Lucy's Queen Anne Style Playhouse

Image source:  All Around Alton, Illinois

Lucy Haskell's playhouse was a gift to her for fifth birthday from her grandfather, John E. Hayner.  The Queen Anne style playhouse, built in 1885, was designed by architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger.  Detailing on the exterior of the house includes stained glass windows, gingerbread woodwork, fish scale shingles at the gable ends and ornamental iron work on the roof.  The playhouse has two porches, one on the front and a smaller one on the side.  Unfortunately I don't have any interior pictures to share, but the interior is made up of one large room, fourteen by sixteen feet.

Sadly, Lucy died at the age of nine of diphtheria.  The estate was given to the city of Alton, and is now a National Register Historical Landmark.  Currently the playhouse is available for parties.  What a perfect place to celebrate a birthday!

Haskell playhouse is in need of restoration.  More information on the restoration efforts can be found through Friends of Haskell Park.