Garland House

701 Cherry St., Bernice, LA
The Garland House is locally significant in the area of architecture because it is an important example of the Queen Anne Revival style within the context of north-central Louisiana. (This includes the parishes of Lincoln, Union, Claiborne, Webster, Bienville, Jackson, and Ouachita.)

North-central Louisiana, a distinctive area sometimes known as the "Hill Parishes," is mainly characterized by the Upland South culture. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Queen Anne Revival was a decidedly urban influence in the region. But the several hundred examples found there today are fairly humble. Most are cottages with a two or three-bay gallery across half the front and perhaps a single projecting polygonal bay under a gable.

The Garland House is important within this group because of its superior architectural styling. In addition to its important Queen Anne characteristics (described in part 7), it features Eastlake and Stick Style details. However, it is the use of a turret that makes the Garland House outstanding because turrets distinguish grand Queen Anne style houses from the lesser examples. A turret contributes much to the elaborateness of a house's massing, something which is very much a part of the Queen Anne Revival aesthetic. Secondly, because a turret contributes very little extra floor space at a considerable cost, it is certainly a luxury item. The Garland House is one of only six Queen Anne Revival residences in the region to feature the use of a turret.

Bernice, Louisiana was founded in 1899. The Garland House was constructed three years later (1902) as a family home for the town's doctor, D. B. Garland. It was built by Jacob T. Crews, who built many of the town's early homes. The house remained in the Garland family until 1964 when it was purchased by the Reeder family. It remains in the Reeder's possession.
Bibliography
Martin, F. Lestar, Ed. Folk Architecture in North Louisiana, Volume III: Union Parish. Louisiana Tech School of Art and Architecture, n.d.

Staff knowledge of Queen Anne style architecture in Lincoln, Union, Claiborne, Webster, Bienville, Jackson and Ouachita parishes, Louisiana.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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In 1803, Louisiana was sold by France to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. The purchase doubled the size of the United States at the time.
Union Parish, located in the northeastern part of Louisiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. It was officially established in 1839, carved out of neighboring Ouachita Parish, and named after the hope for a unified nation following the Civil War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Ouachita, Tensas, and Choctaw tribes, before European settlers arrived.

One of the earliest notable settlements in Union Parish was Shiloh, established around 1813. The town became an important trading post for the surrounding region and played a significant role during the Civil War. It was the site of the Battle of Shiloh, where Confederate forces clashed with Union troops in 1864, resulting in a Confederate victory.

In the late 19th century, the discovery of natural resources, particularly timber and oil, played a pivotal role in the development of Union Parish. The timber industry thrived, attracting numerous logging companies and sawmills to the area. Large tracts of virgin pine forests were harvested, and lumber became a major economic driver for the parish.

Oil was also discovered in Union Parish in the early 20th century, leading to an oil boom that fueled the local economy. Companies like Lou-ann Oil and Cypress Valley Oil played a significant role in the parish's oil production. The growth of the timber and oil industries brought an influx of settlers and immigrants to Union Parish, including workers from various regions of the United States and Europe.

Today, Union Parish is a thriving community that cherishes its natural beauty and historical roots. It is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, and boating on Lake D'Arbonne. The parish also celebrates its history through cultural events and museums, such as the Union Museum of History and Art, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that reflect the diverse heritage of the area.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Union Parish, Louisiana.

  • Prehistoric times: Native American tribes inhabited the area that is now Union Parish.
  • 1803: The Louisiana Purchase brings the territory under U.S. control.
  • 1839: Union Parish is established as a separate entity from Ouachita Parish.
  • Late 1830s-1840s: Settlers begin to migrate to the area, primarily from the Southern states.
  • 1852: The first courthouse is built in Farmerville, the parish seat.
  • 1861-1865: Union Parish, like much of the South, is affected by the American Civil War.
  • Early 20th century: Agriculture, primarily cotton and timber industries, drives the economy.
  • 1920s-1930s: The Great Depression and boll weevil infestation hit the area hard.
  • 1962: Lake D'Arbonne State Park is established, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates Union Parish, causing widespread damage.