Quick History – Riverside Heritage House

History

This exquisite 1891 Victorian mansion, owned by the Museum of Riverside, depicts life in Riverside at the start of the twentieth century. It’s a throwback to the opulent houses that previously lined Magnolia Avenue. Heritage House started as a project of the Riverside Museum Associates, a volunteer support group for the Riverside Museum. This stately mansion has been methodically restored and maintained in a way indicative of its nineteenth-century architecture, and it is now a thoroughly studied representation of historic preferences, values, and lifestyle.

The original homeowners, Mr. and Mrs. James Bettner moved to Riverside in the late 1870s, less than a decade after the town was founded. According to a Harper’s Bazaar magazine article from 1895, young couples of modest means may expect to spend $5,000 to $10,000 on the construction of a house, not including the cost of a lot. Riverside had the greatest per capita income in the United States according to the Bradstreet Index in 1895. Citizens were rich, mostly due to the citrus horticulture, although they did not number in the millionaire club. Catharine Bettner’s net worth in 1892, for example, was $18,755, which equates to around $610,405 in 2022 dollars.

Things to do at the Heritage House

If you decide to take a trip to this awesome treasure, you would be able to take part in the tours that occur via reservation. You can book your reservation on the website listed below. During the tour, you will be able to learn about the history of the home and its impact upon Riverside. Being able to learn more about the roots of Riverside is always a great way to get involved and have fun with some interesting facts!