Built around 1860, the Professor J. A. Wood House is a one-story Territorial Period adobe home reflecting a blend of Spanish and American architectural styles. In June of 1899, professor James A. Wood, the new superintendent of the Santa Fe City Schools, and his wife Paula purchased the property, and the Wood family lived in and cared for the house for more than 70 years. J.A. Wood served as the superintendent of schools in Salem, Indiana, and vice president of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, before relocating to Las Vegas, New Mexico, where he served as superintendent of schools before taking the position in Santa Fe. Wood modernized and restructured the local schools. He created a ward system for the school district, built new public schools, including the town’s first public high school, and greatly improved old ones. Today, the J.A. Wood House is the headquarters of the Frost Foundation, which restored and still maintains the property including immaculate perennial gardens.
From Old Santa Fe Today, 5th edition by Audra Bellmore with photographs by Simone Frances.