THE PICTURESQUE PURVIS - HOUGH HOME

As any regular reader of this blog knows, I love the book Picturesque Algona.  I find each of the properties in the book fascinating and love to look into their history.  Today let’s visit 715 North Thorington Street. 

Peter Purvis

In late 1884, Peter Purvis purchased an eight acre tract of land from A. F. Call in Section 2 of Cresco Township.  The tract contained a cottage which the Purvis family moved into in March of 1885.  This cottage was not meant for the long term, however, as Mr. Purvis had plans to erect a beautiful residence which would become known for its lovely architecture.

Peter Purvis had come to America from Peebles, Scotland, arriving in 1856.  His father had been a farmer, but Peter became an apprentice to a master carpenter, spending four years learning the trade.  Upon his arrival in America, he settled in Johnstown, Wisconsin.  It was there he met and then married Mary A. Galbraith on November 25, 1865.  The young couple came to Algona on June 4, 1870 where they made their home.

Purvis immediately began practicing his trade and establishing a reputation as an honest and dependable woodworker.  Over the years he built many homes and barns in the area, constructed and repaired county bridges, and made many custom wood pieces such as the pulpit for the Congregational Church.  He was also the head contractor for the

Algona Episcopal Church 2015

building of the Episcopal Church in Algona.  His skills even took him to California for a job.

Construction begins

In preparation for the building of his new home, Purvis purchased the lumber and placed it overhead in his shop, so that it could thoroughly season before being used.  He began making the doors, sashes, and window caps as time allowed.

The foundation for the new house was laid in May of 1886, marking the beginning of the construction process which continued on for several years.  In 1888 Purvis added several verandas and continued work on the inside.  The finished house was in the Carpenter Gothic style and contained many fine examples of Purvis’ skills.

Extensive grading was done in the vicinity of the Purvis house and a barn was built on the property.  An orchard was planted.  Many ornamental shrubs surrounded the house and the family kept a large vegetable garden.  A unique feature of the yard was a sundial Peter made and placed in front of the house.  It was made from a solid oak block, 17 inches across the face, and was on a pedestal. Reminding Peter of another age, it was made to replicate those made in stone often found in old country gardens.   

Peter continued to make improvements to his property.  In 1903, he installed cement walks about the residence. 

Eight children were born to Peter and Mary and all grew to adulthood with the exception of their eldest, John, who died in infancy.  In 1908 their daughter, Mary, was married at the residence to Edward Hough with 100 guests in attendance.  Edward was a railway mail clerk and had lived in the community for two years prior to his wedding.  Little did they know that one day this house would belong to them.

Although Peter was raised in the Presbyterian church, he affiliated with the Congregational Church when he

came to Algona.  He and his wife were active in the congregation and the community.  Peter invested in a downtown property which he leased to others.  Thanks to a firebug, the building was heavily damaged in a fire in 1895.  It is interesting to note that in 2015, a downtown building still bears his name.  

After a lifetime of hard work, Peter suffered a stroke in April of 1912 and died two days later, leaving many examples of his workmanship in the community.  Well respected and admired, his obituary states “He was ever an industrious and law-abiding man, a good citizen and a good husband and father.”

Mary Purvis continued to live in the house until her passing in 1923 at the age of 89.  Her funeral service was conducted from the home and she was laid to rest next to her husband in Riverview Cemetery. 

Still standing

The landmark home remained in the family for several generations with daughter Mary and her husband, Ed Hough, being the first to follow.  Neighborhood children enjoyed sledding on the hill on the north edge of the property each winter.  I am delighted that this property still stands in all its glory at the north end of Thorington Street. 

Until next time,

KC History Buff

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