Historic Property #10: Richards - Sweeney House

Address: 2904 Coloma Street

Year Built: 1880s & 1911

Architect: Unknown

Builder: Frank Marshall

Architectural Style: Modified Neo-Classical

Resting on deep pioneer roots, this Modified Neo Classical home features portions of a stone masonry foundation from an earlier 1870s residence. Likely built by pioneer John Kirk, these original stones remain visible in the basement today. English immigrant James Richards and his wife Mary acquired the property in the 1890s. A former mining superintendent, James settled in Placerville to run a highly successful grocery business. In 1911, the couple commissioned builder Frank Marshall for a massive reconstruction, practically building the home anew. The updated structure featured a pyramidal roof with shed dormers, natural redwood siding, and a central entrance porch flanked by columns. Finished with a distinctive native slate roof installed by Dave Williams, it became one of the most stylish homes in the neighborhood.

The 1911 redesign created a spacious seven room interior, retaining only a few original side walls and flooring. The former entrance was transformed into an airy dining room complete with a fireplace and an open stairway leading to the upper bedrooms. The Richards also added a massive 24 by 14 foot south end porch, cleverly utilized as an open air sleeping room during warm summer months.

In the mid 20th century, the property became the home of Jim and Florence Sweeney. Jim, whose grandfather arrived in El Dorado County in 1852, managed his family's Gold Hill cattle ranch and served a remarkable 38 year tenure as the County Recorder. Florence was a towering figure in local commerce and philanthropy. After operating the Rosebud Cafe, she purchased a Main Street dress shop in 1944, famously running Florence's Apparel for 44 years. Together, the Sweeneys were tireless civic advocates. They helped establish Marshall Hospital and were beloved fixtures of the Highway 50 Association Wagon Train, frequently seen driving a distinctive fringe topped surrey. As a dedicated Red Cross disaster chairman, Florence was also renowned for sheltering displaced families and actively caring for local youth. To better accommodate their community efforts and host visitors, the Sweeneys remodeled the basement and added a large paved patio featuring a central rock structure with an outdoor oven and cooking space.