Bird, Edward, House
Center and 300 East, Beaver, UTThe house is an excellent example of how the Second Empire style of architecture was translated into Beaver. From the front facade, one can see that there are four exceptionally tall windows and a door. While they roughly have the appearance of being evenly spaced, upon closer inspection the viewer notices they are not symmetrical and that the door is not centered. The very tall windows in conjunction with the Mansard roof give the house a vertical emphasis which is unusual in Beaver. The dormer windows with their decorative woodwork and the stone voussoirs over the door and windows contribute to the feeling of a high-style design. The house rests on a black rock rubble foundation and has a basement.
The plan of the house consists of two rectangles of approximately the same size but with one pushed out in front of the other. Despite a few differences between the details in the two rectangles, the whole house appears to have been constructed at the same time.
Edward Bird owned the house for twelve years before selling it in 1905 and moving to Circleville, Utah. Mr. David Edwards was the second owner, a man who lost an arm in an accident at the sawmill where he worked. He then herded sheep for a living and became a famed hiker who hiked even in his eighties. Mr. Edwards married an Englishwoman and they had six children. The house remained in the Edwards family for 72 years until it was recently sold.
Local significance of the building:
The plan of the house consists of two rectangles of approximately the same size but with one pushed out in front of the other. Despite a few differences between the details in the two rectangles, the whole house appears to have been constructed at the same time.
Edward Bird owned the house for twelve years before selling it in 1905 and moving to Circleville, Utah. Mr. David Edwards was the second owner, a man who lost an arm in an accident at the sawmill where he worked. He then herded sheep for a living and became a famed hiker who hiked even in his eighties. Mr. Edwards married an Englishwoman and they had six children. The house remained in the Edwards family for 72 years until it was recently sold.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
About National Register Listings
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.
During World War II, a Japanese internment camp was located in Utah. The Topaz War Relocation Center, located in Millard County, held more than 8,000 Japanese Americans who were forced to leave their homes on the West Coast.
About Beaver County
Beaver County Timeline
Beaver County, Utah has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was home to the Paiute Indian Tribe, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, led by Mormon pioneers seeking new opportunities and a place to practice their faith.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
Beaver County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Beaver County, Utah.
- 1776 - Spanish explorers from California pass through the area
- 1826 - American trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith visits the region
- 1856 - Mormon pioneers settle in Beaver County
- 1861 - Beaver County is officially established
- 1872 - Railroad reaches Beaver, providing economic boost
- 1895 - Beaver County Courthouse is built in Beaver
- 1906 - Tintic Mining District is established, bringing mining boom
- 1931 - Completion of historic Beaver Dam Lodge and Golf Course
- 1970 - Completion of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
- 1985 - Completion of Minersville Reservoir