Historic Property #3: 2961 Bedford Avenue; Lulu Weatherwax House

Year Built: 1902

Architect: Philias Cote

Builder: Philias Cote

Architectural Style: Dutch Colonial Revival

The LuLu Weatherwax House, located in Placerville, California, is a Dutch Colonial Revival structure built in 1902 for Charles H. and Dorinda Weatherwax. Its architectural features include a distinctive gambrel roof with double-sloped sides, a prominent dormer window, and a wide, inviting porch supported by unique lava rock columns. The house's design reflects the period's architectural trends, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Weatherwax House, circa 1915

Charles H. Weatherwax, a prominent Placerville citizen, commissioned the Dutch Colonial Revival house in 1902. Born in Michigan in 1840, he followed his pioneer father, J.B.M. Weatherwax, who had settled in Mud Springs and contributed to the region's early development. A Civil War veteran, serving in the 2nd California Volunteers, Charles also engaged in mining and co-owned what is now Placerville Hardware before dedicating himself to public service. He served as Placerville's postmaster and city clerk for nine years, actively participating in numerous civic and fraternal organization. He married Dorinda Sarah Laverty, also from Michigan, and they had one daughter, LuLu. Charles passed away in 1918, followed by Dorinda in 1938. Lulu inherited the family home following her parents’ death.

LuLu Weatherwax, born in 1873, was a notable artist in Placerville. She was known for her china painting and oil paintings, often exhibiting her work. She even won a gold medal at the 1915 San Diego Exposition for her hand-painted berry set. LuLu had her own kiln and studio, which became a local hub for art enthusiasts. She also traveled extensively, including trips to San Francisco, Saint Louis, Chicago, New York, and Mexico, often accompanied by her dear friend and Bedford Avenue neighbor, Albina "Bine" Violet Ingham. After Bine’s parents passed away, she opted to live with the Weatherwax family, and remained with them until her death in 1921. She was not only a close companion to LuLu but also a businesswoman, co-owning and publishing the Mountain Democrat with another Bedford neighbor, Mollie Carpenter. The dynamics between LuLu, Bine, and Dorinda suggest a close-knit household with shared interests and travels.

LuLu's artistic contributions extended beyond local acclaim. Her work, particularly her painted china, reflected the Arts and Crafts movement's emphasis on bringing art into everyday life. She advertised her painted china in the local paper. Today, the El Dorado County Historical Museum and the Fountain & Tallman Museum house many of her pieces, a testament to her lasting legacy. LuLu moved to San Francisco in 1945 and passed away in 1950. Subsequent owners adapted the home into multi-family housing, creating one unit on the original ground floor and two additional apartments upstairs. To address structural concerns, a wooden column support was installed on the front porch. The ground floor still features much of the original Weatherwax-era wood flooring.