Brown, Jackson Fay, House
From Archiplanet
 | Brown, Jackson Fay, House |
| Designer | Goodell, Nathaniel Dudley |
| Location | Dixon, California, USA |
| Date | 1888 |
| Building Type | Education |
| Construction System | Brick, Asphalt, Weatherboard, Brick |
| Architectural Style | Greek Revival |
| Street Address | 6751 Maine Prairie Rd. Walk Score |
| Notes |
Contents |
[edit] Images
 House circa 1900 |
 House in 1992 - before restoration |
House in 2002 - after restoration and registration |
[edit] Discussion
| National Register of Historic Places | |
| Name | Brown, Jackson Fay, House |
| ID Number | 2001289 |
| NRHP Status | Listed In The National Register |
| Certification Date | 11/07/2002 |
| Level of Significance | Local |
| NRHP Documents | Text (pdf) ; Photos (pdf) |
Jackson Fay Brown was born in Chittenden County, Vermont on October 7, 1835, the second of eight children to Reed B. and Electa Fay Brown. He worked on a farm and attended district schools while growing up. At the age of twenty-one, he traveled via Panama to California where he sought employment in the dairy business. He worked for a while in a dairy near Petaluma, Sonoma County for $40 per month. He later sought another position, going to Marin County where he worked on a dairy for two years. In 1861, Mr. Brown moved to Solano County, buying a quarter section of land eight miles south of Dixon. He split timbers in the redwoods of Marin County and transported them by boat to Maine Prairie Landing for the construction of a new 12 x 14 house. About a year later, he brought in a new consignment and built a new larger (16 x 24) home. Eliza Hopkins of Cambridge, Vermont, the sister of his partner, became his wife in 1862. The couple had eight children, three of whom died in infancy.
Here in Solano County, Mr. Brown engaged in the dairy business, shipping his butter to San Francisco where it commanded the highest prices. He branched out into general farming and stock raising, specializing in barley and sheep. Adding to his property, he acquired 3,000 acres, 5,000 head of sheep, 200 hogs, as well as cattle, horses, and mules.
The two story Italianate House was built during 1887-1888 as the home for Jackson Fay Brown, his wife Eliza Hopkins Brown, and their children. The twenty room house "with every modern convenience," was surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, orchards and vineyards. It was designed by architect N. D. Goodell of Sacramento City and originally cost about $ 8800 to construct. The largest residence in the agricultural district of the county, it became known as a meeting place for church socials, political and community affairs, and family gatherings. The ranch office in the southeast corner of the first floor later served as a branch of the county library.
A staunch Republican, Mr. Brown was nominated for the Assembly and served the session of 1889. He had previously served as county supervisor and a deputy county assessor. Mr. Brown also served on the Board of School Trustees for about thirty years.
Jackson Fay Brown died on April 23, 1910 and was survived by his wife and children. Mr. Brown is buried next to his wife and children in a public cemetery one mile northeast of the house.
From accounts of "History of Northern California," "History of Solano and Napa Counties," and an article of "The Dixon (California) Tribune."
Comments extracted from the 1885 - 1888 Dixon Tribune. Comments were found in the Correspondence" section of the newspaper for the town of Binghamton, unless otherwise noted.
- July, 16, 1887 -
- "J.F. Brown is hauling brick for the foundation of an eleven thousand dollar residence, so we are informed."
- November 12, 1887 -
- "J.F. Brown’s new house is a beauty. It has cost something near $ 8,000, and will be completed in a few days."
- November 26, 1887 -
- "J.F. Brown will light his new house with gas. For that purpose he has purchased of W.R. Ferguson a 50-light Henning gas machine."
- December 10, 1887 - "Correspondence - Maine Prairie"
- "The schooner Horace Templeton arrived Friday from San Francisco, with a load of furniture for J. Brown of Binghamton."
- January 21, 1888 -
- "‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ J.F. Brown’s handsome new residence is completed and will soon be occupied. Tuesday evening of last week, the gas jets were lighted for the first time, and the scene presented was a most beautiful one. It is said that the grounds are to be laid out in fine style."
- February 18, 1888 -
- An article about A.J. Brown marrying Miss Lila Burrows on Tuesday February 14th. Reception was held Thursday in the new residence of J.F. Brown.
- November 17, 1888 -
- Page two contains a chart showing official results of the election cast November 6, 1888. The votes for Assembly Representative for the 27th District:
-
Frank H. Buck (Democratic) 1074
J.F. Brown (Republican) 1134
Joseph Kline (People’s) 23this margin of 60 votes was the same for Benjamin Harrison for President over Grover Cleveland.
[edit] Maps
[edit] References
National Register of Historic Places
[edit] External Links
documentation of renovation work (Web site for renovations done in the 1990's by Betty Taylor and Ed Bartosh.)
