Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 7

Part seven of the series...

Residence of Edward H. Bouton Esq. - 309 Oakdale Road

This residence was designed by Wyatt & Nolting and built by the Roland Park Company between 1893 and May 1896.

Bouton was Vice President and General Manager of the Roland Park Company. He was also one of the founding members of the Baltimore Country Club.

The views show a successful treatment of an all-shingled house, in the Colonial style. The great expanse of gambrel roof is relieved by dormers, projecting gables, and bay. The porch rail is shingled, and forms base for square columns at the entrance gable. Turned columns at the side support the overhanging roof above. The foundation is of local stone, gray in color, and all the framework above being sheathed, papered, shingled, and originally stained sea green on the sides, and originally allowed to weather finish at the roofs. The chimneys are of brick, and cement capped. Dimensions: Front, 49'4"; side, 29', including main, but not porch projection. Heights: Cellar, 7;, first story, 8'9"; second, 8'; attic, 7'6".

It has a Dutch sash entrance door, paneled beneath, which opens onto a vestibule, with walls covered with cartridge paper. There is a portiere opening to the reception hall or library, with a centered fireplace, faced with cream unglazed tiles, with a mantle above, of good Colonial design. There is a seat at each side, and book cases over these having leaded glass doors. There are two steps up from this room to the landing and dining room level. Heavy Ionic columns, of correct detail, support the beam above.

View of the Reception Hall looking towards the Landing

Narrow, exposed beams in the landing have ceiling strips between them. The stairs, of easy rise, have four balusters to the tread, and a turned rail. The dining room, had tapestried walls and has a similar tiled fireplace. Two columns support the mantle shelf above. The conservatory is all shingled, same as outside, by removal of the sash, forming a porch. There is a passage, with ample dresser accommodation at side. The kitchen, which contained the usual fixtures, is wainscoted 5' high with narrow T and G boards, and a moulded cap and base. The second floor plan shows three chambers, with fireplaces and closets, and a tiled bathroom, with best fixtures. The toilet is separate. All the plumbing is exposed. The attic has a servant's room, servant's bath, and closet space finished off. The cellar is cemented, and contains a hot water heater, servant's toilet, laundry, fuel storage, and other apartments. The finish throughout is clear white pine. In the reception hall and dining room it is given a slight greenish tinge, the addition of that color to the oil, making a very pleasant color effect. The kitchen and pantries are finished natural, and the chambers are painted in colors to harmonize with the papers. The front bay and mullioned windows, as well as the two side reception hall windows, are leaded, the two former casement hung, the latter stationary.

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Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 6

Part six of the series...

Suburban Residence of William E. Baitzell - 301 Woodlawn Road

This residence was designed by W.L. Price, Esq. of Philadelphia and built by the Roland Park Company between 1893 and May 1896.

Baitzell was partner in the firm Baitzell & Thomsen, flour and grain merchants at Speer's Wharf.

The foundation and porch wall are of dark gray local stone, laid with the joints well broken. The exterior framework above is sheathed, papered, shingled, and was originally stained light gray. The trimming color was originally yellow with a lighter tint originally for the sash. The chimneys are of red brick, with a corbeled out and returned cap. the upper sash of most windows are leaded with cathedral glass, although on some windows wooden muntons have been used. Dimensions: Front, 45'4"; side, 34'5", not including bay or porch projections. Heights: Cellar, 7', first floor, 9', second, 8'6", attic, 8'. The entrance door has the upper panel glazed, and leads through a wainscoted vestibule into the reception hall, in oak, with an angle fireplace, faced with unglazed terra-cotta tiles. A seat is at side of the fireplace, with a leaded window above the seat. An arch is over the staircase, with a carved cheek and newel, turned balusters, etc., and walls covered with cartridge paper. The parlor has an angle fireplace, tiled, with an oak mantel having a mirror over it. The trim is cypress and the walls are papered. The dining room walls are also papered and is similarly finished. There is a dresser and sink in the butler's pantry, which is the means of communication with kitchen, which was originally equipped with the usual fixtures. There is a laundry in rear. The second floor has three chambers of good size, with closets across the front. There is also a bathroom and linen closet. The attic has one servant's room finished off, and storage space. The cellar is cemented, and contains a heater, fuel storage, etc.

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Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 5

Part five of the series...

Modern Cottage of Herbert G. Austin Esq. - 4828 Keswick Road

This modern cottage was built by the Roland Park Company between 1893 and May 1896.

Austin was teller at the National Mechanics' Bank.

The design is simply treated, the detail being in the Colonial style. The full width gambrel roof is broken by a gabled dormer, effectively shingled. The porch rail is also shingled, and forms the base for square columns supporting roof above. The foundation is of local stone. The exterior framework above is sheathed, papered, shingled, and originally stained snuff brown. The roof was also originally shingled, and stained slightly green. The Chimney is brick. Dimensions: Front, 29'8"; side, 30'2", exclusive of porch. Height: Cellar, 7'6"; first floor, 9'; second floor, 8'. The entrance door opens onto a reception hall or living room. Pocket doors lead to the dining room, which has awide mullioned window, and direct communication with kitchen, which was provided with the usual fixtures. The library is of good size, and is trimmed in cypress, left natural, which is the finish throughout. The second floor plan shows three chambers with large closets, a linen closet with shelving, etc., and bathroom with all the desirable fixtures. The cellar is cemented, and contains the laundry, with three wash trays, heater, and fuel bins.

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Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 4

Part four of the series...

House of Mrs. Isabella Cole Parlett - 317 Hawthorne Road

 

This house was designed by Wyatt & Nolting of Baltimore and built by the Roland Park Company between 1893 and May 1896.

Mrs. Parlett was the widow of Benjamin Francis Parlett. She was on original member of the Roland Park Women's Club.

The design is treated in the Colonial style. The roof lines are well broken by the frequent introduction of dormers, balconies, and projecting gables, the latter supported by square columns on shingled rail base. The foundation is of local stone. The exterior framework above is sheathed, papered, and originally was stained nut brown. The roof was also originally shingled, and stained slightly green. The trimming color was originally cream. The outside shutters, where used were originally painted deep green. The chimney is of red brick, capped with stone. Dimensions: Front, 53'10"; side, 30'10", exclusive of porch projections. Height: Cellar, 7'10"; first floor, 9'3"; second, 8'10"; attic, 8'. The entrance is through the vestibule to reception hall. The walls and ceiling were covered with buff cartridge paper. A nook at the side, has seats and a bay window. The inglenook here is a very interesting hall feature. The face of the fireplace and hearth are of Roman brick. Paneling is above the seats at the side. Spindle balusters are at the staircase, and a square column, forming a newel, runs to the ceiling. The library has a fireplace, faced with sea-green tiles. The mantle is of good design. The walls were originally tapestried. The reception room has an angle fireplace, in cream tiles, with a mantle above. There walls here were also tapestried. The trim is cypress. The dining room walls were originally in cartridge paper. The fireplace is faced with square buff tiles, with a mantle above. This room communicates with the kitchen, which contained the usual fixtures, through the butler's pantry, with a sink, dresser, etc., and a passage, with shelving and dresser at the side. The second floor plan shows five chambers, the two principal ones having fireplaces, all with closets, and two with alcoves. The bathroom was equipped with the best plumbing, and the toilet is separate. The hall has a balustered screen at the staircase. The attic contains three bedrooms, a large hall, a servant's bathroom, and a storage closet. The cellar is cemented, and contains a laundry, heater, fuel storage, and other apartments.

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Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 3

Part three of the series...

Residence of James W. Cochran Esq. - 312 Woodlawn Road

This residence was designed by Wilson Eyre, Esq. of Philadelphia and built between 1893 and May 1896.

Cochran was once involved with his father's business, the Cochran-Ober Ice Company. He was also involved with the Knickerbocker Ice Company and the American Ice Company which succeeded his father's company. Cochran was also one of the original members of the Baltimore Country Club.

The octagonal tower, with overhanging gable roof, and broad treatment of dormers, form the principal features of this effective exterior. The foundation, lower portion of tower, porch, piers and cheek at steps are built of local stone, laid with good color effect and the joints well broken. All of the exterior framework above is sheathed, papered, shingled, and originally stained deep gray. The roof was also originally shingled, and originally stained moss green. The chimneys are brick and capped with stone. Dimensions; Front 35'9", exclusive of bay; side 27'9", not including tower. Height: Cellar 7'6", first story 9', second 8'6", attic unfinished. The entrance door, with divided sash above, is hung with wrought iron hinges, and opens onto a vestibule, with a seat, decorated with relief. Several steps lead up to main floor level. The inside door is also glazed, and opens on the reception hall. The walls were tapestried, pale green in tone. The ceiling was decorated in relief, tipped with gold. The oak stairs wind around the tower, with long leaded windows at the landing. An angle fireplace, faced with green tiles, has a mantel shelf above of neat design. There is a seat in bay window. The trim is tinted pine. Pocket doors lead to the dining room. Here the walls and ceiling were treated in the same manner, the tapestry being terra-cotta in color and paneled off. The trim was in a darker tint. An angle fireplace here has a carved cherry mantle with beveled mirrors over. There is also an angle buffet, and china closet. The reception or drawing room, was in cream enameled pine, had a relief ceiling, tapestried walls, was paneled off, and has a fireplace which is tiled, with a mantel above. The butler's pantry and kitchen pantry, both had dressers and a sink, and were the means of communication to kitchen, which had the usual fixtures. The second floor is divided into four chambers, with closets and fireplaces, and a large linen closet with shelves, drawers, etc. The bathroom had an enameled tub and marble basin and all the plumbing was exposed. The toilet was separate. One of the four chambers was a servant's room with attached bath. The cellar is cemented, and contains the laundry, hot air heater, fuel storage, etc.

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Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 2

Part two of the series...

Suburban Cottage of Wilbur C. VanSant - 411 Hawthorne Road

This suburban cottage was designed by W.L. Price of Philadelphia and built between 1893 and May 1896.

Van Sant ran W.C. Van Sant & Company, importers of leather gloves which was located at 205 West Lombard Street for 19 years until 1921 when it moved to Suite 912 of the Lexington Building. He was also a member of the Roland Park Methodist Episcopal Church.

The general treatment and detail is a combination of old Colonial and Dutch styles. There is a wide veranda carried across the front and returning on the side; the roof is shingled and carried on square posts, arched at top; the balusters are square, set closely and plain. The first story of the building has a beveled siding on exterior, with windows, doors, and corners trimmed with bands and belts. The second story is shingled to the eaves, which project about three feet, ceiled with narrow ceiling. The entire roof and sides of the dormers are shingled. The chimneys above roof are faced with Philadelphia face brick, and topped out in neat design. The bay window on the right side of the cottage is carried up through both stories, forming an agreeable break in the main roof. The shingles on roof (now replaced with slate) and sides were originally left to weather, giving entire building a soft gray tone. Trimmings and bands were originally olive green and the siding on the first story was originally a cream color. The width of front is 29'6"; depth 57'6" overall. Cellar, 7'6" high; first story 9'6"; second story 8'6"; attic about 8'. The main hall is large and well lighted, with a half bath under the stairs. The stairs are finished in oak, with carved square newels, tapering balusters, and paneled strings. Pocket doors are between the main hall and the parlor, which was finished in whitewood. The dining room and living rooms were originally tinted a cream color. The mantle in dining room is carved oak, with tile facings and hearth. A large pantry separates the dining room from kitchen, and rear staircase leads to upper floor passage. The cellar stairs go direct from kitchen and there originally was also an out kitchen, and enclosed porch extension. When originally built, the pantry and kitchens featured the usual fixtures. The bathroom on the second story was conveniently situated, and the five commodious chambers were well lighted with a closet in each. Two large rooms are in the attic, which was finished in plaster, for storage and drying purposes.

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Crowning The Gravelly Hill... Part 1

Every once in a while, you get to study a community, from its development, through its construction and then on to where it stands today. I've decided to take a look at one such community in the northern reaches of Baltimore. I shall get to the infrastructure which was built to support this community, but for now, I shall look at the homes. I hope you enjoy.

Residence of John M. Palmer, Esq. - 329 Hawthorne Road

329 Hawthorne Road in 2016

John M. Palmer, Esq. bought this lot on May 29, 1893 for $2500 from the Roland Park Company. This residence was designed by Wyatt & Nolting of Baltimore and built by the Roland Park Company between May 1893 and May 1896

Palmer was a partner in Palmer, Harvey & Company, a wholesale fruit and fancy groceries company located at 113-115 Cheapside. He was also a founding member of the Roland Park Presbyterian Church.

The design shows a unique treatment for an all shingled house. Its shingles are laid in projecting tri-courses, relieving the straight lines of the building, otherwise only broken by the slightly projecting bays and gabled porches. The entrance gable, supported by slender turned columns, is plastered, and decorated with a composition ornament. The main roof is gabled, and well broken in front by three dormer windows. The foundation is of rock-faced local stone. The exterior framework above this underpinning is sheathed, papered, shingled (as mentioned above), and originally allowed to weather finish. The roof was originally similarly treated. The trimming color is cream. The shutters which originally graced the house were dark green. The chimney  is of brick and cement capped. Dimensions: Front, 46'2", exclusive of porch projections; side, 37'1" including rear but not the front porch or bay projections. Heights: cellar, 7'6"; first story, 9'3"; second, 8'7"; attic, 7'8". The entrance door opens into a central hall, with a staircase of easy rise at the end, having square newel and four straight balusters to the tread, with seat at the side. Pocket doors (originally painted in white enamel) lead to the parlor and library. The dining room, with a flat arch leading to a nook, with a closet to its side, has fireplace, faced with burnt Sienna tiles and topped with a mantle. Other fireplaces in the house are also tiled, and have mantles of neat design. The butler's pantry is provided with a closet, dressers and a sink. A passage leads to the kitchen which was originally fitted with the with usual fixtures. The finish in the house, except where otherwise noted, is cypress. the second floor is divided into four chambers, all with closets, two with fireplaces, and principal one with a large dressing room. The bathroom was provided with the best fixtures and featured exposed plumbing. A linen room with built in shelving was also on the second floor. The attic has one large, two smaller bedrooms, and hall, all finished off. The entire cellar is cemented, and contained the laundry, heating apparatus, and fuel storage, etc.

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