage (Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society); ca. 1950s auxiliary building (aerial photographs and survey) *P7. Owner and Address: Jane Rosenberg; address: n/a *P8. Recorded by: Stacey De Shazo, M.A., Evans & De Shazo, Inc., 1141 Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol, CA 95472 *P9. Date Recorded: 08/10/2018
*P10. Survey Type: Intensive *P11. Report Citation: Stacey De Shazo, M.A. (2019): Historic Resource Evaluation and Secretary of the Interior’s Standards Review for the Treatment of Historic Properties for the 1888 Homestead Cottage located at 228 Fitch Street, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California.
*Attachments: NONE ◼Location Map ◼Continuation Sheet Building, Structure, and Object Record Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record Rock Art Record Artifact Record Photograph Record Other (List):
DPR 523A (9/2013) *Required information Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 2 of 14
(Continued from Primary, Page 1)
The original building is a single-story, side gable plan building with a steep pitched roof and centered gable located above the front entry door. There are decorative fish scale shingles and verge board that are classic elements of Queen Anne design that are set within the centered gable. The house is clad in horizontal wood clap board. There is a large contemporary addition along the rear (east elevation) of the house and a small shed addition along the south elevation. The roof has a slight eave overhang, closed soffits, and the roof is clad in asphalt shingles. The original portion of the house, the ca 1900 shed addition, the 1930s/1940s addition, and the contemporary stucco addition all rest on a raised foundation with post and pier construction; however, the contemporary shed addition is set on a concrete slab foundation. There was a modest porch that has been removed under permit number (unknown) The house is set-back from the street and situated along the southwest portion of the parcel that allows leaves a large portion of the house for garden space. There is a gated drive way and detached garage that are accessible via Matheson along the north side of the property.
West Elevation (Primary Facade)
The west elevation consists of side gable plan building with a steep pitched roof and centered gable located above the front entry door. There are decorative fish scale shingles and verge board set within the enclosed centered gable that are classic elements of Queen Anne design. There is a fixed stained glass window that has been removed during the demolition of the porch. The opening is currently covered in plywood and the stained glass window is being stored within the house. There is a centered, recessed front entry door that is not original and has been replaced with a contemporary door; however, the transom window above the door appears to be original. There four, tall, double-hung, wood windows that are framed in wide trim that appear to be original to the building.
Photo showing the west elevation, facing east.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 3 of 14
Photo showing the centered door and transom.
Photo of the west elevation, facing south/southeast.
North Elevation
The north elevation consists of the original portion of the 1858 Homestead Cottage with that is clad in clap board
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 4 of 14
and decorative verge board set along the gable eaves. There is also an angled bay window that appears to have been added in the early 1900s and consists of three, 3 over 1, double hung wood windows (Figure 18). There are two window opens that are boarded up with plywood along this elevation that has been removed and stored during permitted work. The 1930s/1940s addition consists of two rectangular windows of which one has been removed and the opening is boarded up, and the second window is a rectangular window with a single fixed window in the center that is flanked by two louver windows. This portion of the house is clad in horizontal, v-notch wood siding. The north elevation of the contemporary stucco addition consists of vertical wood boards and what appears and a window opening that is boarded up as the window has been removed during construction. The north elevation of the contemporary shed addition is exposed walls.
Photo showing the north elevation, facing south.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 5 of 14
Photo showing the original 1858 portion of the house (right) and the 1930s/1940s addition (left), facing south/southeast.
Photo showing the original portion of the house along the north elevation (right side of photo) and the 1930s/1940s addition (left side of photo), facing south/southwest
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 6 of 14
Photo showing what appears to be three additions, 1930s/1940s addition, and the contemporary additions, facing south.
Photo showing the north elevation of the contemporary addition, facing south.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 7 of 14
East Elevation
The east elevation of the 1930s/1940s addition consists of a small staircase constructed of red brick and iron railing that leads to a rear entry door with a metal awning and a rectangular window with a single fixed window in the center that is flanked by two louver windows. There are also three additional windows along this portion of the addition that include narrow glass louver window above the rear entry door, an eight light fixed window, and a double-window along the gable. The east elevation of the contemporary additions consists of a stucco clad walls and one narrow vinyl window and several metal vents.
Photo showing the east elevation of the 1930s/1940s addition, facing south/southwest.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 8 of 14
Photo showing the east elevation (stucco addition on left), facing north.
South Elevation
The south elevation consists of original wood cladding and small double hung wood window set within the center of the gable. The 1900s shed addition, is clad in wood that is similar to the original and is the type of addition that is typical during this period. The shed addition consists of two, double hung wood windows There is also a rectangular planed contemporary addition with exterior walls along this elevation that are clad in stucco. There is also a large contemporary brick fireplace along this addition, although it is not visible from the street view. There are several narrow, horizontal, metal sliding windows that are situated near the roof eaves.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 9 of 14
Photo showing the north elevation shed addition, facing east.
Photo showing the shed addition (wood), as well as a contemporary addition (stucco), facing east.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 10 of 14
Photo showing the second contemporary stucco clad addition, along the south elevation, facing east.
Auxiliary building and Landscape
There is a side gabled, wood framed garage set along the northeast portion of the property that appears to have been constructed in the 1950s and appears to be undergoing maintenance. There is a contemporary, metal rolling garage door along the north elevation that faces Matheson and a large opening for a picture window along the west elevation. The landscape consists of several mature trees and plants, as well as an outdoor fireplace constructed of river rock that was likely built in the 1930s or 1940s.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 11 of 14
Photo showing the south elevation of the garage, facing north.
Photo showing the west elevation, facing east.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 12 of 14
Photo showing the gardens, and rock fire place in the background, facing east/southeast.
CALIFORNIA REGISTER OF HISTORIC RESOURCES EVALUATION
1. (Event): Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States.
The 1858 Homestead Cottage is associated early settlement in the town of Healdsburg along Matheson Street and is likely a part of the Matheson Street District. Although Matheson Street, developed slowly, this house is associated with the settlement and growth associated with the Town of Healdsburg that is considered a significant event in the town or regionally.
Therefore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage appears eligible for listing in the CRHR at the local level under Criterion 1.
2. (Person): Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history.
Although the 1858 Homestead Cottage was originally associated with Gustaf H. Peterson, who was a local business person in Healdsburg in the late mid to late 1800s, he is not someone that made a significant impact that is important to the town or the state. In addition, although the house is associated with the Rosenberg family since the beginning of the 20th century, and were successful locally in business and as community members, they did not make a significant impact to locally to the Town of Healdsburg or the state.
Therefore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage does not appear eligible for listing in the CRHR at the local level under Criterion 2.
3. (Construction/Architecture): Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) Stateage of California of Natural Resources Agency* Resource Primary# Name or # (Assigned by recorder) DEPARTMENT*Recorded by:OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI #*Date 5448 - 0078 -0011 Continuation Update Trinomial
CONTINUATION SHEET Property Name: 228 Fitch Street Page 13 of 14
construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values.
The 1858 Homestead Cottage is associated with Vernacular and National architectural styles, and has elements of Queen Anne architectural style. Despite the alterations and additions to the rear, the original form and style of the building in its current state is considered a good example of Vernacular and National architectural styles at the local level, but would likely not be considered a good example of Queen Anne architectural style. However, the majority of the original house still embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Vernacular and National styles that include a steeply pitched, narrow windows, tall double-hung windows, and local sourced materials.
Therefore, the 1858 Homestead Cottage appears eligible at the local level under Criterion 3.
4. (Information potential): Has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California, or the nation.
Criterion 4 most commonly applies to resources that contain or are likely to contain information bearing on an important archaeological research question. While most often applied to archaeological sites, Criterion 4 can also apply to buildings that contain important information. For a building to be eligible under Criterion 4, it must be a principal source of important information, such as exhibiting a local variation on a standard design or construction technique can be eligible if a study can yield important information, such as how local availability of materials or construction expertise affected the evolution of local building development.
The 1858 Homestead Cottage, although designed in a local Vernacular and National style, does not have the ability to convey information potential that is unique or unknown in regard to an architectural style. In addition, the property was not evaluated for archaeology, and so it cannot be determined if the property contains associated archaeological deposits that will yield, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California or the nation.
DPR 523L (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) State of California Natural Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI# 5448-0078-0011 LOCATION MAP Trinomial
Page 14 of 14 *Resource Name or # 222 Fitch Street
*Map Name: Healdsburg, Calif. *Scale: 1:24,000 *Date of map: 1993
DPR 523J (Rev. 1/1995)(Word 9/2013) * Required information