Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Joshua G. Melson House

1912

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 22, 2016

1. Joshua G. Melson House Marker

Inscription. Walter Burley Griffin, Arch.
Prairie School

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 43° 8.945′ N, 93° 11.576′ W. Marker is in Mason City, Iowa, in Cerro Gordo County. Marker is on River Heights Drive just west of South Maryland Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Marker is embedded in the sidewalk directly in front of the subject house. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 56 River Heights Drive, Mason City IA 50401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. G. Curtis Yelland House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James Blythe House (about 600 feet away); Harry D. Page House (about 800 feet away); Tom Mac Nider House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arthur Rule House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. George C. and Eleanor Stockman House (approx. ¼ mile away); "The Music Man" (approx. ¼ mile away); Mason City Public Library (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mason City.

Regarding Joshua G. Melson House. Contributing property, Rock Crest-Rock Glen Historic District, NRHP #79000885.

Also see . . .
1. Mason City's Prairie Gems. Mason City

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locals call the Melson House in the Rock Crest-Rock Glen district “the castle.” (Submitted on December 12, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Joshua Melson House. The site of the Joshua Melson House is the only place is America where both Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin designed a house for the same client. Wright's design for Melson later became the Isabel Roberts House, whereas Griffin's design became part of his greatest American achievement - Rock Crest Rock Glen. (Submitted on December 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Joshua G. Melson House. In 1914, Walter Burley Griffin created a design that provided more than a good view of the creek. Not only did Joshua G. Melson finally realize his dream of having a home along Willow Creek, Griffin designed a home that is considered to be his domestic American masterpiece. The home is sheathed in rough stone that matches the stones of the bluff in which the building is nestled and reinforced concrete, a physical extension and complete integration of the home's surroundings. (Submitted on December 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

4. Joshua G. Melson House. (Library of Congress photographs) (Submitted on December 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

5. Walter Burley Griffin (Wikipedia)

Joshua G. Melson House (<i>south elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 22, 2016

2. Joshua G. Melson House (south elevation)

. Walter Burley Griffin was an American architect and landscape architect. He is noted for designing Canberra, Australia's capital city and Griffith, New South Wales. He has been credited with the development of the L-shaped floor plan, the carport and innovative use of reinforced concrete. (Submitted on December 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.