Crawford-Pettyjohn House South Dakota State Historical Society

The Crawford-Pettyjohn house is one of the best examples of Queen Anne architecture in Pierre. The original owner, Coe I. Crawford, lived in the house from 1885 to 1896. He was the State attorney general from 1893 to 1897. Crawford was elected governor in 1906 and began to institute major reforms in the next election including a direct primary, anti-lobbying legislation, and controls on campaign contributions. Two years later, he successfully beat A.B. Kitteridge, the leader of the Stalwart Republicans, and became a United States senator.
 
Robert S. Vessey succeeded Crawford as governor.  He is thought to have lived in the house while in office from 1909 to 1913, although the 1910 census and 1910-11 Pierre City directory have him listed as living at 528 North Highland Avenue.  Frank Pettyjohn bought the house in 1919. Pettyjohn controlled several grain elevators.
 
The Crawford-Pettyjohn House is a two-story Queen Anne. Its Queen Anne features include a hip roof with cross gables, asymmetrical façade, full-width porch that extends along the south and east sides, decorative shingles in the gables, a turret in the corner, and turned balusters on the porch. The foundation is made of glacial stones collected in the area and also incorporates a large unmovable boulder. Originally constructed in 1885, the house underwent a rebuilding project in 1908. In 1966, the Neilan family restored the home, which by that time was in a ruinous condition.