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Designed in 1894 by Phoenix architect A. P. Petit, the Rosson House is an outstanding example of a Victorian
architectural style named after Charles Eastlake. The House was entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Contrary to what most people think, the home was not moved from another location but stands today where it was originally built.
In 1882, Mrs. Rosson purchased Block 14, at 6th and Monroe Streets, from her sister, Mrs. Margaret Richardson, for
$1,000. The neighborhood was becoming the most desirable and fashionable in Phoenix. The Rosson House, begun in late 1894, was completed in six months at a cost of $7,525.
The expansive veranda has lattice-like ornamentation of lathe-worked posts and smaller spindles. First and second story
windows are paired. The third story features an octagonal turret with elaborate finial and spool-like ornamentation.
The interior of the House consists of ten rooms. Notable are the pressed tin ceilings, elaborately carved staircase, gib
doors and parquet floors inlaid with oak, walnut and mahogany. The home’s kitchen sports not today’s wonder of a microwave oven, but a wood/coal burning stove, ice cooled refrigerator, pie safe, sink, pastry table,
assorted food preparation items (toasters, pots & pans, waffle iron, coffee grinder, apple peeler, lemon squeezer, daisy butter churn...), a pantry, combination child’s rocker - high chair and even a unique mouse
trap. Not to be without comforts of the late 1890s, this home was complete with running water, electricity, telephone and an indoor bathroom.
The Rossons owned the house from 1895 until 1897 when it was sold to a Phoenix merchant, Aaron Goldberg. The property
changed hands many times and was even converted to a rooming house. One of its owners, Georgia Gammel Valliere, lived in the home from 1914 through the 1940s. It was finally acquired by the City of Phoenix in 1974 from
Mrs. Ludwig Demmler. Today, the Rosson House is the cornerstone gem of Historic Heritage Square inside Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Public tours of Rosson House are held Wednesday through Sunday. For additional tour information or school tour availability please call 602.261.8063 or Click Here! to email.
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