In 1854 Carson took the challenge and felled the first Redwood for a sawmill, and shipped it out on the schooner “Cydras”.  In 1863 Carson entered into partnership with John Dolbeer, who would go on to invent the “steam donkey”, which would revolutionize logging. Together they would reap the benefits of being the first and the fastest in the lumber industry. Carson would become a millionaire as co-owner of four mills, vast timber forests, and a fleet of lumber schooners.
   Eureka-109  The most spectacular room in the mansion is the front parlor. One of three onyx fireplaces is found here. The onyx came from Mexico where it was personally purchased by Mr. Carson on one of his numerous trips to that country. The stone has a delicate, almost translucent shading of pink and blue. A huge gold framed mirror tops the fireplace, reaching almost to the ceiling. An alabaster chandelier, similar to several in other rooms, hangs in the center. On the wall to the right is an original oil painting of the sailing ship "William Carson", named in honor of the lumberman.    Eureka-106  William Carson spared no expense when it came to the production of the house. Oak predominates in the dining room where the sideboards were built to Mr. Carson's specifications, copied from a castle in Mexico City. William Carson's sailing ships brought materials from Mexico, South America and the Philippines, including 97 thousand feet of hardwood for the interior. Massive chairs that match the table are upholstered with French tapestry.    Eureka-108  Carved oak frames the fireplace. The beveled mirrors and glass were imported from England. Although remaining a private person, one can imagine the eloquence of dining in such majesty. Mr. Carson appreciated the designs in leaded glass and they appear in several places throughout the house. Most notable of the stained glass windows are found in this grouping at the turn of the main stairway. The medieval garbed figures represent the four arts: painting, music, drama, and science.    Eureka-105 Another example of this glass works can be found in the onyx fireplace in the music room. The fireplace itself is flanked by redwood paneling and Philippine mahogany carved with an intricate leaf design. The fireplace has a double flue which divides to provide space for a leaded stained glass window. There is a third fireplace in the library on the second floor. All together there are five fireplaces in the house. It is believed that he brought at least two wood carvers from Europe for the project. John Rudoff Etteline came from Switzerland and Patrick Glennon came from Ireland. These men are credited    Eureka-04  with several other artistic endeavors about town. 
Red colors and redwood woodwork dominate the music room. The window alcove is framed in all three types of the wood's grain, namely burl, curly and clear. The mansion’s outstanding example of the woodcarvers' art is found in this room, which still display the original chairs, upholstered in red.
William Carson died quietly, on February 10, 1912, in the castle where he had lived for 24 years. His sons would continue running the various business that he had created. The house would be occupied by various family members until, in 1950, it was sold for a token thirty fire thousand dollars to a local group who created the Ingomar Club. 

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