The Haskins House was built in 1894 by real estate developer Charles Haskins as the final chapter in the Victorian development of Carroll Avenue's 1300 block. This Queen Anne Victorian came during the height of the Victorian era's influence on Los Angeles architecture, when Angelino Heights was establishing itself as a prestigious residential neighborhood for the city's growing professional class. The house represents the last Victorian home constructed on what would become one of Los Angeles' most celebrated historic streets.
The residence showcases the exuberant spirit of Queen Anne Victorian architecture through its distinctive design elements, featuring a dramatic "witch's hat" turret, intricate fish-scale shingles, and abundant decorative spindles that create rich textural contrast across the facade. The building exemplifies what architectural historians call "pure Queen Anne expansiveness," notably lacking the spool-work and Eastlake ornamentation common in earlier Victorian styles. This architectural purity, combined with its elaborate detailing, has earned it the affectionate nickname "the Gay Nineties House," reflecting the ornate aesthetic preferences of the 1890s. The structure also retains period outdoor piping and an outhouse in the backyard, providing rare glimpses into the practical infrastructure of Victorian-era domestic life.
