While driving through Eagle, Idaho, you might pass a striking Tudor-style home nestled just off Eagle Road and Aikens Street. It’s hard to miss its stately presence, surrounded by nearly 2.5 acres of land. Did you know this historic gem has a legacy that dates back to the Great Depression?
Built in 1931, the Orville Jackson House was one of the few homes constructed in the Boise Valley during that challenging era. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains a rare example of Depression-era architecture in the region. The Orville Jackson House is 3,100-square-feet featuring five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It was designed by architects John Tourtellotte and Charles Hummel, the same duo behind the Idaho State Capitol. Today the house retains its original leaded windows, intricate woodwork, and oak beams—virtually unaltered since its completion.
The house was the home of Orville Jackson, a prominent Eagle businessman and founder of the Orville Jackson Drug Store, a local institution for over 50 years. Known for his service and dedication to the community, Jackson’s name is still synonymous with Eagle’s early days.
For decades, Jackson’s only child, Shari Sharp, lived in the house, later selling it when the upkeep became overwhelming. The City of Eagle purchased the property in September 2021 for $2.05 million. Sharp’s hope was for the home to be preserved for future generations. “It’s too nice of a home to be razed,” Sharp stated.
Efforts are underway to ensure the property’s preservation. The City of Eagle has started cleanup efforts, with city spokesperson Dana Biberston confirming plans to open the property to the public in the future as a community amenity. “This house is a significant part of Eagle’s history, and we want to see it preserved,” Biberston said.
For those who drive past the Orville Jackson House, it’s more than a picturesque landmark — it is a piece of Eagle’s story, a reminder of the community’s roots, and a call to action to safeguard its history for generations to come.