One of the stately residences built along Second Avenue South prior to the turn of the century is now the Women’s Clubhouse, but for many years it was the home of United States Senator Jonathan P. Dolliver and family.

Built in 1895 and located at 915 2nd Ave. S., the large three-story red brick residence has been owned by the Women’s Club since 1935. While generally known as the Dolliver house it was built by Sen. Dolliver’s father-in-law, George R. Pearsons and occupied by his family for several years. The same year the house was built, Dolliver married Pearson’s daughter, Louise, but it was not until Pearson’s death in 1904 that the Dollivers moved into the home.

The home site originally included four lots. Pearsons, a prominent early-day resident, came here as agent for the Illinois Central Railroad. He served as mayor for two terms and was a member of the school board.

The Dolliver home originally had a parlor, drawing room or music room, dining room, kitchen and pantry on the first floor; five bedrooms and one large bath on the second floor and other rooms on the third floor. In later years the upstairs was extensively remodeled. There is a huge open stairway leading from the first floor to the upper floors.

In the rounded window area of the drawing room there once was a large stone hollowed out for a small pool. A fountain was located in the center of the pool from which water flowed continuously. Goldfish in the pool added charm to the unique window arrangement.

In 1968 the Women’s Club remodeled the house, enlarged the first floor meeting room to the west, removed the old porch and added a small patio and new entrance.