National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet

NPSForm10-900-A
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 (8-86)
Section Number: _7_ Page: 34 Geneva-Minnesota Historic District, Medford, OR
ID No: 028
Historic Name: Roland & Jessie Beach House
Address: 113 Geneva
Architect:
Style: Bungalow
Year Built: 1911
Legal: 37S-1W-30AB, Tax Lot 15500
Humphrey-Knight Addn, Block 2, Lot(s) 1
Builder(s):
Primary Contributing
Probably constructed by C.A. Knight as an element in the original development of the east-facing
elevation of Geneva Street, the Roland and Jessie Beach House was part of the group of three homes
at 103-113 Geneva that were constructed in early 1911. A one and one-half story house built
predominately in the bungalow idiom, the Beach House has been moderately altered from its historic
appearance. The original full-width front porch, as depicted on Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, has
been partially enclosed creating an entrant and further modified by an octangular window facing to
the north. Diamond pattern casement windows, set in pairs, appear original. A small gable garage,
with matching horizontal siding, is located to the rear, facing the east-west alley that forms the
northern boundary of the district.
The subject lot was purchased by Roland G. and Jessie Beach in October 1910, actually before the
formal platting of the Humphrey-Knight Addition. In April of the following year a mortgage was
taken out, presumably to fund construction of the structure.95 It seems for short time Beach rented
the property before moving here himself. In 1915 William Gates (see Site 14) is listed in city
directories at this address although the following year the house was again owner-occupied. Roland
Beach was employee of the U.S. Postal Service and was transferred to Medford in 1909 where he
helped establish the city's first home delivery service. Beach was designated as "Carrier No. 1" and
along with a single other individual was responsible for mail delivery in all of the growing city. By
1924 Beach had advanced to the position of Assistant Postmaster and would continue in that role
until his retirement in 1951, culminating 42 years of service in the Medford Post Office.96 After Mr.
Beach's death in 1967 his widow Jessie continued to reside in the longtime family home.
Long occupied by a single family, the Beach House has subsequently been somewhat altered from its
original appearance, somewhat diminishing its integrity. However, the structure remains a
compatible element within the Geneva-Minnesota District, and continues to contribute to the area's
overall historic appearance.
95 Certificate of Title #4110.
96 "Postal Official Dies at Hospital," Medford Mail Tribune, 15-March-1967, 1:7.