Peter Olfson was local to Waupaca. He worked on his father¿s farm until 1890 after which he left for Michigan to work. Peter returned to Waupaca in 1892 and made his ¿fortune¿ in the Waupaca potato trade. Potato trading was the most important commercial activity in the city during the 1880s and 1890s. Peter and his wife Jessie began construction on their new house in 1899.

The Olfson house is a two story structure that is representative of the Queen Anne style. It is similar to those published in plan books. This style was most popular in the late 19th century. It displays characteristics typical of the Late Victorian style including stick work, narrow clapboards, scroll brackets, carved sunburst panels, and recessed wall surfaces. The decorative details of the Olfson house intermingle with the various elements forming an elaborate and picturesque design.

The interior of the house is just as decorative. The foyer features a nook beneath the staircase filled in with a built-in bench. A large pilaster between the wall and the nook is patterned with horizontal and vertical grooves and bands of a carved criss-cross design. The same design is featured on the newel post. At the first landing of the staircase is a large round-arched opening filled with stained glass in a stylized ¿fleur-de-lis¿ pattern. Another ornate detail is the dining room fireplace. It is cast-iron with a foliated grate in front that is flanked by fluted pilasters. Above the fireplace is a classical swag consisting of beaded wreaths, ribbons and foliated scrolls.

The house is private residence; please respect the privacy rights of the owners.