Molly Chilinski, Alicia Mooney and Jim and Carol Ilten recently toured Rosson House, a two-story Victorian home built in 1895 by Dr. Roland Rosson and his wife Flora.
Carol Ilten
On August 7, Robson Ranch residents Alicia Mooney, Molly Chilinski and Jim and Carol Ilten drove to Phoenix to tour the Rosson House Museum in Heritage Square, originally known as Block 14, the oldest residential block in the city.
Block 14 was purchased in 1882 for $1,000 by Flora Rosson, and she and her husband Dr. Roland Rosson built their 2,800 square foot, two-story Victorian home there in 1895. It features 10 rooms and five fireplaces and now holds an abundance of period furnishings and artifacts.
After having fallen into disrepair by the 1970s, the home and its surrounding buildings were purchased by the City of Phoenix, which partnered with the community and dozens of local businesses and institutions to spearhead restoration of all 10 historic buildings on Block 14, many of which were built between 1897 and 1923.
The Eastlake architectural style Rosson House has been lovingly restored, enabling visitors to experience what life was like for its early residents. It is maintained and operated by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the Rosson House-Heritage Square Foundation and Guild. Tours may be reserved Wednesdays through Sundays by calling 602-262-5070.