Page 61 - Copshaholm Curriculum Book_2015

The History of Copshaholm

Copshaholm is the colorful name given to the home that J.D. Oliver built for his
family. It is the old name for the Scottish town from which the Oliver family came.
Copshaholm means rolling hills, winding streams, and small clusters of trees. J.D.
named his home in honor of his father, James Oliver, the founder of the Oliver Chilled
Plow Works.

Located at the corner of Chapin and Washington Streets in the city of South Bend,
the home was built over a two year period from 1895-1897. The main buildings on the
site are the house and carriage house. Other smaller structures include a pump house,
teahouse, fountain, and pergola.

Copshaholm is known for its architecture. Architecture is the art of enclosing space,
for some human purpose. Copshaholm’s style is called Romanesque/Queen Anne.
The Romanesque style is seen in the heavy stone construction with wide arches and
the Queen Anne style, seen in the round towers or turrets, the wide sweeping veranda,
and a steep roof. The house was designed by New York architect, Charles Alonzo
Rich, of the architectural firm, Lamb and Rich.

The carriage house, which sheltered the family’s horses and pet goats, had a section
where carriages, a sleigh, and, later, automobiles were stored. There was also an
apartment on the second level where the chauffeur and horse groomsmen lived.

The house is the largest structure found on the site. It was constructed of fieldstone
with a tile and copper roof. The house has three floors plus an attic and a full
basement. The building was home for J.D. Oliver’s family of six. The massive building
has a total of 38 rooms, 9 bathrooms, and 14 fireplaces.