Paddock Mansion

Edwin, the second son of Loveland Paddock, acquired the parcel and had the family home razed to make his own statement of opulence. Being world travelers, the Paddocks were heavily influenced by European architecture, and wanted their home to reflect their refined tastes. But they couldn’t agree on its design. Edwin liked the powerful statement of Victorian architecture, while his wife preferred the graceful design of Swiss architecture. The 16,900 sq. ft. mansion is said to have been built in the Eastlake Tradition with both Victorian and Swiss Chalet design elements, as a compromise.

It was the home of Edwin and his wife, Olive (Wheeler) from 1878 until 1922. Upon her death, Olive Wheeler Paddock bequeathed the home to the Jefferson County Historical Society to use as a museum. After two years of renovations, the museum opened its doors in 1924. In 1979, the mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.