[Illustration: The Goldsworthy home
1302 5th Avenue South]
This large brick residence has occupied the northeast corner of Fifth
Avenue South and Thirteenth Street since 1891 and for many years was
known as the Goldsworthy home because of an early owner and builder.
In later years it was owned by a noted artist, china painter and art
instructor—Miss Edna Richardson—who taught painting to many Fort Dodge
and area women. The house, located at 1302 5th Ave. S., is now owned by
Mrs. Katherine Gilligan.
A large hall inside the front entrance leads to the oak staircase going
to the upstairs. The first floor includes large living rooms, dining
room, den, kitchen and half bath. There is a fireplace in one of the
living rooms and another fireplace in an upstairs bedroom. There are
three bedrooms and bath on the second floor. Upstairs ceilings are 9
feet high, those downstairs are 10 feet high.
Oak was used throughout the house in the floors and woodwork that shine
elegantly despite their age. Old-fashioned inside window shutters are
found in the two living rooms and dining room.
John Goldsworthy, a carpenter and cabinetmaker, purchased the corner lot
and built the house in 1891. He also built a small shop at the rear of
the lot where he continued his work for many years. In 1919 Goldsworthy
sold the property to Clarence and Allie Hoyt Wakeman who, in turn, sold
the brick residence to Miss Edna Richardson in 1920.
Miss Richardson was born in 1874 at Bath, N. Y., the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. William Richardson. She came to Fort Dodge with her parents at an
early age and after completing her schooling began art work, doing oil
painting and china painting.
Her artistic ability became widely-known and she started art classes at
her home and also taught art in other towns. She was especially known
for her beautiful china painting and many persons in Fort Dodge and the
area now have dishes painted by her or by some of her students. The room
in the house now used as a den was the classroom where students did
their china painting.
Miss Richardson resided in the large brick house until her death in
1945. The property then was bequeathed by Miss Richardson to Mrs.
Gilligan (Katherine) who was her nurse prior to her death. Mrs. Gilligan
and her husband, Thomas, have occupied the home since 1947.