1001 Buena Vista St
South Pasadena, CA 91030, USA

Garfield House - National Register of Historic Places

Statement of Significance:

Architecture:
A significant early example of California Bungalow style as it was developed by its originators, the famous architects Charles and Henry Greene. The Greene Brothers were pioneers of early modern architect in California. They were almost exact contemporaries of Frank LLoyd Wright. They had been trained in the shingle style of the East, and according to Kirker, were among the six most distinguished architects to immigrate to the area, the others being Ernest Coxhead, Willis Polk, Bernard Maybeck and Irving Gill. These six architects arrived in California between 1886 and 1893.

The house was built in 1904, next door to the Longley House, another Greene and Greene home built in 1897 and now considered to be the earliest surviving Greene and Greene house. The fact that these two early houses, showing the Greenes' change of style, are side by side increases their importance to be recognized and preserved. (Refer to separate nomination form for Longley House.)

Landscape Architecture
Wall of river-stone (from nearby Arroyo Seco) finished with clinker brick top, repeating the stone and brick featured on the front of house and chimney: a typical feature of the Greenes' work. A deodar and Atlantic cedar planted soon after the house was completed still survive in the front lawn.

Political:
The house was built for Mrs. James A. Garfield, widow of the U.S. President. She lived there from 1904 to 1918. Her daughter resided their part of the time.