This house on North 8th Street
was built in 1858 by Col. John A. Bridgland, wealthy businessman.
Unlike most of his neighbors, Bridgland was not a Quaker, so
did not build a simple and austere house. Bridgland was born
in Virginia, and held to the Southern style of living his entire
life. For many years this was considered the most beautiful
building in town. It was also notable for its water distribution
system, part of which is the four story tower seen here.
John Milton Gaar bought the house from Bridgland
in 1869, and had it renovated in the 1870s. J.M. Gaar was one
of the founders of the Gaar, Scott & Co., and with his wife
and four children lived in the house in the same lavish style
as Bridgland. J.M. died in 1900, but his wife, Helen, and one
daughter, Jeannette Gaar Leeds, ex-wife of William B. Leeds,
continued to live there for several years. |
