Jordan’s Son Built House

Editor’s note: Pat Gibson wrote the following letter to the newspaper clarifying which of the Jordans built the house at 2068 Chestnut Ave. that is being converted into a bed and breakfast inn. She shared photos of the two houses that the father and son constructed during the early years of Buena Vista, both of which are still standing today.

We would also like to point out that in our Jan. 22 story, we incorrectly reported that the conditional use permit had been approved for the B&B. City Council held a first reading of an ordinance to approve the B&B. The second reading and action are slated to occur at Council’s meeting tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 6.

As a longtime resident of Buena Vista I am delighted to see the success of the Main Street program, all of the emphasis on recruiting new businesses to the downtown area, the Town Square area, and the improvements to our historic buildings. We have long needed additional lodging in the city, so I am hoping the new B&B will prove successful. (N-G article, ‘Jordan House Becoming B&B,’ Jan. 22) While the property at 2068 Chestnut was indeed built by a Charles Jordan, it is not built by the founder of the city — Charles Francis Jordan, but by his son, Charles Francis Jordan Jr. I have attached the picture of 2068 not too long after construction was completed in 1903. The entire family is standing in front of the new house. From right to left are Captain Jordan; Charles Jr.; Amelia Waesche Jordan (his wife); their daughter Mabelle; sisters of CF Jr?; Mary Ella Hamilton Jordan, (wife of CFJ Sr.).

The house constructed by the Buena Vista founder Capt. Charles Francis Jordan Sr. is located at 2252 Maple Ave. The picture at top shows the house in 1890, just as it was being finished. That image was published in 1892 in a prospectus that was sent to investors interested in moving to the city. If you invest in this company, you too could have a fine house just like this … While it didn’t actually state that, that was the message implied, very much like ads on Facebook today!

With the similar names and dates of construction being somewhat close, it’s understandable the confusion between the properties. Fortunately for us local property records, deeds, tax records, wills and building permits are well recorded. When I purchased my house I didn’t know of its historic significance; I had been captivated by its architectural uniqueness. It was only in researching the title and the previous owners that I understood its historical importance in the founding of the city in February 1892. My husband and I have been the stewards of this property for over 30 years. We are determined to do our best to maintain this architectural gem and to continue to support Buena Vista.