Location, location, location

Pine Street School 1900
(from Whittier International School website)

It was a prime location for a home site – particularly for a family with children. Opened in 1882, Pine Street School (renamed Whittier Elementary School in 1903) is located just across the street.

Was Benjamin Nelson a family man or a speculator who considered the property an investment? On the day that he purchased the property, he took out a loan against it. I don’t believe it was to be used to finance construction of the house, but rather to invest in mining technology developed by Bertrand C. Hinman. Hinman graduated from Columbia University in 1892 and was awarded several patents related to geology and mining between 1892 – 1897. In an article published in the Jefferson County Journal, Adams, New York, January 28, 1896, Hinman is clearly attempting to generate interest in new methods of mining “that may revolutionize the present plans of separation of gold from the rock.”

Nelson used his property at 1937 Spruce Street again in 1896 as security “To secure Nancy J. Gooding for $750 at 8% payable semiannually. Acting Sheriff of Boulder County successor in trust.” The questions remain, ‘Who was Benjamin Nelson and what was his relationship to Nancy J. Gooding?”

Shingles in a modified sawtooth pattern

Full entablature window casing surrounds

Open frieze work along the porch

Clearly, Nelson was a person of some means as evidenced by the level of detail lavished on the house. The unusually ornate architectural detailing included decorative shingle work in a modified sawtooth pattern, horizontal wood clapboard siding on the top and bottom of the wall, full entablature window casing surrounds and open frieze work along the porch. Benjamin Nelson was a man of style!