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James Wade Bolton House

Introduction

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The James Wade Bolton House is historically significant for its architecture and association with its builder and namesake, James Wade Bolton, a prominent local banker in the early 20th century. The house, which is next to the Arna Bontemps African American Museum, is an outstanding example of Queen Anne architecture. The large house boasts thirteen rooms, a wrap around porch with 15 Ionic columns, different sized gables, and tall chimneys. Today, the house is the location of the Red River Oaks Square Arts Center, which promotes the arts to the community.

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Built in 1899, the James Wade Bolton House is a fine and unusual example Queen Anne architecture. It is now the location of the Red River Oaks Square Arts Center.

House, Home, Property, Residential area

Backstory and Context

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James Wade Bolton bought the land on which the house now stands in 1899 and proceeded to build the home. It is further unique in that it has double the number of rooms than other fine homes of the period have. The ceilings are also quite high (15 feet), and the house features oak paneling, numerous windows, and a number of semi-circular bays.

By 1899, Bolton had established himself as one of the area's successful bankers. From 1912 to 1936, he served as president of the Rapides Bank and Trust Company and as president of the Louisiana Bankers Association from 1916-1917. His father, George Washington Bolton, owned a house that was across the street and was a successful financier. Other Bolton family members have held similar positions over the years.

The Boltons donated the house to the city in 1979 on the condition that it would be used to promote the arts. The city renovated the old house during the next few years before opening the center in 1984. The center built the adjacent two-story annex in 1999 to better serve the community. It features several studios, galleries, and an Arts Academy. Administrative offices, studios, and gallery gift shop occupy the Bolton House, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Sources

"About." Red River Oaks Square Arts Center. Accessed November 26, 2020. https://www.riveroaksartscenter.com/about.

Bolton, Peg. "James Wade Bolton House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 15, 1979. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/79001085_text.

" The James Wade Bolton House." The Historical Marker Database. Accessed November 26, 2020. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=116002.

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