Streetview of the W. H. Atkinson House Photograph by Terry Skibby

The W. H. Atkinson House, is one of Ashland's outstanding examples of the Italian Bracketed or Italianate Style and is among the most elaborately decorated and best preserved of its type. Atkinson was born in England in 1844 and came to Ashland in 1874, where he was active in the town's principal industrial and banking enterprises; he was one of the founders of the Bank of Ashland. On his arrival he purchased a one-third share in the Ashland Flour Mill, entering into partnership with J. M. McCall . In 1879 he became a partner and business manager of the Ashland Woolen Manufacturing Company. That same year he helped organize the Ashland Library and Reading Room Association. The following year he helped found the Presbyterian Church (he was its first clerk and treasurer), which was built across the street from his future home.

Historic photographs of the W. H. Atkinson House, close-up c. 1894 and streetview c.1901 Courtesy of National Register collection and The Terry Skibby Collection

When it came time to build a suitable residence for his family, it was natural for him to admire the site of the Coolidge and Woolen mansions, and in 1880 Atkinson bought the southerly half of Woolen's lot. Construction began in August, when he was 36 years old. After his early death at the age of 50 in 1894, his widow Eugenia remained in the house for 24 years. She too was active in the community, donating funds for the construction of the Atkinson Memorial Bridge over Ashland Creek in Lithia Park.

The W. H. Atkinson House is located at 125 North Main St.