It was over 100 years ago that 20th century industrialist J. D. Oliver, his wife, Anna, and their four children moved into their new home at 808 West Washington Street--Copshaholm as they would later name it. Built in 1895-96, Copshaholm is a 38-room Romanesque Queen Anne house designed by New York architect Charles Alonzo Rich. The furnishings on all three floors are original, giving visitors a remarkable glimpse of how the mansion appeared during the 72 years the Oliver family lived there.
Oak, cherry and mahogany woodwork are found throughout Copshaholm. Leaded glass windows and 14 fireplaces add to the beauty of the house. The furnishings include porcelains, glass, silver, prints, and bronzes, including some by Bartolozzi and Lorado Taft.
J. D. Oliver was president of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works, located in South Bend, Indiana. The company was founded by J. D.'s father, James, inventor of the chilled plow.
Copshaholm is built of native Indiana fieldstone. The stones were cut on site by masons brought from Europe. Copshaholm was one of the first homes in South Bend to have electricity, with power being generated by the Oliver Chilled Plow Works.
Surrounding Copshaholm are 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens, including a garden tea house, formal Italianate garden, rose garden, pergola, tennis lawn, and fountain.Copshaholm and its gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Copshaholm is registered as an American Treasure.