| Sanborn Fire Insurance maps indicate this house was present by 1888. It was the home of the Peter and Maria Larson family from the late 19th century through the 1950s. Peter Larson was a fisherman who died in an accident on a fish trap owned by P.J. McGowen in 1893. Evidently McGowen was found negligent and at fault for the accident for Maria Larson was awarded $3,000 as a result of a court judgement in 1895. Mrs. Larson rented out rooms in the house during the entire time she lived here. Esther Larson, a daughter, remained in the house the longest of any family member. Ms. Larson was a well known teacher in the Astoria Public Schools for 42 years and was a one-time principal of Adair School during World War I. The Larson house is one of the earliest residences in Uppertown. Its significance stems from its antiquity, integrity, vernacular architectural design, and its long-term ownership in the Larson family. |
