THE WALKER-MATHIAS HOUSE

305 K ST, Eureka, CA
Year Built: 1857/1890

ORIGINAL OWNERS:

Charles and Mary Jane Walker

CURRENT OWNERS:

Rory and JoAnn Hanson

HISTORICAL NOTES:

Charles Walker and his wife, Mary Jane Walker, came to Humboldt County in 1857 and built their home at the corner of K and Third Street

The property is a combination of two houses.  The earlier house was built circa 1857 as a single story, vernacular, Greek revival style, T-shape plane with a front facing gable.  In 1890, the house was repositioned on the lot to allow for a large two-story, Victorian “addition.” At that time, the vernacular house was altered from a T-shape to a Gable-front-and-wing type house which still remains on the property.  The two-story, Stick Style Victorian “addition” contained seven rooms and two bay view windows which are still in existence.

The property was purchased by Rory A. Hanson and JoAnn L. Hanson in 1990 for the purpose of creating a law office.  At the time of purchase the building was vacant and the windows and doorways were boarded up for protection from vandalism.  Needless to say the building was severely dilapidated.  After said purchase significant restoration took place to reinstate the building to its former glory.