Walnut-Dollison Historic District, Gustavus A. Watson House, 836 East Elm Street, Springfield, Greene County, MO

Significance: Probably built by Gustavus Watson, a prominent early Springfield attorney who moved to the city in 1896, on the site of an earlier house, this large frame structure is one of the earlier town houses erected by the merchant class along Elm, Cherry and Walnut Streets around the turn of the century. Its picturesque massing and variety and extent of applied ornamentation distinguish it as one of the better Late Victorian residences in the study area. Watson moved from this building in 1922 around the corner to a new bungalow he had just completed, and this house was then rented for a number of years. It remains in good condition today, having undergone relatively minor alterations since its construction.
Survey number: HABS MO-1252-S