The history of the Cohn House in Folsom, CA



Hey there, fellow history buffs! Today I want to share with you some fascinating facts about one of the most iconic buildings in Folsom, CA: the Cohn House. This majestic mansion has a rich and colorful history that spans over a century and a half. Let's dive in!


The Cohn House is located at 305 Scott Street, on a hilltop that was once known as Folsom's "Nob Hill". It was built in the 1890s by Phillip Cohn, a successful businessman and state senator who had a taste for eclectic architecture. The house combines elements of Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles, creating a unique and eye-catching appearance. The house features a wrap-around porch, decorative woodwork, stained glass windows, and a distinctive tower with a pointed roof.


But did you know that the Cohn House is not the original house on the property? That's right, there is another building behind the mansion that dates back to the 1860s. This was the home of Simon Cohn, Phillip's uncle and one of the pioneer merchants of Folsom. Simon Cohn was born in Poland in 1830 and immigrated to the US in 1852. He had a series of misfortunes in his early years in California, losing two businesses to fire and surviving an alleged assassination attempt. He finally settled in Folsom in 1856 and opened Cohn's General Merchant Store, which became a thriving enterprise.


Simon Cohn was also a philanthropist and a civic leader. He donated land for the Jewish cemetery in Folsom and served as a trustee of the Folsom School District. He died in 1898 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of success and generosity.


Phillip Cohn inherited his uncle's property and built his own mansion on the front part of it. He lived there with his wife and four children until his death in 1911. The house remained in the Cohn family until 1945, when it was sold to Dr. John W. Hinkle, a prominent physician and surgeon. Dr. Hinkle renovated the house and added modern amenities such as electricity and plumbing. He also converted the old barn into a garage and workshop.


Dr. Hinkle lived in the house until his death in 1979. His widow sold the house to Paula Boghosian, an interior designer who restored the house to its original glory. She also applied for the National Register of Historic Places designation, which was granted in 1982.




The Cohn House is now privately owned and not open to the public, but you can still admire its beauty from the street or from afar. It is one of the most remarkable examples of Victorian architecture in Folsom and a testament to the history and culture of this charming town.


I hope you enjoyed this blog post about the Cohn House. If you did, please leave a comment below and share it with your friends. And don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more historical stories and insights. Thanks for reading!

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