Drake, Hattie O. and Henry, Octagon House

The Hattie O. and Henry Drake Octagon House is significant in the area of architecture because it is one of only two or three known octagon-mode dwellings extant in South Dakota. Built in circa 1893, the house has been a longtime landmark to local residents. Under the South Dakota State Historical Preservation Plan the property relates to the historic context labeled: IV. Permanent Rural and Urban Pioneer Settlement, D. 2. Urban Development/Residential Living.

The construction of octagonal or other multi-sided 1 houses is generally an anomaly in American building design of the mid-to-late 19th Century. Yet thousands of examples of such dwellings, most of them unique designs, were erected by would-be residents seeking a comfortable, efficient home. Although the use of multi-sided buildings in America dates back to Colonial times, it was not until the middle of the last century that the idea was popularized. At that time, theologian, phrenologist, lecturer, and publisher Orson Squire Fowler wrote a treatise in which he advocated the concept. First published in 1848, his work entitled A Home For All; or The Gravel Wall and Octagon Mode of Building argued that square or rectangular houses were inadequate for successful domesticity. As the title suggests, Fowler also encouraged the use of what he called "gravel" construction, which is actually primitive poured concrete masonry construction. Concrete had been known to the ancient Romans, but it was at that time very rare in America. Using his concepts, Fowler built his own home in Fishkill, New York, a massive four-story building equipped with the latest conveniences. Eventually, several other individuals built grand designs. However, with the continued publication of Fowler's work meaner classes were also attracted to his concepts, and smaller, more modest eight-sided houses were built throughout the country. In many of these later examples, wood construction was substituted for masonry. By the end of the 19th Century, interest in the idea of multi-sided houses waned, in large part due to the complicated room arrangements often necessary in the smaller houses. Although round and multi-sided barns continued to enjoy limited popularity after the turn of the century, the notion of building multi-sided houses is for the most part confined to the last half of the 19th Century.

Built in circa 1893, the Drake house is a late example of an octagon house. It features poured concrete walls, just as Fowler had advocated, and a plethora of fine period appointments including an entry door with a large oval beveled-glass light, hardwood pocket doors, a staircase with an ornate balustrade, and historic lighting fixtures and steam heat radiators. Only one or two other octagon houses are believed to exist in the state.

Beadle County, lying in the flat plain of the James River valley, was created in 1879 and officially organized a year later. Huron, the county seat, was established by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in 1879 and 1880 to serve as a hub for its expansive network in Dakota Territory. The city, which is located on the west bank of the James River, was incorporated in 1883. It quickly grew to be a major commercial and transportation center for the surrounding farming community. Huron was also a formidable candidate for the state capital and became embroiled in several costly campaigns for that position, which eventually left the community financially hard shipped but without the desired prize. Nevertheless, the city persevered. One of its greatest attractions has been the annual State Fair which brings in thousands of vendors and patrons from across South Dakota.

It is in this community that Hattie 0. and Henry Drake purchased a parcel of land in 1893. It is believed that they constructed their octagon house in about the same year. After 1914, ownership of the house passed through several hands until it was acquired by John and Elizabeth Eid in the 1940s. The current owner, Tamra Misner, a granddaughter of Elizabeth Eid, is in the process of restoring the house.

The period of significance of the nominated property does not extend beyond its date of construction circa 1893.