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Historic Name

John & Nellie Craig House

Address

740 W Arrow Highway
Upland, CA 91786

Evaluation

Building
5/7/2007

Construction Date

1909

Current Owner

Nellie J. TR Craig

Current Owner Address

P.O.Box 94
Upland, CA 91786

Description

This handsome two-story residence occupies a large parcel immediately to the west of the old San Antonio Hospital. An example of the American Colonial Revival style, the rectangularly massed house is capped by a hip roof and sheathed with narrow clapboard. A denticulated cornice and plain frieze board marks the roofline. Symmetry distinguishes the facade. Centered on the lower story, the entry portico consists of a pair of fluted, columns carrying a full entablature and pediment. Dentils are once again employed. At the head of two shallow, brick-paved steps, the six panel door is flanked by side lights and a transom set between fluted pilasters. Three windows are equally spaced across the upper story and are adorned with shutters. A onestory addition extends to the west. Complemented by its mature landscaping, the house appears to be substantially unaltered and in fairly good condition.

According to an article in the Dailv Report on August 6, 1978, this house was built around 1920 and was the home of Dr. John B. and Nellie Craig. The assessment record indicates an improvement on the lot at an earlier date, either built during the ownership of Miss E.M. Gould (1909) or Rudolph Baer (1910-18). Baer was an orange grower who lived on West Tenth (Arrow). The style of this house does suggest the later date; perhaps a new house was built or the older one substantially remodeled. The same article went on to state that the house was still the home of Nellie Craig, whose name first appeared on the assessment record in 1919 following a brief ownership by her father-in-law, William H. Craig. In fact Nellie Craig is still listed as the property holder today (1990). Her husband was one of the physician offspring of Dr. William H. Craig.

The senior Craig had come to Upland in 1896 and established a wide practice. He was one of the major forces behind the organization and construction of the San Antonio Hospital, built next door to this property in 1907. Three of his eight children became physicians: John, the eldest, Mary, and Stephen. All three in addition to their father used the hospital. John, whose medical career began in 1914, retired from active practice in 1969. This home is significant for its association with the Craigs and for its architectural merit as a fine example of the American Colonial style.