Simpson Vance House History Image Gallery

The Simpson-Vance house was built in 1892. It is one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Architecture. The Simpson-Vance house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The octagonal corner tower, stacked bays and varied roof-line identify this popular Victorian style, but it is the generously applied flat and spindlework ornamentation covering the frieze, portico, bays, windows and tower that sets this house apart and makes it notable in the City's architectural heritage.

This house was built for Mr. James Simpson, who was a skilled carpenter and a contractor/builder who remodeled and erected both commercial and residential structures in Eureka. James Simpson and his wife Elizabeth and their 16 children, 12 surviving at the time of the 1900 census, were the first to live in this house. Six boys and six girls between the ages of 9 and 21 were the ready-made help needed to run a large turn-of-the-century household. The Arcata Union observed that, "We know of no man that does not take boarders who has more use for a large house than Simpson."

In October of 1902 , the house was sold to John M. Vance, born in 1854, also a native of New Brunswick, and heir to the large railroads and timber interests acquired by his uncle, pioneer lumber baron John Vance. After his uncle became ill in 1892, Mr. Vance was entrusted with management of his uncle's vast railroad, timber and milling operations. After John M. Vance's death in 1907, he was recognized for his contributions throughout the County of Humboldt by Irvine's "History of Humboldt County California".

Sarah Vance, John M.'s wife, lived in the house until her death in 1933. She was survived by her daughters Etta and Carlotta, and her son, Henry. Her daughter, Etta, who never married, occupied the house until her death in 1943. The following year the property was sold to Charles Hudson, a Congretation Minister, and during his ownership it provided a home for older women who enjoyed the fading splendor of the old house.

The Redwood Art Association purchased the house in 1967, but had to relinquish it in 1969 when it became the Humboldt Halfway House. The State of California purchased the property in late 1974 as part of the right-of-way for the Eureka Freeway. That project has not come to fruition, but, in the mean time, the property was sold to the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) who completed an extensive 5 year renovation of the house with funding from the Department of Parks and Recreation - Office of Historic Preservation.