“A house tells a story” echoes in the trade winds as we approach Boulding 247 in Honolulu. This isn’t just any house. It’s the Richards/Goodale/Carter House. This house is significant as the best-known example associated with Catherine Jones Richards. She was a successful and renowned landscape architect of Hawai`i and the mainland.
Built in 1921 in Nu`uanu, Boulding 247 stands as a testament to her architectural design capabilities. While numerous examples of her landscape work exist, this may be her only surviving architectural design. Imagine Catherine Jones Richards at her drawing table. She envisioned a home blending seamlessly with the Hawaiian landscape. The Richards/Goodale/Carter House is also a fine, intact example of a large Colonial Revival house. It is enhanced by its setting in landscaped grounds. These grounds exemplify kama`aina living in Hawai`i.
But the story of Boulding 247 doesn’t end in 1921. Fast forward to 1948. Renovations by Mark Potter enhanced the house even further. These renovations have achieved significance in their own right. The site holds another layer of history. An auwai, or early irrigation system, is located on the property. This hints at the land’s agricultural past, predating the house itself.
Consider the lives lived within these walls. The Richards, the Goodales, and the Carters. They each left their mark on Boulding 247. They contributed to its evolving story. This house witnessed the changing face of Honolulu. It saw the transition from a kingdom to a territory. It experienced statehood.
Boulding 247 stands as a tangible link to Honolulu’s past. It represents the vision of Catherine Jones Richards. It shows kama`aina living. It embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptation. The house at 247 Dowsett Avenue is more than just an address. It is a living piece of Hawaiian history. It is a legacy etched in stone and landscape. As we move on, remember Boulding 247. Think of its stories whispering on the breeze.