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Historic Name

R. T. Nelson House

Address

1997 N Euclid Avenue
Upland, CA 91786

Evaluation

Building
5/8/2007

Construction Date

1907

Current Owner

Michael C.J. & Yun-Ling P. Chiang

Current Owner Address

1997 n Euclid ave
Upland, CA 91786

Description

Located on 3.22 acres at the southwest corner of Euclid and 20th Street, this property consists of a two-story Craftsman residence, two barns, an office (former laundry house), and a caretaker's house, Related features include a stone bridge over the stone-lined gutter on Euclid Avenue, stone pylons flanking the property entrance, miscellaneous stone walls and curbs defining portions of the property, mature landscaping, and a portion of the original orange grove. The main house is substantially set back from the street and capped primarily by a side gable roof. Rafters punctuate the eaves. Shingles sheathe the upper story while the lower level is clad in clapboard. Stone is extensively used, for the foundation, chimneys, former porch piers and portions of the lower story exterior. At the north end of the facade the entry has been altered and enclosed.

The historic character of the upper end of Euclid Avenue, originally lined by widely spaced homes set in the midst of large thriving orange groves, is effectively suggested by this impressive complex. Its history can be traced back to 1890, when A.E. McDonald purchased the property from R.H. Green. By 1895 a $60 improvement was recorded, most likely corresponding to the caretaker's cottage. A $950 assessment for trees was also noted. In 1901 Robert T. Nelson bought the property. A reporter with a Los Angeles newspaper, Nelson, and his wife Marion Elizabeth Longstreet, lived in Temple Heights in Los Angeles and had been regular visitors to Ontario. They built the present house in 1907 in a "modern old English Designw by architects Garret and Bigsby (Ontario Record 3/14/07). The estimated cost of the house was $10,000. According to the city directories, Nelson, listed as a fruit grower and rancher, was in residence at least by 1909- 10.

Piers framing the front-gabled space and on the opposite side of the driveway suggest the former configuration may have been extended in a porte cochere or pergola over the driveway. In fact, pergola-like detailing distinguishes a secondary entrance at the northwest corner of the building. Windows are mostly double-hung sash in type, with examples of twelve-over-twelve, eight-over-eight, six-over-six and four-over-one noted. Other features include a large chimney on the north elevation and a bracketed window box, also on the north. Craftsman design articulated in wood and stone also characterizes the one-story, gabled outbuildings. The cottage, a nineteenth century residence which has been altered by the addition of stucco, is vernacular in design.

Nelson played an active role in community life, serving as the second chairman of the city Board of Trustees (i.e. mayor) in 1908-10 and on the founding board of directors of the First National Bank. After Nelson's death around 1920 and Mrs. Nelson's around 1930, the property remained in the family at least until the early 1980s. It retains a notable degree of integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association.