In the mid to late 1800s, Hillsdale was THE street on which to build your elaborate Victorian home. Many of the homes were built as portfolio pieces to display the architect's and builder's creativity and expertise. It was considered an exclusive and wealthy neighborhood.
Over the years, many of these homes fell into disrepair, or were broken up into apartments, or even, as rooming houses. Some have since been refurbished, and most have at least kept the exterior true to the old style.
Although Hillsdale is only about 2 1/2 blocks, this tour takes the full hour to hour and a half as is usual for most DWs.
We walk along the north sidewalk, viewing the houses of the south, then turn around and walk along the south to view the northern side houses.
In addition to the classic Vickys, there are several newer homes of interest that are grand in their own way.
Most of the information for this tour is from the book, Eureka: an Architectural View, also known as the "Green book," available from the Historical Society and local bookstores, or at your local public library. Additional information was taken from a series of articles published in the Times-Standard's special insert, "Restore and Preserve" that is now no longer produced.
