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Georgetown
Residential
Architecture
PUBLICATIONS PUBLIC OCi 1 GLE ATIONS LIBRARY LIORA Res
NORTHEAST
MADISON 3.2
OAK HILL CEMETERY
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE
NS
£
MAP
K S'
OF
GEORGETOWN D.C.
Published by
FAEHTZ & PRATT
1874.
SELECTIONS FROM THE HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY NUMBER 5
GEORGETOWN RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - NORTHEAST
Northwest Washington, District of Columbia
Historic American Buildings Survey Selections
Number 5
Issued Jointly By
THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS
Room 7000, Interior Building
18th and C Streets, N. W. - Washington, D. C. 20240
and
THE HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation
801 19th Street, N.W. - Washington, D. C. 20006
I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I Table of Contents
ii
II Preface
V
III Map of Georgetown
vii
IV Introduction
ix
V Selections from the Historic American Buildings
Survey Washington, D. C. Records
WASHINGTON, D. C.
GEORGETOWN
Edgar Patterson House, 1241 30th Street,
3
N. W.
Andrew Ross Tenant House I, 1208 30th
17
Street, N. W.
Andrew Ross Tenant House II, 1210 30th
33
Street, N. W.
Crawford-Cassin House, 3017 o Street, N. W.
47
Smith-Morton Row House, 3034 P Street,
65
N.W.
Methodist Episcopal Parsonage House, 1221
81
28th Street, N. W.
Federal/Victorian Frame House, 3015
95
Dumbarton Avenue, N. W.
II
Page
William Knowles House, 1228 30th Street,
111
N. W.
Wheatley Town House, 3043 N Street, N. W.
127
De La Roche-Jewell Tenant House, 1320 30th
143
Street, N. W.
James I. Barrett House, 1400 29th Street,
155
N. W.
Cooke's Row, Villa No. 3, 3013 Q Street,
169
N. W.
Grafton Tyler Double House, 1314 30th
187
Street, N. W.
Albert Jackson House, 1694 31st Street,
205
N. W.
Mariner-Lewis House, 3099 Q Street, N. W.
215
IV APPENDIX
229
III
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation
http://archive.org/details/georgetownreside05comm
PREFACE
This study of residential architecture in the northeast section
of Georgetown is the third in a series of documents prepared under
the auspices of the Commission of Fine Arts and the Historic American
Buildings Survey. The first study was made in the summer of 1966,
twenty six commercial structures on Wisconsin Avenue and M Street,
published as volumes 2 and 3 in "Selections from the Historic American
Buildings Survey." In the summer of 1967 the second project was
begun, an extensive study of the Georgetown waterfront. These
documents have been printed in a booklet, Georgetown Historic Water-
front, published by the Commission of Fine Arts and the Office of
Archeology and Historic Preservation, and in volume 4 in "Selections
from the Historic American Buildings Survey." A three year survey of
the architecture in the neighborhood of Georgetown University, begun
by volunteers, is to be published in 1969.
This study is limited to residential architecture in the north-
east area: the area bounded by M Street to the south; Wisconsin
Avenue to the west; R Street to the north; and Rock Creek to the
east. A study of additional residences and institutional buildings
primarily in this northeast area is being undertaken in the summer of
1969.
V
KEY TO NORTHEAST GEORGETOWN MAP
a. Edgar Patterson House, 1241 30th Street, N. W.
b. Andrew Ross Tenant House I, 1208 30th Street, N. W.
C. Andrew Ross Tenant House II, 1210 30th Street, N. W.
d. Crawford-Cassin House, 3017 0 Street, N. W.
e. Smith-Morton Row House, 3034 P Street, N. W.
f. Methodist Episcopal Parsonage House, 1221 28th Street, N. W.
g. Federal/Victorian Frame House, 3015 Dumbarton Avenue, N. W.
h. William Knowles House, 1228 30th Street, N. W.
i. Wheatley Town House, 3034 N Street, N. W.
j. De La Roche-Jewell Tenant House, 1320 30th Street, N. W.
k. James I. Barrett House, 1400 29th Street, N. W.
1. Cooke's Row, Villa No. 3, 3013 Q Street, N. W.
m. Grafton Tyler Double House, 1314 30th Street, N. W.
n. Albert Jackson House, 1694 31st Street, N. W.
O. Mariner-Lewis House, 3099 Q Street, N. W.
VI
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Smith-Morton Row Houses
This early nineteenth century streetscape is one of facade continuity
and understated individuality.
VIII
INTRODUCTION
Georgetown provides a vivid picture of the development of
nineteenth century residential architecture. Mirroring the chang-
ing patterns of life and taste, the architecture reveals a conti-
nuity which gives to Georgetown its distinctive character. The
word conservative best describes the continuities present in
nineteenth century Georgetown architecture--conservative in its
style, in its definition of architecture as elaborated construct-
ion and in its recognition of existing context. There is very
little of the architecture of theatrical display or of violent
contrast with the work of the past. In addition the architect-
ural developments in Georgetown follow leading contemporary trends
in the United States but are frequently from one to three decades
later. This position is one which naturally screens out excesses
and tends to the normative middle course.
Contributing to the continuity in the residential architecture
of Georgetown's northeast is the dominance of the builder-architect
rather than the designer-architect. At present an architect's name
can be associated with only one building examined in this study.
Control of the middle and upper middle class architecture by the
constructor accounts in part for the similarities in style, and the
IX
Wheatley Town Houses
This mid nineteenth century row combines earlier geometric simplicity
with Victorian detail enrichments.
X
architecture is a record of social differences, changing life styles
and alterations of the modes of individual expression as much as it
tendencies toward standard solutions. The most obvious manner in
which the vernacular builder's imprint is visible is in the similar
manner of utilization of the materials of wood, brick and cast iron.
With these raw materials standard house solutions are developed and
repeated over the streets of Georgetown. Of the examples in this
survey, the Andrew Ross Tenant Houses, the De La Roche-Jewell Tenant
Houses and the Wheatley Town Houses exemplify this standardization.
The builders and architects of Georgetown's northeast evidence
a special sensitivity to physical pattern and context in which their
architectural projects are placed. This category of the visual con-
tinuities of the residences examined is most important to the special
character of Georgetown. The block pattern established in the com-
mercial and residential streets of the early nineteenth century is
recognized by most later examples. Conveniently salable lots of
from 20' X 60' to 20' x 100' provide the basic framework into which
fit the normative sidehall plans. Three bays form the normal facade
division; building heights rarely exceed two and one half or three
storys. There is in these buildings a careful recognition of the
street facade. Not only are height, width, and setback generally
well coordinated along a particular street, but even in free-standing
examples such as the Mariner-Lewis House, there is careful adaptation
to the site.
These remarks do not deny the distinctiveness and the individual-
ity of the residential architecture of northeast Georgetown. This
XI
Cooke's Row, Villa No. 3
These late nineteenth century picturesque villas break with the usual row
house pattern to recognize the Victorian desire for variety, individuality,
and a more natural setting.
XII
is the documentation of a single regional character. The architect-
ural building types representing widely divergent social groups range
from tenant houses such as De La Roche-Jewell to large scale single
family residences as in the Mariner-Lewis or Crawford-Cassin Houses.
Stylistic temporal change throughout the nineteenth century is
revealed with special clarity in Georgetown's northeast. The examples
portray the gradual change from linear to plastic form, from a stricter
definition of order to one allowing more freedom and variety, from
facades which are more horizontal and balanced to more vertical yet
more sheltered.
Because of the essentially conservative nature of Georgetown
architecture, it is especially important to note the changes in form
of the residential architecture which document the rise of individual
expression. Certainly the residence, as the most personal of building
types, mirrors this rise most effectively. Individuality and independ-
ence are evidenced in several different ways as the century moves to a
close. Plans become more asymmetrical as in the Albert Jackson House,
and rooms become more distinctively positioned and ordered as in Cooke's
Row or in the Mariner-Lewis House. Facades and roof lines become more
picturesque and baroque as in Cooke's Row or in the Grafton Tyler
double house. Ornamentation becomes more elaborate and profuse as an
outward display of wealth. There is an accentuation on the uniqueness
of overall shapes and patterns used on both interiors and exteriors.
Everywhere there is the Victorian spirit of floral nature and
bracketed villa overcoming the older image of the refined and urban
townhouse of the earlier nineteenth century.
XIII
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
1241 30th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Edgar Patterson House
HABS No. DC-177
d
kit.
porch
8'x12'
7'x14'
u
dining rm
12'x12'
u
J
living rm.
hall
13'x13'
0
10
N
30th Street
2
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-177
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
Location:
1241 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the east side of 30th Street
(formerly Washington Street) midway between Olive
and N Streets.
Present Owner:
Mrs. Celicia P. Bolin
Present Occupants: Miss Martha Pat Bell
Miss Dale House
Miss Judy Ruffner
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
The combination of a wooden second story overhanging
Significance:
a brick first floor makes this house unique in George-
town. However, both historical information and careful
architectural study give evidence that the house was
originally a one story frame, the present brick first
floor being the original basement.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in
Square 1211, lot 812 (formerly Square 41, lot 153 and 154).
The following is an incomplete chain of title to the
property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,
Washington, D.C.
1796 Deed June 23, 1796, recorded June 24, 1796 in
Liber B folio 511
Thomas Beall
To
Peter Casanave
Lot 153
1806 Deed April 12, 1806, recorded May 19, 1806 in
Liber P folio 193
Samuel Brooke, Trustee
To
George Thomson
Lot 153
3
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 2)
1807 Tax Deed June 29, 1807, recorded July 18, 1807 in
Liber S folio 37
George Magruder, Collector of the Corporation of
Georgetown
To
Alexander Suter
Sold for taxes as the property of the grantee
Lot 153
1808 Deed December 28, 1808, recorded January 31, 1809 in
Liber V folio 207
John Peter and wife Harriet
To
Edgar Patterson
Lot 154
1813 Deed November 3, 1813, recorded January 17, 1814 in
Liber AG folio 28
Edgar Patterson
To
Henry Foxall
Lots 153 and 154
Consideration: $4212.80
1858 Deed January 20, 1858, recorded January 21, 1858 in
Liber JAS 148 folio 159
Philip T. Berry, et al
(Trustee for the estate of Henry Foxall)
To
Margaret Ann F. Osborne
Parts of lots 153-154
Deed January 20, 1858, recorded February 3, 1858 in
Liber JAS 149 folio 98
Philip T. Berry
Margaret A. F. Osborn
To
William Redin
Deed January 20, 1858, recorded February 3, 1858 in
Liber JAS 149 folio 93
William Redin
To
Sarah Berry, wife of Philip T. Berry
4
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 177 (Page 3)
1869 Deed April 1, 1869, recorded April 3, 1869 in
Liber D 5 folio 172
Sarah Berry
To
Richard A. Macomb
1917 Deed July 23, 1917, recorded August 3, 1917 in
Liber 4002 folio 155
Heirs of Richard Macomb
To
Marianna Stanton
1921 Deed February 24, 1921, recorded February 25, 1921 in
Liber 4455 folio 381
Marianna Stanton
To
Benjamin A. King
Deed February 28, 1921, recorded March 2, 1921 in
Liber 4500 folio 224
Benjamin A. King
To
Anna P. Beardsley
Deed March 19, 1921, recorded April 20, 1921 in
Liber 4499 folio 291
Anna P. Beardsley
To
M. Harold Keady and wife Anna Margie
1923 Deed February 6, 1923, recorded February 14, 1923 in
Liber 4904 folio 35
M. Harold Keady
To
Anna Virginia Huey
1930 Deed October 7, 1930, recorded October 14, 1930 in
Liber 6492 folio 547
Anna Virginia Huey
To
Elizabeth C. Tandy
5
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 4)
1962 Deed May 3, 1962, recorded May 17, 1962 in
Liber 11803 folio 19
Elizabeth C. Tandy
To
Joseph Allen Patterson
1963 Deed January 3, 1963, recorded January 7, 1963 in
Liber 11928 folio 406
Joseph Allen Patterson
To
Cecilia McCallum Parker Bolin
2. Date of erection: The Georgetown Assessments for 1808
(National Archives Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll 8)
give the following information:
Edgar Patterson
July 21, 1809 John Peter lot 154 Beall's
$150
August 11, 1811 1 story frame on 153 Beall's
August 17, 1812 Alexander Suter lot 153 Beall's $ 400
The house is assessed as a frame dwelling through the 1818-
1819 assessments (roll 11).
The Boschke map published in 1861 shows only the original
front portion of the house. Sometime before 1870 the frame
portion was recognized as the second story. The assessment
for 1865 (roll 12) is:
Sarah Berry
153 and 154 132' Washington Street 120' deep $ 640
Improvements Two Story Brick and Frame House $ 900
The Hopkins Atlas of 1890 shows the outline of the house in
its present state with the rear porch and kitchen block.
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The present brick first floor
was originally the basement to the house and was converted
to the first floor by 1840. The present kitchen and back
porch are not original to the house but are late 19th
century. The higher elevation of the dining room-stairway
6
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 5)
half of the first floor appears to be a 20th century reno-
vation. Interior partitions and door openings have been
changed significantly on both floors.
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1858
Ancus M. Hoffar, dentist, h. 108 Washington
1870
Henry Woodward, clerk
1872-1880
Richard Macomb, printer
1881-1915
Macomb family members
1918
vacant
1919
Mrs. Lillian Kengla
1921
vacant
1922-23
Martin H. Keady
1924-27
Mrs. Antoinette Funk
1928
vacant
1929-30
Drew Pearson
1932-42
Elizabeth Tandy
1943
Albert Dick
Mary Reed
Hugh R. Stephenson
1948
Ruth Philips
1954-56
Mrs. Bessie Trout
1960
Nancy Riley
1962-64
Joseph Patterson
1965
Albert Corbett
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
7
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 6)
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1241 30th Street is a house
type which is unique in Georgetown today. With its frame
second floor overhanging a lower floor of brick, its
massive central brick chimney and its steep gable roof
facing the street, this house is a good example of modest
late colonial design. These characteristics and others
suggest that this house may be one of the oldest remaining
in Georgetown.
2. Condition of fabric: The house is in good condition on
both interior and exterior. There has been some remodell-
ing to make the house servicable for 20th century living.
There are also two major alterations. First, it appears
that the original entry to the house was at what is now
the position of the southern most second floor window of
the facade. This is surmised from evidence of repair of
the flooring at that position and from the fact that
before 1830, 30th Street was considerably higher at this
point, but was excavated in connection with the building
of the C. and 0. canal after 1830. A second major altera-
tion was the addition of a 3 story brick kitchen addition
to the northeast of the main block adjoining the present
dining room. This addition appears to be of early to mid-
19th century date.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This two story brick and frame
house faces west onto 30th Street between Olive and N
Streets and its south wall is approximately 105' north of
the centerline of Olive Street. The house has a 3 bay
facade about 20' in length and is approximately 40' in
total depth.
2. Foundations: At present the house is on grade at the
facade while at the east elevation the rear yard is excavated
so that a basement level opens directly out onto the rear
yard. Foundation material is brick.
8
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 7)
3. Wall construction: The ground floor is of brick construc-
tion while the second floor is a clapboard covered wood
frame. At the facade, the second floor projects 8"
beyond the brick face of the ground floor. This projec-
tion is visually supported by flaring wood brackets of
18th century design.
4. Framing: Not visible.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: A wood frame porch,
7' deep by 14' wide is positioned to the east of the main
block and is entered from the stairhall, dining room, and
kitchen of the first floor.
6. Chimneys: A special feature of the dwelling is the large
5 1/2' by 4' chimney located at the center of the main
portion of the house between the living and dining rooms.
It is two sided, with fireplaces at both its east and
west sides. At the roof, this chimney breaks through the
ridge and then is topped by a six course battered cap.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The entry door is of modern date
and has a 5 light fixed transom. As mentioned earlier,
it is likely that the original door was at the second
floor directly over the present location.
b. Windows and shutters: Windows at the ground floor
typically are 6/6 light double-hung wood sash. Those
at the second floor are 9/6 light double-hung wood
sash. These windows appear to be 20th century replace-
ments of earlier units. Shutters are used at the
facade for both first and second floor windows. These
are single panel fixed louvered and painted black.
At the rear, window and door openings in both the brick
kitchen ell and the east elevation of the main block
are bridged by 2" and 3" wood lintels.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The gabled roof, with its ridge
perpendicular to the street, has a standing seam metal
covering at the north pitch and an asphalt shingle
covering at the south pitch.
9
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 8)
b. Cornice, eaves: At the west facade the gable rakes
are edged by a 5" molded wood cornice. This cornice
is terminated at end by a short l' horizontal return.
The west elevation gable end is terminated by a
simple cornice board.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There are none.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: This side hall plan house with kitchen ell
has its staircase located at the southeast corner of the
main block at the end of the hall. At the first floor
there is a front living room, a back dining room in the
gabled portion and a kitchen in the ell. The floor level
of the dining room and the east half of the hall are 6"
above that of the living room and the floor level of the
kitchen is 11" above that of the dining room. At the
second floor there are front and back bedrooms and a
bathroom in the rear ell. A basement extends under the
ell and under the eastern half of the main section of the
house.
2. Stairways: The 1/4 turn staircase to the second floor,
located at the eastern end of the entry hall is of late
18th century appearance. It ascends thirteen 8" risers
from west to east with corner winders turning to the
north as the second floor is reached. Details of the stair
are quite simple. The rail is a 3/4 round section, the
newel is a square 2 1/2" post, and there are two simple
rectangular balusters per 10" tred. Below this is the
basement stairway with a platform at the east and ten
risers down from east to west.
3. Flooring: The second floor retains handsome wide board
pine flooring with several pieces being 1' to 1' 2" in
width. The first floor has a few wide boards in the living
room and the front half of the entry hall but generally
is 20th century narrow boarding.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are painted
plaster over brick or lath.
5. Doors and doorways: The oldest doors in the house (pre
1850) are at the second floor from the front to the back
bedroom and from the hall to the back bedroom. These are
both simple 6 panel doors.
10
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 9)
6. Decorative features and trim: First floor trim is of
20th century date and consists of 2" door and window trim
and a 6" baseboard. Probably of 19th century date,
however, is a 3' 4" high chair rail in the living room.
Below the rail the wall is furred out 1 1/2" to form a
simple dado band.
Trim at the front bedroom on the second floor is probably
of 19th century date and consists of simple 1 1/2" door
and window trim and a 6" baseboard.
7. Notable hardware: The only notable item of hardware is
that the windows at the second floor use metal strip
weight hangers.
8. Lighting: There is nothing of note.
9. Heating: The major features of the interior are the four
wood mantelpieces surrounding each of the fireplaces on
the first and second floors. In the living room the
mantelpiece is probably of 20th century date in imitation
of 19th century design. It is 4' 6" X 4' 5" high with a
6" deep mantel shelf. The dining room mantel piece is of
a more plausible 18th century type and is 5' X 4' 6" high
with a 6" x 5' 9" mantel shelf. The mantel is of very
simple design having two vertical sideboards, a lintel
board between these, a strip trim under the mantel shelf
and three piece strip trim. The latter consists of a
vertical trim at the outer edge of both vertical boards and
a horizontal strip terminating and connecting these two
across the lintel board at a height of about 3 1/2".
At the second floor both bedroom mantelpieces are of
similar design to that in the dining room. That at the
front room is 4' 3" X 4' 3" with a 7" X 5' mantel shelf.
That at the rear room is 3' 8" x 4' 3" high. Both of these
are of late 18th century type and have brick hearths and
firebacks.
The present heating system has radiator units in each room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: This house is set in
a group of small row houses on one of the older resi-
11
EDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-177 (Page 10)
dential streets of Georgetown. As indicated earlier, its
setting has been dramatically changed by the early 19th
century excavation of the slope of 30th Street at this
point.
2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed by 7' high brick
wall at the east and a 10' high brick retaining wall at
the north. The south side of the yard is closed by a 5'
high wood fence.
3. Outbuildings: Foundation remains located 27' east of the
east wall of the kitchen ell and at 8' from the north brick
wall of the rear yard have not been identified with any
particular past function.
4. Walks: The dwelling fronts onto a brick herringbone pattern
sidewalk.
5. Landscaping: A brick patio the east of the kitchen ell is
about 9' square. A medium sized maple tree shades the
facade on 30th Street.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
September, 1968
12
Edgar Patterson House
facade
photos: J. Alexander
rear view
13
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
1208 30th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Andrew Ross Tenant House I
HABS No. DC-174
rear yard
kitchen
9'x13'
u
clos
dining rm.
hall
13'x16'
0
10
N
30th Street
16
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-174
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
Location:
1208 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
is located on the west side of 30th Street (formerly
Washington) midway between M (formerly Bridge Street)
and Olive Street. The house forms a pair with 1210
to the north but is separated by a narrow passageway.
Present Owner:
Dorothea de Schweinitz
Present Occupant:
Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
This house is a good example of the early 19th century
Significance:
modest row type dwelling. It was erected along with
1210 30th Street and the Ross and Getty building des-
cribed in HABS No. DC-113.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1209 (formerly 39, lot 883, formerly 802 in
Beall's Addition to Georgetown. The following references
are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.
1787 Deed October 11, 1787, recorded October 11, 1787 in
Liber c folio 668
Thomas Beall
To
Charles Magruder
Brook Magruder
Lot 18 (Montgomery Co. Land Records, Rockville, Md.)
1801 Deed June 27, 1801, recorded November 2, 1801 in
Liber G folio 342
Eleanor Magruder
To
Thomas Sim Lee
1810 Deed February 17, 1810, recorded February 28, 1810 in
Liber Y folio 45
Thomas Sim Lee
To
Andrew Ross
Robert Getty
17
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 2)
Lots 18 and 19
"One equal moiety to the said Andrew Ross and
the other undivided moiety to the said Robert
Getty...")
1827 Deed June 5, 1827, recorded June 14, 1827 in
Liber WB 17 folio 522
Richard Smith,
William S. Nicholls, Trustees
To
President, Directors and Co. of the Bank of the
United States
Conveys by default of payment of Andrew Ross, one
lot with a three story brick house on the northwest
corner of Bridge and Washington Street, about 21'
on the former and 50' on the latter. One other
piece of ground with the three story brick ware-
house situated on Washington Street and adjoining
the corner aforesaid fronting about 26' on the
said Street by 40' deep. Also a piece of ground
with the three story brick dwelling house thereon
erected North of and adjoining the last described
warehouse also 21' front by 40' deep.
1842 Deed March 30, 1842, recorded March 30, 1842 in
Liber WB 91 folio 35
Richard Smith, Trustee
William S. Nicholls
To
Oscar Alston
Consideration: $800.00
1849 Deed November 22, 1843, recorded May 14, 1844 in
Liber WB 108 folio 86
Oscar Alston
To
Joseph H. Fleet
Consideration: $800.00
1869 Deed July 30, 1869, recorded October 13, 1869 in
Liber D 14 folio 185
Hermione C. Fleet (guardian)
To
Charles H. Peters
18
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 3)
Sold at a public auction November 30, 1863 for
$1800 (Decree SCDC 1448 Doc. #9).
Deed August 21, 1869, recorded October 13, 1869 in
Liber D 14 folio 186
Charles H. Peters et ux Cora Louisa
To
Harione C. Fleet
1873 Deed May 22, 1873, recorded May 24, 1873 in
Liber 722 folio 19
H. C. Fleet
To
James Goddard
1913 Deed February 17, 1913, recorded March 21, 1913 in
Liber 3608 folio 409
Morgan R. Goddard
Frederick L. Goddard
Alice D. Goddard
Trustees and beneficiaries of James Goddard,
deceased
To
Mary W. Goddard
1925 Will of Mary W. Goddard, Will 126/503,
Devises all of her estate to Morgan R., Frederick
L., and Alice D. Goddard as joint tenants for life
with power to sell and convey with remainder over
to Maryland Agriculture College of Maryland.
Morgan R. Goddard died May 21, 1918
Alice D. Goddard died February 23, 1935
1941 Deed February 14, 1941, recorded March 1, 1941 in
Liber 7584 folio 350
Frederick L. Goddard, unmarried,
"surviving tenant for life under the will of Mary
W. Goddard, deceased, acting herein in exercise
of the power of sale and conveyance conferred upon
him by said will"
To
Irene Morley
1941 Deed February 26, 1941, recorded March 1, 1941 in
Liber 7584 folio 352
Irene Morley
To
John Lipscomb
Consideration: $6,500.00
19
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 4)
1942 Deed April 8, 1942, recorded April 11, 1942 in
Liber 7742 folio 52
John Lipscomb et ux Mary R.
To
Dorothea de Schweinitz
2. Date of erection: Between 1810 and 1811. The Deed of
Partition, September 23, 1811, recorded November 7, 1811 in
Liber AB folio 240 mentions the five houses and buildings
erected by Andrew Ross.
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: There is evidence of changes
of many interior partitions. The present north-south wall
between the kitchen and stairway was located 3' to the west
under the present stairs. The northwest corner of the
front section of third floor was changed when the bath was
added. A new marble floor has been put in the front entry.
In the rear portion of the main level the floor has been
elevated 10". The back fireplace appears to have been
rebuilt when this entire back portion was altered.
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1855-58
James Fleet (colored), music-teacher
1863-70
Mrs. Hermione Fleet, widow
1871-72
Genevieve Fleet, Teacher
H. C. Fleet, widow
James H. Fleet, teacher
1875
Mary King, widow Andrew J.
1912-23
Albert P. Hart, salesman
1924-27
Max Rosen, shoemaker (His shop was located at
3005 M Street.)
1930
Rick William
1931-37
William Williams
1939-41
Mrs. Hattie Williams
George Halloway
1942
vacant
1943
Dorothea de Schweinitz
20
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC- 174 (Page 5)
2. The Georgetown Assessments of 1813-1818 (National Archives
Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll 9) show an assessment to
Andrew Ross, July 9, 1817 for the three story brick houses
on Washington Street at 10,500. The following assessment
in 1818-19 (roll 11) gives an assessment for the entire
group of five three story brick houses on both Washington
and Bridge Streets at 22,500.
3. Miss de Schweinitz, the present owner and occupant of the
house has been extremely active in the preservation of
Georgetown. In 1951, along with the Honorable Robert Woods
Bliss, she found Historic Georgetown Incorporated. She
served as president of the corporation from 1966-1968,
Secretary from 1951-67 and was a member of the board from
1951-57 and 1959-68. Miss de Schweinitz was instrumental
in writing and securing passage of the Old Georgetown Act
of 1950.
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1208 30th Street is a good example
of a Federal house which is modest in elaboration but ample
in size. Its simple, well-proportioned facade and its plain
interiors--ornamented only by mantelpieces and fine furnish-
ings--are typical of the merchant class homes of the period.
2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exterior
are in good to excellent condition. There has been altera-
tion of the exterior as the facade has been marred by a
recent sand-blasting and the rear elevation (west) has been
repainted. The interiors have been altered significantly
by the addition of a series of 20th century stud partitions.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This 3 1/2 story brick row type house
faces east onto 30th Street between M and Olive Streets
and its south wall is approximately 105' north of the center-
21
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 6)
line of M Street. The four bay front is 21' 6" wide and the
depth is approximately 35'.
2. Foundations: Foundations at the east, west and south are
of brick while that of the north is of uncoursed stone
masonry. In addition, similar stone foundation walls are
present at both the north and south corners of the west
wall of the rear section of the basement. At the south
foundation wall the chimney is supported by a pair of brick
cheek walls bridged by a 3' 6" wide semicircular brick arch.
3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has
the west and north elevations faced with red brick laid
in common bond. The facade (east) is faced with red brick
in Flemish bond.
4. Framing: 19th century roof framing for both the east and
west sections of the house has 3" x 3 1/2" rafters rough
hewn on one side and sawn on the other. 20th century wood
tie boards and bracing has been added. 19th century fram-
ing of the first floor is with 3" X 11" joists running
north-south. They are rough hewn on one side and sawn on
the other face. The wood spandrel at the south wall
fireplace is slotted through the north-south joists and
wood pin-wedged against them.
Framing of the east section of the first floor is with 20th
century joists of nominal 2" X 10" dimension. A mid-20th
century 8" steel WF beam in the basement replaces an earlier
wood beam in supporting the east-west wall between the din-
ing room and the hall at the first floor. The beam is
supported by three 4" pipe columns.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: There is a mid-20th
century wood plank steel framed balcony at the second
floor north wall. It is supported by steel brackets and
extends from the west wall of the main block to the rear
(west) wall of the rear block. Five wood risers give access
to the balcony from the rear patio.
6. Chimneys: The house has two brick chimneys; one at the
center of the south wall of the east section, and one at
the south end of the west wall of the kitchen (west) sec-
tion. At the south wall the 3' 4" X 4' 4" is a party unit
with the building to south. That at the west wall is 4'
8" X 2' 4". Both have very simple brick caps.
22
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 7)
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The present entry door is a 19th
century 3' 2" wood six panel door with a three light
transom above. It rests on a single piece sandstone
threshold and is surrounded by a wood enframement of
probably 19th century date. The jambs are panelled, and
the door is framed by two simple flat pilasters support-
ing a three step architrave. The simple wood entabla-
ture is crowned by a dentil band and simple corona.
A 20th century 12 light wood door at the north wall
of the stair hall gives exit to the north side patio.
At the second floor is a triple sash window to the
balcony.
At the north side of the east section of the house, a
brick semicircular arch approximately 2' 6" wide heads
the opening giving access to the exterior ground level
passage.
b. Windows and shutters: The facade is fitted with 6/6
light double-hung sash windows at the third floor
and 9/6 light double-hung sash windows at the first
two floors. Originally the northern, and the southern-
center, bay at both the second and third floors
probably did not have window openings. Instead there
were recesses 4" deep to receive closed shutters. At
present three of these shuttered recesses are extant
while that at the southern-center, second floor, has
been opened in the mid-20th century. It has received
a 9/6 light double-hung wood sash window. At the
first floor, in addition to the east wall windows, the
3' X 5' 6" 12/12 light double-hung sash at the north
wall of the rear block is probably of 19th century
date.
At the second floor, windows probably of 19th century
date include a l' 10" x 5' 6" 6/4 light double-hung
sash at the north end of the west wall of the main
block, and a 3' X 5' 6" 12/12 light double-hung sash
at the north wall of the rear section.
Third floor 19th century windows include a 6/6 light
double-hung sash 2' 10" wide at the north wall of the
23
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 8)
rear section and a 4/4 light double-hung sash at the
north and of the west wall of the front section
of the house.
Masonry openings at the east elevation have wood
sills but have neither wood nor masonry arched lintels.
Support of the brick course over the openings has not
been sufficient as evidenced by sagging; thus some of
the window heads have had steel lintels installed.
Shutters at the east elevation are one panel horizontal
louvered shutters at the third floor and two panel
horizontal louvered shutters at the first and second
floors. All shutters are painted black.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The roof over the main east section
of the house is gabled with the ridge running parallel
to the street. The narrower rear section has a shed
roof running up from the north to the south party wall.
b. Cornice, eaves: The facade has a simple three course
cornice with the center course a sawtooth header band.
Gutters and downspouts are of metal.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: The one dormer at the center
of the east slope of the gabled roof is sided with
sheet metal, has a pedimental cornice, and is fitted
with a new 6/6 light double-hung sash.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The basic floor plan is an "L" with a large
front room on each floor separated by a north-south
stairway from a narrower rear room. At present the first
floor (with 8' 11" ceilings) has a front dining room, a
front north side stair hall, and a rear kitchen. The
kitchen and the north-south stairhall floor level is 10"
above the floor level of the front section. There is no
evidence to indicate that this was not the case in the 19th
century.
The second floor (with 9' 4" ceilings) contains a front
living room and a rear bedroom. A lavatory at the north-
west corner of the rear section has been added in the mid-
20th century.
24
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 9)
The third floor (with 8' 5" ceilings) contains a front and
a rear bedroom, a bathroom at the north-west corner of the
front section and a bathroom at the north-west corner of
the rear section. The bathrooms have been added in the
mid-20th century.
2. Stairways: A 2' 4" wide half turn stairway is located at
the rear section of the house at the west wall of the
front section. From the first floor ascent nine 8 1/2"
risers from north to south to the landing and back south to
north, four risers to the second floor. The run to the
third floor is nine risers to the landing and back six to
the upper level.
Nineteenth century details of the main stairway include a
straight wood 3/4 round railing from a 2 1/4" square wood
newel at each floor to each landing and from each landing
to the next floor. There are two simple 1" X 1/2"
rectangular balusters per tread. There are no stringer
features.
Access to the attic is by a 20th century ladder-type wood
stair of nine risers. Under the main stairway, wood
stairway of eleven open risers with corner winders gives
access to the basement.
3. Flooring: Attic flooring is with large 19th century random
width pine flooring approximately 8" to 12" wide. The
three main levels have 19th century 6" to 8" random width
pine flooring running east-west. The basement has a 20th
century concrete floor slab. The slab under the west
portion of the house is 7" higher than that under the east
section.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of plaster,
painted or wall papered.
5. Doorways and doors: 19th century wood doors to the
stairway at the west wall of the main gabled section have
six wood panels with splayed faces on the stair hall side
and plain reverse faces.
6. Decorative features and trim: 19th century trim includes
simple quarter round type 1 3/4" window trim in the front
section of the house at the second and third floors. The
25
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 10)
19th century door trim in the upper two floors is 4 1/2"
wide with a raised mold edge. Corners are mitered and no
plinth blocks are used. A 7" high baseboard used at all
levels of the front section of the house is probably of
19th century date.
Much of the trim of the first floor dining room and of
all floors of the rear section is of 20th century date.
In the north side hall Greek Revival type 5" doorway trim
with corner blocks and plinth blocks is probably of 19th
century date but may not be original to the house.
7. Notable hardware: Hardware is of 20th century date.
8. Lighting: There is nothing of 19th century date or of
special note.
9. Heating: The only major ornamental architectural features
of the interiors are the three wood mantelpieces of the
front block. That at the first floor is a 20th century
reconstruction of a Federal type mantelpiece. The mantel
is 5' 8" x 4' 8" high with a bulging architrave, a dentil
band and a 6" mantel shelf.
The second floor fireplace of the main section has a
brick hearth flush with the floor boards, a brick fire-
back, a plastered facing, and a wood 4' 10" X 4' 10"
mantelpiece. The mantel is fitted with a 7" X 5' 6"
straight line shelf. The area under this shelf is divided
into five panels with those at the center and the ends
projecting approximately 1/2". The two intermediary
blocks have single rectangular cut outs with curved corners.
The London putty features of the mantel have been recon-
structed in the 1940's. The narrow vertical end blocks
are set with putty features in the form of an eagle
standing on a bouquet. This is probably a 20th century
addition. The large horizontal center block has London
putty features in the form of an eagle, two draperies, and
two rinceaus. This also was probably recast in the 20th
century reconstruction. The fireplace is enframed by a
pair of pilasters with inset 1/8 round columns, reeded and
diagonally bound.
At the third floor the 19th century fireplace has both a
brick hearth flush with the floor boards and a brick
26
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 11)
fireback as in the fireplace below. The wood mantelpiece
is 4' 10" x 4' 6" high with a 7" X 6' shelf. The area
under the shelf is divided into five panels. The two end
and the center panel project approximately 1/2". The
intermediary units have single semicircular-ended rectangular
cut-outs. Here also the London putty features of the
mantelpiece have been reconstructed and restored in the 1940's.
The large horizontal central panel has a putty crown and
wheat sheaf motif surrounded by rinceaus which is probably
of the 20th cendury date. The end vertical panels have 19th
century putty features in the form of an urn with flowers.
Fireplaces in the rear section of the house at the south
end of the west wall have simple wood mantelpieces. That
at the second floor appears of 19th century date. It is
5' x 4' 9" high with a 7" mantel shelf. The area under
the shelf is divided into five panels with the intermediary
panels being vertically reeded.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: This brick row type house
with the building to the north forms a pair of fine Federal
homes around the corner from a group of Federal commercial-
residential buildings on M Street. As one comes upon
Georgetown from the center of Washington, this residential-
commercial ensemble marks a significant boundry of the
remains of Federal Georgetown.
2. Enclosures: The north side yard and the rear yard are
enclosed by approximately 7' high brick walls at the north,
south, and west.
3. Outbuildings: A 20th century wood frame shed is set in the
corner of the rear yard formed by the west wall of the
rear block of the house and the south brick enclosing wall
and has 19th century window shutters.
4. Walks: There is a passage at the north side of the house
2' 6" wide by 8' 3" high that gives access to the street
from the side yard. The east facade abuts a brick paved
walk extending from the facade to the curb.
27
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I
HABS No. DC-174 (Page 12)
5. Landscaping: A patio to the west of the rear block is
paved with slate edged with brick while the yard to the
north of the rear section of the house has white and black
marble paving. Planting of the rear yard includes a bor-
der around the patio with a magnolia tree at the northwest
corner. A dogwood tree is at the south center of the
patio.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
September, 1968
28
Andrew Ross Tenant House I and II
photo: J. Alexander
29
Andrew Ross Tenant House I
fireplace, third floor
photos: J. Alexander
living room, second floor
30
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
1210 30th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Andrew Ross Tenant House II
HABS No. DC-175
kit. add.
dining rm.
(orig. kit)
12'x14'
u
d
INTITA
parlor
hall
0
10
N
30th Street
32
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-175
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
Location:
1210 30th Street, N. W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
is located on the west side of 30th Street (formerly
Washington Street) midway between M (formerly Bridge
Street) and Olive Street. The house forms a pair
with 1208 to the south but is separated by a narrow
passageway.
Present Owner:
Mrs. Millicent Chatel
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
1210 30th Street is a good example of the early 19th
Significance:
century modest row type dwelling. It is of the type
that had an office on the first floor with living
quarters above. 1210 and 1208 30th Street were
erected along with the Ross and Getty Building des-
cribed in HABS No. DC-113.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in
Square 1209, lots 878 and 882 (formerly Square 39, lots 18
and 19). The following is an incomplete chain of title to
the property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,
Washington, D. C.
1787 Deed October 11, 1787, recorded October 11, 1787 in
Liber C folio 668
Thomas Beall
To
Charles Magruder
Brook Magruder
Lot 18
(Montgomery County Land Records, Rockville, Maryland)
33
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175 (Page 2)
1801 Deed June 27, 1801, recorded November 2, 1801 in
Liber G folio 342
Eleanor Magruder
To
Thomas Sim Lee
1810 Deed February 17, 1810, recorded February 28, 1810 in
Liber Y folio 45
Thomas Sim Lee
To
Andrew Ross
Robert Getty
Lots 18 and 19
"One equal moiety to the said Andrew Ross
and
the other undivided moiety to the said Robert
Getty "
1827 Deed June 5, 1827, recorded June 14, 1827 in
Liber WB 17 folio 522
Richard Smith,
William S. Nicholls, Trustees
To
President, Directors and Co. of the Bank of the
United States
Conveys by default of payment of Andrew Ross, one
lot with a three story brick house on the north-
west corner of Bridge and Washington Street, about
21' on the former and 50' on the latter. One
other piece of ground with the three story brick
warehouse situated on Washington Street and ad-
joining the corner aforesaid fronting about 26'
on the said Street by 40' deep. Also a piece of
ground with the three story brick dwelling house
thereon erected North of and adjoining the last
described warehouse also 21' front by 40' deep
One other brick three story dwelling house North
of last described
also 21' front by 40' deep.
1841 Deed December 23, 1841, recorded January 25, 1842 in
Liber WB 89 folio 431
Richard Smith, Trustee
William S. Nicholls, Trustee
To
Joseph W. Hand
34
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175 (Page 3)
1851 Deed October 21, 1851, recorded February 6, 1858 in
Liber JAS 149 folio 181
Catherine W. Hand
Heirs of Joseph W. Hand
To
Ezekiel Hughes
Consideration: $800.00
1877 Deed in Trust July 3, 1877, recorded July 5, 1877 in
Liber 861 folio 133
Ezekiel Hughes
To
William D. Cassin
William A. Gordon
Sold Hereunder
1879 Deed December 12, 1879, recorded December 22, 1879 in
Liber 930 folio 253
William D. Cassin
William A. Gordon
To
James Goddard
Consideration: $1550.00
1904 Deed June 30, 1904, recorded June 30, 1904 in
Liber 2825 folio 105
James Richard Young
To
Morgan R. Goddard
James D. Goddard
Frederick J. Goddard
1910 Deed July 27, 1910, recorded October 26, 1910 in
Liber 3564 folio 356
Morgan R. Goddard
Frederick J. Goddard
Mary W. Goddard
Alice D. Goddard
To
Annie K. G. James
Deed August 5, 1910, recorded November 20, 1912 in
Liber 3591 folio 19
Annie K. Goddard James
To
35
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175 (Page 4)
Maryland Agriculture College
"said property and any funds arising thereupon
shall be treated as a memorial or memorial fund ...
of the beloved brother James Douglas Goddard...
"
1943 Deed December 7, 1943, recorded December 10, 1943 in
Liber 7920 folio 438
University of Maryland
Successor to Maryland Agricultural College
To
Frederick J. Goddard
Consideration: $20,000
1948 Deed June 28, 1948, recorded July 20, 1948 in
Liber 8792 folio 152
National Savings and Trust Co.,
Executor under the Will of Frederick J. Goddard
To
Gouverneur Morris Helfenstein
1965 Lillian Helfenstein
To
Millicent Childs Investment Inc.
Deed August 2, 1965, recorded August 6, 1965 in
Liber 12458 folio 235
2. Date of erection: Between 1810 and 1811. The Deed of
Partition September 23, 1811, recorded November 7, 1811
in Liber AB folio 240, mentions the five houses and build-
ings erected by Andrew Ross.
3. Architect: Unknown.
4. Original plans, construction, etc.: None known.
5. Alterations and additions: Since purchasing the house in
1965, Mrs. Chatel has attempted to restore the house to its
original state. The front entry was relocated to its present
center position and both the main gable roof and back shed
roofs were raised. The present second floor mantel was
brought up from the first floor and the first floor fireplace
was restored to its original condition with the addition of
a new mantel shelf. The corner dining room fireplace was
36
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC- 175 (Page 5)
also reconstructed. The present floors are a combination
of original and reclaimed boards. The stairs are all of
original materials with the exception of the first four at
the ground level.
6. Important old views: None known.
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington Directories provide the following tenant
information:
1855
Samuel Fearson, carpenter
1863-80
Ezekiel Hughes, printer
1914
Mrs. Elize Riker
1915
David Vavine
1916
Samuel Miller
1918-28
Andrew J. Coleback
1929-33
Charles H. Westbrook
1934
Vacant
1935
Roy Wood
1936
Lawrence R. Patterson
1938
Vacant
1939
George Mullign
1940-43
Wise W. Hurt
1948
Vacant
1954-65
Mrs. Lillian Helfenstein
1966
Mrs. Millicent Chatel
2. The Georgetown Assessments of 1813-1818 (National Archives
Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll 9) sho W an assessment to
Andrew Ross, July 9, 1817 for the three story brick houses
on Washington Street at $10,500. The following assessment
in 1818-1819 (roll 11) gives an assessment for the entire
group of 5 three story brick houses on both Washington and
Bridge Streets at $22,500. Ezekiel Hughes was assessed $300
on the land and $1,000 on the three story brick house in
1865-70 (roll 12).
3. Ezekiel Hughes was the editor and printer of the Georgetown
Advocate. Since the city directories do not list a different
address, it is quite likely that he had his office on the
first floor.
37
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC- 175 (Page 6)
4. For additional information on the early owners of the
property see the following:
Thomas Sim Lee
HABS No. DC-168
Ross and Getty
HABS No. DC-113
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1210 30th Street is a good example
of a Federal house which is modest in elaboration but
ample in size. Its simple well proportioned facade and
its plain interiors - ornamented only by mantelpieces and
fine furnishings - are typical of the merchant class homes
of the period.
2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exteriors
are in good-excellent condition. The entire house has
been restored by Carroll Curtice, architect, in 1967.
Most of the features of the interior however are early
19th century originals and all of these elements of trim
and mantelpieces are said by the owner to have been
present in the house at the time of restoration.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This 3 1/2 story brick row type
faces East onto 30th Street between M and Olive Streets,
and its North wall is approximately 155' south of the
centerline of Olive Street. The three bay front is
approximately 18'6'' wide and the depth is approximately
36' (42' including kitchen addition).
2. Foundations: The foundations are generally of brick but
there are remains of a rubble stone foundation wall at the
South basement wall. The chimney at the North wall of the
front (East) section is supported by brick walls and a
segmental arch.
38
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175
(Page 7)
3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has
the North and South elevations faced with red brick laid
in common bond with header courses every 6 courses. The
front (East) elevation has face brick laid in Flemish
bond.
4. Framing: The roof framing is with 3" X 4" rafters. Other
framing of the house is not visible.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: None
6. Chimneys: There are two three-flue chimneys for the house;
one at the center of the North wall of the East gabled
section and one at the Northwest corner of the rear shed-
roofed section. At the North wall the chimney is approx-
imately 4'-4" X 1'-8" and the other at the Northwest is
approximately 5' X 2'-4".
7. Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors: The front door at present is a
20th century 3' six panel wood door, with a three
light transom. It is set in a simply trimmed masonry
opening at the center bay of the first floor and its
threshold is a granite step supporting a gray sand-
stone sill.
b.
Windows and shutters: The East elevation is fitted
with 6/6 light double-hung wood sash on the third
floor and 9/6 light double-hung sash for the first
two floors. The center bay window on the second and
third floors is without sash and is simply a recess
to receive closed pairs of shutters.
Masonry window openings have wood sills but have
neither wood nor masonry arched lintels. Support
of the brick over the openings has not been suffi-
cient as evidenced by sagging; thus over some of the
windows steel lintels have been installed. All
East elevation windows have wood two panel fixed
horizontal louver shutters painted black and simple
metal shutter stops painted black. Both stops and
shutters appear to be 20th century.
39
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175 - (Page 8)
8. Roof:
a.
Shape, covering: The roof over the main (East)
section of the house is gabled with the ridge
running parallel to the street. The rear section
is narrower and has a shed roof running up South
to North. The covering of the gabled roof is of
slate while the rear section is covered with
standing seam metal.
b.
Cornice, eaves: The 30th Street facade has a single
three course brick cornice with the center course a
sawtooth header band.
C.
Cupolas, dormers, towers: The one dormer at the
center of the East slope of the gabled roof is
sided with slate, has a simple pedimental cornice,
and is fitted with mid-20th century 6/6 light double-
hung wood sash.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The basic floor plan of the house is an "L"
with a large front room on each floor and a narrower rear
room separated from the front by à North - South stairway.
At the time of the restoration of the house two years ago,
a three story addition was made at the West wall of the
rear section entered from the West wall of rear rooms at
each floor.
At present the first floor (with 8'-10" ceilings) has a
front parlor, a rear dining room, and a kitchen in the
rear addition. At the time of the restoration, however,
there was a stair at the South wall of the front room.
It rose from East to West and a partition separated it
from the remainder of the present parlor. A door at the
West end of this hall gave access to the rear yard. As
part of this arrangement the doorway to the house was
at the South end of the East elevation and there was a
doorway in the hall partition to the parlor.
The second floor (also with 8'-10" ceilings) contains a
front parlor, a rear bedroom and a laundry room in the
20th century addition.
40
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175 (Page 9)
The third floor (with 8'-1" ceilings) includes a front
bedroom, a rear bedroom and a bath in the addition.
Above, the attic has a front and a rear storage room.
2. Stairways: The 2'-3" wide half-turn stairway is located
between the front and rear blocks and runs up from South
to North to South. From the first floor there are ten
8 1/4" risers to a landing and four back to the second
floor. From the second it runs up eight and back six
risers, and from the third floor it rises eight and then
back five risers. The basement is reached by a straight
run of twelve risers enclosed under the main stair.
Details of the stairway are very simple with a 3/4 round
rail, two 1" X 1/2" balusters per tread and a 2 1/4"
square newel post.
3. Flooring: Attic flooring is with large 19th century
random width pine flooring 8" to 12" wide. The other
floors have a combination of original and replacement
pine flooring random widths of 6" to 8".
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of un-
painted plaster throughout.
5. Doorways and doors: Simple six panel wood doors are used
throughout.
6. Decorative features and trim: Door trim is typically 5"
wide simple trim with a molded edge. Window trim is
typically 2" wide simple trim board. A 7" molded top
baseboard apparently 19th century in date is used through-
out. No wainscot, chair rail or cornice mold is used.
7. Notable hardware: Hardware consists of 20th century
reproductions of 19th century devices.
8. Lighting: There is nothing of 19th century date or special
note.
9. Heating: The only major ornamental architectural features
of the structure are the mantelpieces of the second and
third floors. There are six fireplaces in the house,
three on each chimney and two per floor.
41
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC-175 (Page 10)
The first floor mantelpiece at the North wall of the
front room is a quite simple 5'-6" x 4'-10" high
wood enframement with a 9" wide mantel shelf, and
with a brick hearth. It is painted a medium tan.
In the dining room the reconstruction has placed a
corner fireplace at the Northwest. It has no mantel-
piece and the 5'-3" X 3'-6" high opening is bridged
by a new oak lintel.
The front room of the second floor has an ornate
wood mantelpiece 5'-1" wide and 5'-0" high. The
mantel shelf front edge has a convex central bay
discountinuous with two concave end sections. This
front edge is carved with bands of beads and ribbons.
The area below the mantel shelf is divided into five
panels with a rinceau ornament in the central panel,
floral medallions in the semicircular edged inter-
mediary units and paired dolphins in pointed arch
cut-outs in the end blocks. These features are
executed in English putty. Supporting this band
and framing the sides of the fireplace are a pair
of reeded pilasters. The mantelpiece is painted a
medium-deep blue.
The back bedroom of the second floor has a fireplace
at the West wall with a simple wood 5'-2" x 4'-8"
high mantelpiece with fluted pilasters, a simple
five block undermantel band and a straight line
mantel shelf.
At the third floor the front bedroom fireplace has
an ornamental wood 5'-5" x 4'-10" high mantelpiece.
It has a 9 1/2" x 6'-8" mantel shelf with a front
edge having a central convex curve and straight
ends. The area under the mantel shelf is divided
into five panels and decorated with English putty.
A central semicircular unit is decorated with
garlands, the intermediary ones have horizontal
ovals with swags and flowers, and the vertical oval
end blocks each has a flower feature. The vertical
enframement is with two reeded 1/8 round column
segmental carved as a panel within the pilaster.
The entire mantelpieces is painted a blue-green.
42
ANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II
HABS No. DC- 175
(Page 11)
The back bedroom fireplace of the third floor has a
very simple wood mantelpiece 4'-4" X 4'-4" high with
a 7" wide mantel shelf and with no ornamental features.
The modern central heating system has radiators in
each room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: The structure is one of a
group of Federal and Victorian houses on this busy
residential street near a major commercial street of
Georgetown.
2. Enclosures: The rear yards is enclosed by a brick wall
approximately 7' in height.
3. Outbuildings: None
4. Walks: The house faces directly onto a brick public side-
walk. The rear yard is completely paved with brick. To
the North of the house there is an alley approximately 10'
wide extending from 30th Street beyond the back line of
the lot.
5. Landscaping: At the public sidewalk the facade is shaded
by a 1'-0" diameter tree.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
July, 1968
43
Andrew Ross Tenant House II
fireplace, third floor
photos: J. Alexander
living room, second floor
44
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
3017 O Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Crawford-Cassin House
HABS No. DC-184
u
kitchen
dining rm.
19'x19'
d
pantry
sewing rm.
library
16'x17'
19'x19'
a
d
stair hall
drawing rm.
porch
19'x33'
study
11'x20
0
10
N
0 Street
46
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 184
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
Location:
3017 0 Street, N.W. (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the north side of 0 Street
(formerly Beall) between 30th and 31st Street, the
west wall being approximately 175' from 30th Street.
Present Owner:
Mrs. Ray Atherton
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
Significance:
3017 0 Street is a handsome example of a large free-
standing Federal house. Documents as early as 1818
refer to the house as a "mansion." It is one of the
few houses in Georgetown that still retains the two
story side porch. Architectural evidence indicates
the original entry may possibly have been on the east
(porch) side. At one time the gardens of the property
extended to 30th Street to the east and to P Street
on the north. The house is still accessible from P
Street by a private driveway. Early in the 20th
century the building was altered and enlarged to be
used as a private school. Today it is again a pri-
vate residence.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1257, lot 840 (formerly Square 87 and parts of
old lots 95, 96 and part of lot 200 forming the alley to
P Street. The following is an incomplete chain of title
to the property. The references are to the Recorder of
Deeds, Washington, D.C.
At the time of the cession of the District of Columbia
lot 95 is supposed to have been owned by William
Robertson, lot 96 by Samuel Thomas, and lot 200 by
Thomas Beall.
47
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-184 (Page 2)
1793 Deed August 30, 1793, recorded February 18, 1794 in
Liber A, folio 483
William Robertson
To
William Hammond Dorsey
Includes lot 95
1794 Deed March 20, 1794, recorded July 12, 1794 in
Liber B, folio 51
Samuel Thomas
To
Samuel Davidson
William Craik
William Hammond Dorsey
Conveys lots 96 and 97 to hold as tenants in
common without the benefit of survivorship
1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded September 12, 1797 in
Liber c, folio 152
Samuel Davidson
William H. Dorsey
To
William Craik
Lot 96
1812 Deed April 8, 1812, recorded October 15, 1812 in
Liber AD, folio 338
Edmund Jennings Lee,
Executor of the last Will and Testament of William Craik
To
George French
Lot 96
1814 Deed March 16, 1814, recorded September 13, 1814 in
Liber AH, folio 200
William Hammond Dorsey
To
George French
Lot 95
Deed May 13, 1814, recorded November 12, 1814 in
Liber AH, folio 292
George French
To
Richard Smith
Lots 96 and 97
Consideration: $1,353.00
48
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-184 (Page 3)
1819 Deed April 22, 1819, recorded October 22, 1819 in
Liber AW, folio 160
Richard Smith
To
Sarah Crawford
Lots 95, 96 and 97
Consideration: $12,500.00
1833 Deed December 17, 1833, recorded December 20, 1833 in
Liber WB 64, folio 1
Richard Smith
To
Stephen Cassin
"Conveys the dwelling house, garden and premises
situated on the corner formed by the intersection
of Washington and Beall Streets and contracted
in writing further to convey to said Sarah Crawford,
dec'd
10'
ground
for an alley to said dwelling
house, garden and premises. The said Sarah Crawford
hath devised the house, gardens and premises to
Richard R. and Lorman Crawford who have since sold
said premises to Stephen Cassin."
1861 Deed September 11, 1861, recorded February 4, 1862 in
Liber JAS 215, folio 284
Joseph R. Cassin, Trustee
To
Joseph Libbey
Lots 96 and 97
Deed August 6, 1861, recorded January 8, 1862 in
Liber JAS 216, folio 139
Joseph R. Cassin, Trustee
To
Isabella Davis
Lot 95 and the alley in lot 200 connecting
with West Street
Consideration: $6,500.00
Deed October 3, 1861, recorded January 8, 1862 in
Liber JAS 216, folio 114
Joseph Libbey
To
Isabella Davis
"Part of lot 96 (west 22') from corner of
Charles W. Amy's house."
49
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-184 (Page 4)
1884 Deed April 7, 1884, recorded April 17, 1884 in
Liber 1082, folio 49
Francis R. R. Bromwell
Isabella Hagner, Executors of the Will of Isabella Davis
To
I. Thomas Davis
Lot 95, part of lot 96 and the alley
1890 Deed November 15, 1890, recorded November 15, 1890 in
Liber 1540, folio 259
I. Thomas Davis et ux Anna
To
Harry W. Blunt
1896 Deed January 7, 1896, recorded January 4, 1896 in
Liber 2096, folio 20
Harry W. Blunt
To
Edmund C. Blunt
Harriet W. Blunt
Virginia Blunt
Harry W. Blunt, Jr.
William Laird Blunt
1902 Deed June 9, 1902, recorded June 17, 1902 in
Liber 2637, folio 412
William A. Gordon
Maurice J. Adler, Trustees
To
Charles H. Cragin
Sold for default under trust from Harry W. Blunt,
November 15, 1890, recorded in Liber 1534, folio
382.
1903 Deed February 14, 1903, recorded March 5, 1903 in
Liber 2707, folio 251
Charles H. Cragin et ux Elizabeth
To
Eliza C. Smith
Sarah Elizabeth Edwards
50
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 184 (Page 5)
1935 Deed March 28, 1935, recorded March 29, 1935 in
Liber 6875, folio 330
Sarah Elizabeth Edwards,
surviving joint tenant of
Elizabeth C. Smith, dec'd
To
Sarah W. S. Miller
Consideration Stamp: $25.00
1937 Deed March 30, 1937, recorded April 6, 1937 in
Liber 7095, folio 19
Sarah W. S. Miller
To
Rachel C. Hale
1942 Deed August 7, 1942, recorded August 11, 1942 in
Liber 7781, folio 519
Rachel C. Hale
To
Ray Atherton
2. Date of erection: The Georgetown Assesment Records of
1815 (National Archives, Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll
10) give the following information:
November 30, 1816:
Richard Smith
Large 2 Story new B. H. Kitchen [?] $6,000
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The house has undergone
major changes, the most important being the possible
shifting of the entry from the east to the south side as
well as the possibility of a change in the site of the
present south main entry. The rear portion consists of
19th century additions. The interior presents many
Victorian alterations.
6. Important old views: None found.
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington city directories provide the following
tenant information:
51
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-184 (Page 6)
1830
Sarah Crawford. Beall Street, near Washington
1853
Com. Cassin. N.W. corner Beall and Washington
1855
Com. Cassin, USN. 112 Beall
1858-82
Isabella Davis and members of her family.
[The address varies from 114 and 94 Beall to
3015 and 3017 0 Street]
1888
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Leupp
1893
Beverly Randolph Mason, Professor
1911-18
St. Agnes School for Girls (Episcopal)
1919-35
Epiphany School, Sister of the Epiphany
1936
Vacant
1938-42
Mrs. Rachel Hale
1943
Ray Atherton
1948
Mrs. Shevlin
1956-68
Mrs. Ray Atherton
2. The Georgetown Assessments give the following additional
tax information:
Roll 11 (1818-19)
Richard Smith
Lot 95 Bealls 60 Beall
$800
Lot 95 Bealls
60 Beall
$900
Lot 97 Bealls
60 Beall, 120 Washington
$1100
Mansion Brick
Part 93 Bealls
20 Washington
$300
Roll 12 (1865-70)
Isabella Davis
Lot 95 and 96
82' N.S. Beall Street
120' deep
145 $2,450
Improvements large three-story brick
dwelling and stable
145 $7,500
N. part lot 200. 10' S. side West
Street
120' deep.
Used as an alley
350
$300
3. Commander Stephen Cassin, the second known occupant of the
house, was an important naval officer. He was born in
Philadelphia in 1783 and entered the Navy in 1800. For
his brave action in the battle of Lake Champlain in the
war of 1812, he was awarded a gold medal by Congress in
1814. Later he became the master-commandant of an 18-
gun sloop-of-war, Peacock, and captured five pirate ships
52
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-184 (Page 7)
the West Indies. Commander Cassin was married to the
daughter of an English army officer, Captain Abernethy.
He died in Georgetown, August 29, 1857. (The National
Cyclopedia of American Biography, vol. XII, p. 263.)
4. Beverly Mason was the first occupant to use the house as
a school. In 1893 she opened her school, Gunston Hall,
in this house, but moved elsewhere after only one year.
From 1911 to 1918 the St. Agnes School for Girls was in
the house. Then in 1919 two Episcopal sisters opened the
School of the Epiphany. A report on the school at the
Bishop's office of the Washington National Cathedral
dated May 31, 1920, gives the following as the purpose
of the school: to meet the needs of persons of
moderate means and reports that there were four
teachers and thirty-two female pupils. The school was
run "by the hard labor of the Sisters of the Epiphany."
5. Mr. Ray Atherton who purchased the house in 1942 was
a member of the U.S. Foreign Service. He was the acting
chief of the European Division of the Department of
State, 1940-1943, then first American Ambassador to Canada.
After retiring from the Foreign Service in 1948, he was
appointed an alternate delegate to the United States
delegation to the United Nations General Assembly Meeting,
Paris, 1948. Mr. Atherton died in 1960; his wife still
occupies the house. (Who Was Who in America, vol. 3, p.
952.)
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
October, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: This Federal brick mansion
presents a very ordered facade to 0 Street, which gives
little hint of the various renovations and alterations
53
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-184 (Page 8)
the building has suffered. In fact, the disposition of
the bearing walls in the basement, the bricked up open-
ings in the west wall, the floor patches where partitions
have been relocated, the original position of the drawing
room, fireplace, etc., seem to indicate that the east was
possibly the original entrance front of the house, though
the stucco at the two-story porch there would have to be
removed for further study to support this theory. Basically
a much-remodeled early nineteenth century house, its mid-
Victorian additions set the character and provide an
elegant background for the present owner's collection of
fine antiques.
2. Condition of fabric: The building is in good condition
throughout, considering the many alterations and additions
over the years.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This three story brick residence faces
south onto O Street, between 30th and 31st Streets, with
its east wall approximately 170' to the west of the center-
line of 30th Street. The main block of the house is
approximately 34' deep and the three-story northwest wing
is approximately 18' 6" by 38'. The 0 Street facade is
four bays wide and is 37' in length.
2. Foundations: The brick foundation is exposed approximately
4' across the front (south) elevation, sloping along the
sides to approximately 2' across the rear (north) eleva-
tion.
3. Wall construction: The brick bearing walls of the main
block are of Flemish bond face brick on the south elevation;
running bond with header courses every sixth course on
the west and north elevations; and Flemish bond, with
stucco covering the back walls of the porches on the east
elevation. The brick bearing walls of both one-story and
three-story wings are running bond with header courses every
sixth course.
4. Framing: Interior partitions are of stud wall construction
with the exception of the east wall of the entry hall, the
north wall of the southwest first floor room, and the north
and east walls of the southwest second floor room, which
are plastered masonry.
54
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 184 (Page 9)
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the main entrance on
the south front are five red sandstone steps leading up
to a sandstone stoop with simple wrought-iron railings on
each side. On the east end of the main block is a two-
story frame porch 8' by 32'. It has five full-height
square columns with chamfered corners, simple wood rail-
ings, and a modillioned cornice. The first floor ceiling
is of flat boards while the second floor ceiling is of
beaded boards. Five wood steps lead down to the garden
level at the east.
6. Chimneys: There are chimneys on the east and west sides
of the main block, and one in the center of the north-
west wing.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The front (south) door has six
raised panels, sidelights, and an elliptical transom
light. This is all of recent manufacture and there
are traces of a taller earlier entranceway at the same
location. The north door into the northeast wing
(dining room) is a modern flush door. This doorway
has a small hood over it. There is also a five-panel
door at the northwest corner into the kitchen wing.
b. Windows and shutters: First floor windows of the main
block are generally six over six, 12" by 20" light,
double-hung wood sash. Second floor windows of the
main block are generally six over six, 12" by 18"
light, double-hung wood sash. Third floor windows of
the main block are six over six 12" by 14" light,
double-hung wood sash. Windows in the north-east wing
are six over six, 10" by 14" wood sash. The small
enclosed porch at the north end of the northwest wing
has a single leaf casement window with six 10" by 12"
lights. The northeast window from the drawing room
to the porch has two hinged panels below permitting
its use as a door and appears to be of 19th century
date. Several original basement sash windows remain,
which are two light casements. There are shutters on
the third floor of the northwest wing and the upper
two floors of the main block although most of the other
windows show traces of having had them. The three
first floor windows of the south elevation, have been
outfitted with mid-19th century iron balcony railings.
55
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 184 (Page 10)
8. Roof:
a. Shape and covering: The roof of the main block is
gabled with the ridge running east-west; the roof of
the northwest wing is gabled with the ridge running
north-south; and the roof of the north-east wing is
a shed roof pitched down toward the east. All roofs
are metal covered and painted.
b. Cornice, eaves: The main block has a wood box cornice
with modillions across the south elevation, two
projected brick courses along the rakes of the east
and west ends and along the north elevation. The
northwest additions also have two projected brick
courses as a cornice on the east, west, and north.
C. Cupolas, dormers towers: None
C. Description of the Interior:
1. Floor plans: The basement of the main block is divided
into four unequal areas: the southwest contains the
heating plant, the northeast has a brick herringbone
floor, while the other three have concrete floors. The
original masonry partition between the northwest and
southwest spaces has been removed and replaced with a
heavy steel lintel. The first floor of the main block
(12' in floor to ceiling height) has a drawing room across
the east end, a small study in the southwest corner, and
an entry hall between the drawing room and study leading
to the stair hall in the northwest corner. A small powder
room has been added to the north of the small study. The
northeast wing (8' 10" floor to ceiling) has its floor 7"
below that of the main block and contains a library open-
ing off the large drawing room, leading into the dining
room in the northeast corner. The northwest wing contains
a sewing room opening off the stair hall, a pantry, and
the kitchen. The second floor of the main block (11' 5"
in floor to ceiling height) has bedrooms in the southeast
and south-west corners, a bath in the northeast corner
(with its floor raised 7"), and the stairhall in the north-
west corner. The second floor of the northwest wing
(8' 9" in floor to ceiling height) has its floor 7" below
that of the main block and has a room across the north
56
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 184 (Page 11)
end, a hall along the west side with a stair down to the
kitchen, a bedroom in the center of the east elevation,
another bedroom south of that, and a bath against the
main block. The third floor of the main block (10' 5"
in floor to ceiling height) has bedrooms in the northeast,
southeast, and southwest corners, each with an adjoining
bath, and a stairhall in the northwest corner. The third
floor of the northwest wing has a bedroom across the rear
with a bath to the south, a hall along the west side, and
a store room adjoining the main block.
2. Stairways: The main stair ascends from the south seven
winders to the east and a straight run of eight risers
along the north wall to a landing across the west end of
the stair hall, from which seven more risers lead west to
east to the second floor. From the second floor eleven
risers run along the north wall to a landing at the west
end, from which ten more risers lead to the third floor.
This stair has a very heavy Victorian turned newel, heavy
turned balusters, a broad handrail, and jigsawed scroll
brackets at the tread ends. The lower run has a board-
and-batten enclosure for the simple wood utility stair to
the basement.
There is an enclosed wood stair from the kitchen to the
second floor of the northwest wing ascending from north to
south along the west wall, and a similar run beneath it
from the kitchen to the laundry room below.
3. Flooring: In the main block and the first two floors of
the northwest wing, there are 5" wide pine boards; the
northeast wing and the top floor of the northwest wing
have 3 1/4" oak strip flooring.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of
painted plaster throughout.
5. Doorways and doors: There are several varieties of wood
panelled doors throughout the house. The main block has
typically six-panel doors with flat panels and wide quirked
cyma sticking on the first and second floors, and six-panel
doors with raised panels and ovolo sticking on the third
floor. There are also a few modern stock six-panel doors
and a few copies of early six-panel doors scattered through-
out. The northeast wing has modern copies of the living
57
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 184 (Page 12)
room doors throughout, and the first and second floors of
the northwest wing have a variety of both molded and un-
molded four and five-panel mid-nineteenth century doors.
The third floor has modern stock six-panel doors through-
out. Pairs of doors occur at the entrance to the drawing
room from the hall and between the library and dining
room.
6. Decorative features and trim: First floor trim in the main
block is typically 10" wide with a deep backband, second
floor trim in the main block is the same molded trim 7"
wide without the backband, and third floor trim in the
main block is a 3" wide quirked cyma molding. Picture
molding occurs frequently throughout, though cornices do
not. The library in the northeast wing has built in
bookcases with small corinthian pilasters, a molded chair
rail, and a cornice with picture molding, all of mid-
twentieth century manufacture. The first and second
floors of the northwest wing have the same 3" quirked cyma
molding as the third floor of the main block, while the
third floor of the north-west wing has 3 1/2" wide stock
modern trim.
7. Notable hardware: There is a variety of nineteenth and
twentieth century hardware throughout, that on the first
floor of the main block being particularly fine though
not original to the doors bearing it.
8. Lighting: There are no notable fixtures.
9. Heating: There is a boiler in the southwest corner of
the basement, with radiators throughout the house.
The drawing room mantelpiece, while not original, is
particularly fine. It is of white marble with an arched
opening having grape carvings in the spandrels and a bunch
of grapes in the keyblock. It has been converted to a
wood burning fireplace by reducing the height of the
opening. The southwest study has a wood mantelpiece
with a simple Tudor arch supported on flat pilasters. A
similar mantelpiece occurs in the southeast bedroom on
the second floor and the southeast bedroom on the third
floor. The southwest second floor bedroom mantel has full-
round Tuscan columns at each side supporting square impost
blocks with a broad Greek ovolo bedmould under the shelf.
The 10" entablature is horizontally reeded.
58
CRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-1.84 (Page 13)
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: Situated well back from
and above 0 Street, the house appears somewhat aloof from
its younger neighbors on each side: though the neighborhood
is composed of row houses and semi-detached larger houses,
this is the only free-standing house in the block. The
front (south) elevation has at the 0 Street walk a 3' high
brick retaining wall supporting an embankment topped by a
2 1/2' hedgerow.
2. Enclosures: There is a chain link fence along the west
side of the lot, a wood lattice fence on the east side of
the driveway, and a wrought-and-cast-iron fence from the
southwest corner to the 0 Street sidewalk.
3. Outbuildings: There is a modern two-car red brick garage
at the rear of the property.
4. Walks: Walks are of concrete, flagstone, and brick.
5. Landscapting: There is miscellaneous shrubbery across the
south front, and a formal garden with some large boxwoods
on the east end. The rear court is paved.
Prepared by The Office of
Walter G. Peter, Jr., AIA
Architect
April, 1969
59
Crawford-Cassin House
photo: J. Alexander
60
Crawford-Cassin House
main staircase
V
photos: J. Alexander
fireplace, living room
61
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
3034 P Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Smith-Morton Row House
HABS No. DC-185
kitchen
original
kitchen
15'x16'
u
lav.
d
d
south parlor
16'x18'
U
arch
arch
north parlor
hall
17'x18'
vest.
0
10
N
P Street
64
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 185
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
Location:
3034 P Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
is located on the south side of P Street (formerly
West) midway between 30th and 31st Streets. The
house is the westernmost of a row.
Present Owner:
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Edgar
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
3034 P Street is a good example of a brick federal
Significance:
row house. It is well preserved; the interior is
largely intact and the original kitchen outbuilding
is still extant.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1257, lot 824 (formerly Square 87, lots 197
and 198). The following is an incomplete chain of title
to the property. The references are to the Recorder of
Deeds, Washington, D.C.
At the time of the cession of the District, lots 197 and
198 appear to be owned by Thomas Beall of Georgetown.
1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded June 9, 1797 in
Liber c folio 55
Thomas Beall et ux Nancy
To
Samuel Davidson
1806 Will of Samuel Davidson, December 9, 1806, recorded
November 13, 1810
Will Book 1 folio 178
"residue of Estate to nephew Lewis Grant provided
he shall by lawful authority assume forever after
the surname of Davidson."
1811 Act of Congress, February 6, 1811
Statutes at Large 6-97
Changes the name of Lewis Grant to Lewis Grant
Davidson.
65
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 185 (Page 2)
1814 Lease April 12, 1814, recorded May 16, 1814 in
Liber AG folio 398
E. 20' of lot 197 and W. 20' of 198
Thomas B. Beall
Elisha Lanham
Lease for 99 years at yearly rent of $40.00
1816 Deed August 21, 1816, recorded September 13, 1816 in
Liber AM folio 158
Thomas B. Beall
To
Elisha Lanham
Deed August 31, 1816 recorded December 26, 1816 in
Liber AM folio 474
Elisha Lanham
To
James Belt
E. 18'6" of 197 and W. 5' of 198
At this time the land is appropriated to form the
alley.
1817 Deed April 7, recorded April 7, 1817 in
Liber AN folio 273
Elisha Lanham
To
Anthony Smith
East 15' of lot 198 adjoining the west 5' conveyed
to James Belt
Consideration: $180.50
1820 Deed March 24, 1820, recorded April 1, 1820 in
Liber AY folio 17
Anthony Smith
To
James Belt
5'9" of lot 198
Consideration: $172.50
1823 Deed January 23, 1823, recorded April 17, 1823 in
Liber WB 5 folio 274
James Belt
To
John Pickerell
66
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 185 (Page 3)
"2' from the north east corner of the brick dwelling
house at present belonging to William Waters and
running Easterly 28' with the line of West Street."
Deed May 13, 1823, recorded June 11, 1823 in
Liber WB 10 folio 64
John Pickerell
To
James Kincaid
Consideration: $2075
1827 Deed November 10, 1827, recorded December 14, 1827 in
Liber WB 20 folio 104
John Kincaid and George Kincaid
To
William Mackey
A description from a Quit Claim Deed of the same
date and located in Liber WB 20 folio 107 is as
follows: " whereas the said James Belt by his
other deed dated 1-23-23 conveyed onto John
Pickerell and his heirs land as in WB 5 folio 327.
Whereupon a three story brick dwelling house has
been erected.
Consideration: $2600
1839 Death of William Mackey. He leaves as heirs Ann I.
Cruikshank, Alexander Mackey, Sarah C. Mackey, and
Mary Seawell, his children, and John W. Seawell and
James M. Seawell, the children of Martha M. Seawell,
his daughter who died in his lifetime.
1840 Chancery Cause 158, Rules 14, October 15, 1840.
Richard Cruikshank
Ann I. Cruikshank
Alexander Mackey
Sarah C. Mackey
vs,
John W. Seawell
James M. Seawell
Francis T. Seawell
Mary E. Seawell
John W. and James M. Seawell were infants at the
time and assigned guardianship. On December 20,
1841 Mary E. Seawell was found by the jury to be
a lunatic. John Marbury was declared to be quali-
fied to be the holder of the property on January 11,
1842.
67
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 4)
1844 Deed November 8, 1844, recorded March 3, 1858 in
Liber JAS 151 folio 53
John Marbury, Trustee
To
William Morton
"the three story dwelling house beginning 2' from
the n.e. corner of the brick house belonging to
William Waters on 10-10-27 being the easternmost
of the two houses and running easterly with the
line of West St. 28'."
1920 Deed May 28, 1920, recorded June 7, 1920 in
Liber 4381 folio 79
Alice E. Morton
To
Martha Breen
Also in her will, Alice Morton devises the premises
of 3034 P Street to "her faithful nurse, Martha
Breen."
1929 Deed December 1, 1929, recorded December 2, 1929 in
Liber 5354 folio 175
Martha D. Breen
To
Eudora Clover
1934 Deed August 3, 1934, recorded August 8, 1934 in
Liber 6817 folio 3
Eudora M. Clover
To
Franklin Roudybush
1959 Deed April 3, 1959, recorded April 15, 1959 in
Liber 11222 folio 163
Franklin Roudybush
To
Donald D. Edgar and Janet C. Edgar
2. Date of erection: 1818-19. The Georgetown Assessments
(National Archives, Microcopy 605, group 351, roll 11)
show an assessment of $4,000 for each of the three story
brick houses comprising the row.
3. Architect: Unknown
68
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 5)
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: Few significant structural
alterations have been made. A central hot air heating
system was installed with the ducts imbedded in the
walls. In 1959 the passageway to the outbuilding was
enclosed, the original kitchen was converted to a
dining room and the present kitchen was added. The
basement was further excavated and a concrete floor
added in the middle of the 20th century.
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington city directories provide the following list
of tenants:
1834
Francis T. Seawell, Clerk Branch Bank,
West Street, North side
1855
James A. Magruder, Commer., 117 Water,
dw. 117 West
1865
Isabella Morton
1886-1921
Miss Alice Morton
1922-25
Martha Breen
1926-32
Angus Crawford
1933-39
Roudybush Foreign Service School
1940-41
Washington College of Foreign Service
Roudybush Foreign Service School
1942-43
Roudybush Foreign Service School
1948
Sarah Pare
1954
Vacant
1960
Donald Edgar
2. Angus Crawford, the occupant of the house from 1926-
1932, ran a school to prepare candidates for the
foreign service exam. Franklin Roudybush, a student
of Crawford's, took over the school after Crawford's
death and changed the name to the Roudybush Foreign
Service School. The house was not basically changed
to accomade the school. The second and third floor
rooms were used for lectures. About 30 students
attented sessions of three months to prepare for the
written exam, and an additional one month for the
orals. After the State Department converted to
standardized exams, the school was no longer
necessary.
69
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 6)
Roudybush then converted the third floor into
two apartments, the second floor into a single
apartment, and he himself lived in the area
over the present dining room. He built a shed
onto the dining room which housed a bath and
kitchen. The shed was removed by the Edgars
when they remodelled the original kitchen area.
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
The Commission of Fine Arts
September, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 3034 P Street is a well pre-
served example of an unpretentious merchant class row
house of the turn of the 19th century. Both interiors
and exterior depend for their effect not upon a series
of ornamental features, but rather upon simple forms
and detailed items informed by studied proportion. On
the entry facade the only focus is the semicircular
headed fan light over the entry door reflecting the use
of arched openings on the main floor interiors. These
rather austere interiors are enlivened mainly by the wood
mantelpieces which are present at the east wall of each
major room. They are modulated slightly in both size and
detail to lend that variety within a basic consistency
that marks the entire design.
2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exterior
are in good-excellent condition. The home is quite well
preserved and generally free from extensive later intru-
sions, renovations or subtractions.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: 3034 P Street faces north onto P
Street between 30th and 31st Streets with the east party
wall approximately 355' along P Street from the centerline
of 30th Street. The three bay three story brick main
block has a facade 22' wide and a depth of 40',
70
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 7)
2. Foundations: The brick bearing wall is carried down as
a foundation and is exposed 1' 6" below the first floor
at the north elevation and 2' 6" at the south elevation.
3. Wall construction: At the south and west elevations
the brickwork is of common bond with header rows every
6 courses, while at the front (north) elevation the
brick is in Flemish bond with fine beaded joints.
4. Framing: Roof framing is visible and consists of
3" X 6" wood rafters which are probably 19th century and
2" X 10" tie boards which are probably later additions.
Other framing of the house is not visible.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the east side of the
south elevation a wood framed enclosed link gives access
at 1 1/2' below the first floor level to the kitchen
out building to the south.
At the south elevation at the center bay an areaway
gives access to the basement via a pair of 6 sight center
closing doors. There are however, no stairs down to these
doors at present.
6. Chimneys: The two chimneys for the house are located at
the east party wall at approximately the first and third
quarter points of the wall. They are each 3' X 4' 8"
and have a truncated pyramidal upper portion created by
several inward corbelling brick courses.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The main entry door at the west
end of the north facade is an approximate 4' wide
semicircular headed opening. The head is bridged
without the use of facing voussoirs by corbelling
out the courses and sawing the edge of each end brick
to conform to the semicircle. The threshold and a
large 5' 6" entry step and platform are of gray-
brown sandstone. The door itself is a heavy wood six
panel type with a five light fan transom above. The
jambs of the doorway are treated with a series of
vertical wood panels painted white.
b. Windows and shutters: Upper floor windows are 6/3
light double-hung sash while the first and second
floors have 6/6 light double-hung units. At the
71
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 8)
north elevation there are in addition two basement
windows each with a small areaway. The masonry
window openings are bridged without the aid of an
exposed brick lintel simply by running the brick
courses directly over the window head. Window sills
are of white painted wood.
At the north elevation some of the 19th century
pintel hardware and shutter stops remain in place,
but the present shutters are of aluminum and are nailed
to the facade.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The simple gabled roof with ridge
running east-west is slate covered.
b. Cornice, eaves: The north elevation cornice is a
simple brick outward corbel band. Gutters and down-
spouts are of metal.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers, ect.: None.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The simple row house plan contains a full
depth west side hall and one major and front and rear
room on each floor. The first floor has a front (north)
parlor or living room connected by a large wooden trimmed
and panelled archway about 9' wide to a south dining
room (currently another living room). The stair hall is
also divided by two archways into three segments; a
vestibule, a central hall and a south stairway.
Second and third floor plans include a front and rear
room at each level and each has a bathroom added at the
northwest corner.
The house has a full basement used as a storage area.
2. Stairways: The simple half-turn 2' 10" wide stairway is
located at the southwest corner of the house. It ascends
12 risers from north to south to a 3' platform and back
south to north 7 risers to the second floor. The run
72
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 9)
to the third floor (of one less riser) has 10 up to the
landing and 8 coming back. The fruitwood railing curves
upward at the end of each run and makes an angular change
of direction at each landing and floor level. Other
details of the stairway include wave pattern stringer
appliqués, rectangular balusters and turned newel posts.
A stairway to the basement makes a straight run up from
north to south under the main flight. These stairs are
enclosed at the first floor level by wood panelling under
the east end of the run to the first floor platform.
3. Flooring: 8" to 10" wide board flooring of pine is present
at the third floor level.
Until recently the present concrete basement floor was
still of earth.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Both walls and ceilings are of
painted plaster.
5. Doorways and doors: Doors appear to be early 19th cen-
tury types of simple 6 panel 3' X 6' 10" doors. The entry
and the vestibule doors however are 3' 6" x 7' 4" six
panel wood doors. As in the case of the entry doorway
the vestibule doorway has a semicircular 5 light fan
transom above.
6. Decorative features and trim: Other than the three simply
trimmed wood arches of the first floor there are no
significant 19th century special features of decoration.
General interior trim varies in size and form throughout
the house yet is of 19th century stock. Door and window
trim on the second and third floors is 1 3/4" wide wood
molded trim with mitered corners and without doorway
plinth blocks. On the first floor however, window and
door trim is 5 1/2" wide with a 2" raised molded edge
with mitered corners and with doorways having 6" high
plinth blocks.
Molded top edge baseboards are all similar in design but
are 6 1/2" in height at the first and second floors and
6" at the third level.
There is no 19th century chair rail or wainscot in the
house. The chair rail and picture molding in the entry
hall is a 20th century addition.
73
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 10)
A final trim of apparently 19th century date is a cornice
ceiling molding with dentil band in the first floor
vestibule.
7. Notable hardware: There are several pieces of 19th
century hardware present in the house. At the third level
there are two 5" X 8" door lock boxes with large keyhole,
lock, brass knob, and slide bolt. At the second floor
there are similar 19th century lock boxes and at the
first floor entry and vestibule doors there are similar
5" X 10" lock boxes.
8. Lighting: There appears to be nothing that is original
to the 19th century state of the house.
9. Heating: The mantelpieces, one for each of the six
fireplaces, indicate the slight variances in form and
size that help give to each floor and each room a
slightly individual note. At the third floor south
bedroom the 5' 3" X 4' 9" high mantel with 7" wide
mantel shelf has three under shelf cut-out decorative
blocks. The central motif is a horizontal rectangle
with a semicircular projection from each end. The mantel
shelf is visually supported by reeded pilasters which
frame the fireplace.
At the north bedroom of the third floor the mantelpiece
is 1" narrower but 2" taller than its neighbor at the
south and has a 6" mantel shelf. The undermantel area
has a central block containing a cut-out in the shape
of a rectangle which has had the corners filled by
quadrants of a circle. The end blocks under the mantel
shelf have the same cut-out pattern at a smaller scale
and are set in a vertical rather than a horizontal position.
The fireplace is enframed and the mantel shelf visually
supported by 2 wood pilasters each having a three-step
indented full height vertical panel.
The second floor wood mantelpieces are 5' 3" X 4' 10" at
the south and 5' 6" X 5' 3" at the north. Both have
mantel shelves which have a projecting section at the
ends of the front edge reflecting the pilasters and
entablature directly below. The body of the south mantel
shelf is 9" wide while its companion to the north is 10".
The shelf is visually supported by two flat pilasters
74
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 11)
with 4 vertical slots in the case of the south mantel and
with reeded half-columns in the case of the north mantel-
piece. In both cases there are pseudo-entablatures over
these verticals formed by several layers of moldings
under the mantel shelf. Both mantelpieces have the same
patterns for their under shelf block. The larger central
cut-out consists of a horizontal rectangle with a semi-
circular projection from each end. The smaller end
feature blocks have a vertical rectangle cut-out with a
semicircular projection at the top and each bottom
corner filled by a quadrant of a circle.
The first floor south parlor mantelpiece is very similar
in detail to those at the second level except that it is
5' 7" x 5' 1" high with a 10" mantel shelf and has two
one-eighth reeded columns as in inset in the two pilasters
that frame the fireplace.
The front (north) parlor on the first floor has the lar-
gest mantelpiece at 5' x 5' 2" with an 11" shelf. The
under shelf area is of five bays as in the other mantel-
pieces with the central cut-out block taking the form of
a horizontal rectangle with a semicircular projection at
each end. The two end blocks have cut-out patterns
consisting of a pair of vertical rectangles with semi-
circular top projections above a regular pattern of tri-
angular cut-outs.
Modern heating is central hot air with wall ducts to
every room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: 3034 P Street is the
western most of a group of three Federal row houses and
at the west is separated by a passage from a group of
20th century 3 story brick row facades.
2. Enclosures: The rear yard to the south of the main block
is enclosed by a 6' high brick wall at the west and
the south and by a 5' wood vertical board fence at the
west.
75
SMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE
HABS No. DC-185 (Page 12)
3. Outbuildings: To the south of the main house is a two
story brick gabled roof building shared by 3032 and
3034 and split into two halves by a north-south party
wall under the ridge. That portion at the rear of 3034
is connected to the main house by a short 20th century
wood framed passage about 2' in elevation below the
first floor level. It is probably that the first floor
of the outbuilding was the kitchen in the 19th century
as there is a large fireplace opening 5' 1" X 3' 5" at
the chimney at the southeast corner of the building.
The second floor is reached by a 20th century "L" shaped
stair at the northwest ascending from west to east along
the north wall. The structure is of brick laid in common
bond with header courses every 6 rows. There are no
exposed brick arches as lintels but simply a course of
bricks running across the top of the window frame.
Windows themselves are simple 6/3 lights double-hung sash
as seen at the second level.
4. Walks: At the west side of the house thereis a 4' 6"
passage from the rear yard to the street. A large wooden
gate located at the facade appears to have had a 19th
century predecessor as indicated by two large pintels
let into the wall and a 4' 6" X 8' X 2" deep recess in the
west wall at that point.
5. Landscaping: At the south of the outbuilding along the
east property line is a grape arbor shading a flagstone
patio. The yard itself is surrounded by a shrub border
garden along the brick walls and wooden fence.
At the north elevation by the curb (at approximately the
center of the facade) is a small maple tree, about 12'
high.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
76
Smith-Morton Row House
photos: J. Alexander
main staircase
77
Smith-Morton Row House
front parlor fireplace
photos: J. Alexander
view from front parlor
to rear parlor and kitchen
78
METHODIST-EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
1221 28th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Methodist Episcopal Parsonage House
HABS No. DC-176
dining rm.
ll'x13'
porch
kit.
d
living rm.
17'x17'
hall
0
10
N
28th Street
80
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-176
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
Location:
1221 28th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the East side of 28th Street
(formerly Montgomery) 26' from Olive Street.
Present Owner:
Mr. John H. Aiken
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
The two story front portion of this house is a good
Significance:
example of an early 19th century modest frame
dwelling. It is one of the few surviving of this
type in the northeast section of Georgetown.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in
Square 1214, lot 26 (formerly Square 44, lot 21 out of lot
18). The following is an incomplete chain of title to the
property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,
Washington, D.C.
1801 Deed November 23, 1801, recorded November 31, 1801 in
Liber H folio 18
Anthony Holmead Sr. et ux Susanah
To
John G. Jones
Lots 18, 19, and 20 of Square 44
1811 Deed August 27, 1811, recorded August 31, 1811 in
Liber AB folio 88
John G. Jones and wife Mary
To
Henry Foxall
Conveys lot 18 which is 56'10" on Montgomery Street
(now 28th) and 120' on Olive
Consideration: $600.00
81
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 176
(Page 2)
1851 Deed January 1, 1851, recorded April 21, 1851 in
Liber JAS 23 folio 370
John Pickrell
John Davidson
Robert White
Thomas Brown
Samuel McKennney
Samuel Wardell
William H. Edes
Sampson Simms
(Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church)
To
Rebecca Cartwright
"Part of lot 18 adjoining the Methodist Episcopal
Church having 30' on Montgomery Street and back
120', being the same devised by Henry Foxall to
the Trustees of the church for a parsonage
"
1909 Deed July 15, 1909, recorded July 15, 1909 in
Liber 3235 folio 447
Frederick Fenning,
Guardian of William E. and Ruth Cartwright
To
Charles E. Tribby
1932 Deed April 26, 1932, recorded April 28, 1932 in
Liber 6653 folio 141
Charles Tribby
To
Herbert D. Tribby
1942 Deed March 26, 1942, recorded April 1, 1942 in
Liber 7738 folio 534
Herbert D. Tribby
To
Helen M. Early
Deed March 26, 1942, recorded April 1, 1942 in
Liber 7738 folio 539
Helen M. Early
To
Henrietta W. Weitz, et al
Deed April 10, 1942, recorded April 13, 1942 in
Liber 7742 folio 358
Henrietta W. Weitz
To
I. L. Morley
82
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 176
(Page 3)
1943 Deed May 10, 1943, recorded May 22, 1943 in
Liber 7858 folio 389
I. L. Morley
To
Josephine Lambert
1944 Deed November 30, 1944, recorded December 6, 1944 in
Liber 8044 folio 161
Josephine Lambert
To
Robert S. Sackett
1947 Deed August 15, 1947, recorded August 15, 1947 in
Liber 8555 folio 148
Robert G. Sackett
To
Cloris B. Sackett
1948 Deed June 22, 1948, recorded June 28, 1948 in
Liber 8777 folio 90
Cloris B. Sackett
To
Charles J. Ribar
1953 Deed September 25, 1953, recorded September 30, 1953 in
Liber 10060 folio 357
Charles J. Ribar
To
John H. Aiken
2. Date of erection: By 1818-19. The Georgetown Assessments
(National Archives, Microcopy 605, group 351) give the
following information:
1815
(Roll 10)
Henry Foxall
Lot 18 Holmead 120' Olive 56'10" Montgomery
vacant
$200
1818-19
(Roll 11)
Lot 18 Holmead Montgomery 56', 120' Olive
two story frame
$2,000
3. Architect: Unknown
83
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 176
(Page 4)
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The basement has been completely
refinished and remodelled into a one bedroom apartment with
a private entry. The kitchen and back porch were added to
the first floor in the 20th century. Attic space has been
refinished and remodelled into an additional bedroom.
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1834
Rev. M. Hanson, Methodist precher, Montgomery
Street, east side
1858-63
Cartwright, laborer, h. 30 Montgomery
1865-80
William Cartwright, clerk and Rebecca Cartwright
1881-1909
Members of Cartwright family
1911-41
Thomas West
1942-43
Mrs. May E. West
1948
Cloris B. Sackett
1949-53
Charles Ribar
1958-68
John H. Aiken
2. The early history of this house is closely related to the
history of the Methodist Episcopal Church which was located
to the south of the house (now the Corcoran School).
Henry Foxall, who purchased lot 18 in 1811 and built the
two story frame house between 1818 and 1819, was one of
the founders of the church. (Complete biographical infor-
mation on Henry Foxall is recorded in HABS No. DC-145).
The records of the church, February 11, 1824 describe the
commemoration of Foxall's death:
"After singing and prayers the object for which the
meeting was called was stated by the Chairman, where-
upon it was on motion of Bro: Collins Resolved, That
the Steward of the M.E. Church of this town, be requested
to hang black cloth or cassimere around the pulpit of
said church, and cover the Bible and Hymn book in like
84
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 176
(Page 5)
manner, on account of the lamented death of the late
excellent and esteemed Henry Foxall."
The minutes of the Trustees of the Church, March 24, 1824
reveal that Foxall bequeathed the house on lot 18 to the
church.
"It was determined by the Trustees to go into an
election to fell the by the death of the Reverend
Henry Foxall and a...and resignation of Joel Bovin[?].
Several personages were nominated by the Preacher,
when in counting the ballot it approved that John
MClean [?] and John Pickerell had a majority of the
votes and were declared duly elected. The Trustees
then considered doing certain repairs to the House
bequeathed to them by the Reverend Henry Foxall for
the use of the stationed Methodist preacher for the
time being; and it was unanimously determined that
the necessary repairs should be done under the
direction of John Pickerell, together with such Com-
mittee as may be appointed by the Leaders Meeting."
The records of the Leaders Meeting of March 25, 1824 tell
the committee of two was appointed to confer with the
Committee of the Trustees.
"George Town 5 April 1824 - Leaders Meeting
William C. Lipscomb from the Committee appointed by
the meeting of 25 March, to make the necessary repairs
to the Parsonage House, reported that proposals had
been received and the contract as far as necessary
had been made for the execution of the work, the
report was in part agreed to and the meeting recom-
mended that a frame priser [sic] be erected instead
of a brick one as reported by the committee."
The house seems to have been occupied by various preachers.
The minutes of the Leaders Meeting of April 21, 1834 reveal
that $350 was allowed to Reverend Hanson for "Table expenses
and fuel for the present conference year."
The Methodist Episcopal Church moved from 28th Street and
became the Dumbarton Avenue Methodist Church. A financial
85
MATHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-176 (Page 6)
report to the Trustees of the new Dumbarton Avenue Church,
11 February 1857 reports that $2.00 in cash was paid for
advertising the Parsonage and that $37.33 was spent in
rent of the old Parsonage. This would indicate that
although the Church no longer owned the house (see the
deed of 1851 recorded in Liber JAS 23 folio 370) they
continued to rent it until 1858 when the city directory
lists the occupants as the Cartwrights. (All records of
the Methodist Episcopal Church are now found in the
Library of the Dumbarton Avenue Methodist Church,
Georgetown.)
3. Mr. John Aiken, the present owner of the house, discovered
an old scrap of yellow paper about 4 1/2" X 2" which though
practically illegible, appears to be notation of payment of
some sort. It reads as follows:
"Samule Cartwright property sold
George H. Morton to one set carpenter's tools
John A. Billingsley bought on fa----
noat
8.00
Oswell Dyson to waving approach noat
15.00
$53.7-"
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
September, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1221 28th Street is a good
example of a simple wood frame Federal house. Its 2 1/2
story facade retains the unadorned modesty it always must
have had. It is one of the few surviving side hall plan
frame dwellings in northeast Georgetown.
86
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-176 (Page 7)
2. Condition of fabric: Both interior and exterior are in
good-excellent condition. The interior has been exten-
sively remodelled but the basic floor plan and the five
wood mantelpieces remain in place and intact.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This frame dwelling faces west onto
20th Street between M and Olive Streets with its north
wall approximately 40' south of the centerline of Olive
Street. The 2 1/2 story three bay facade is 25' wide and
the full depth of the house including the rear ell is
approximately 43'.
2. Foundations: Foundations are of brick with an exposure
above street level of l' at the west elevation and
approximately 9' at the east elevation of the main block
of the house.
3. Wall construction: The main west gabled portion is of
wood frame construction covered by painted clapboard.
The narrower rear sections of unpainted red brick laid
in common bond.
4. Framing: The framing is not visible.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the west elevation
an areaway 3' 3" wide and 7' deep extends across the
southern two-thirds of the elevation. Across the 6'
alley at the south side is a flight of wood steps with
open risers.
A 9' 6" deep enclosed porch is located at the first floor
along the north half of the east side of the main block.
The wood frame porch is probably of 20th century date
and is enclosed on the east by sliding glass doors.
6. Chimneys: The dwelling has two brick chimneys; one at
the center of the south wall of the main block and the
other at the center of the east wall of the rear (brick)
section. Each is approximately 4' by 2' in size and each
has a simple brick cap,
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The present west front doorway
has a modern six panel door in a simply trimmed
87
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-176 (Page 8)
rectangular opening. The door is topped by a single
light rectangular transom.
b. Windows and shutters: Wood sash windows of the house
vary considerably from floor to floor and from front
to rear. The west facade has 9/6 light double-hung
sash on the second floor and 9/9 light sash on the
first floor. Most of these have had their early 19th
century sash replaced. Other windows of the west
section include 2/2 light double-hung sash at the east
elevation of the second floor and a 9/9 light double-
hung sash at each side of the fireplace at the first
floor. All of these appear to be later 19th century
or 20th century replacements. In the rear portion
of the house the pairs of windows at the north and
south sides of the dining room are 6/6 light double-
hung sash. The upper sash of the two north windows
appear to be 19th century.
In the brick rear section the openings are bridged by
flat brick arches with single brick voussiors.
All of the five windows of the west elevation are
fitted with simple wood fixed louver shutters painted
white.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The roof over the 2 1/2 story west
block is a simple gabled one with the ridge running
parallel to the street (north-south). The rear section
has a shed roof pitching up from north to south. Both
roofs are covered with painted standing seam metal.
b. Cornice, eaves: The west elevation has a simple wood
boxed cornice painted white.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: The attic level is lighted
by four dormers. The two on the west roof slope and
the southeast dormer have 6/6 light double-hung sash.
The 20th century dormer at the northeast has two 6/6
light sash.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The basic "L" plan shows a frame west
section with a north side hall and a nearly square room
88
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-176 (Page 9)
at the south. A two story (first floor and basement)
ell adjoins to the east of the southern half of the
western block. The first floor has a front living room,
a kitchen and a dining room in the east ell, and a porch
at the east end of the stairhall. The second and the
attic floors of the west section each contains a bedroom.
A bathroom of modern date is located at the northwest
corner of the second floor. There is a full basement
under both the east and west portions and this has been
recently renovated as a one bedroom apartment.
2. Stairways: The main half turn wood staircase from the
first to the second floor is 2' 8" wide. Ten 8" risers
extend from west to east to the landing and five back to
the second floor. The continuation of this stair to the
third floor is l' 9" wide with seven 8 1/2" risers up from
the west to east to the landing, and a five riser return
to the attic (third floor). Details of the stair include
a simple rounded wood railing, rectangular wood balusters
and 2 1/2" square newel posts. The posts are topped by
cap features in the form of a square beveled edge capping
block and a four piece cove-like molding under the block
around the post.
A straight run stair to the basement descends from east
to west under the main stair. The area under the south
edge of the main flight to the second floor has 20th
century diagonal boarding with access to the basement
stairs provided by a door at the east end of this
partition.
3. Flooring: Fine 19th century wide board pine flooring
running north-south is present in the first and third
floors. The second floor has 6-8" random width pine
flooring.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of plas-
ter and covered with paint or wall paper. The basement
wall finishes have been installed in the mid-20th century
as part of the extensive renovation of this level.
5. Doorways and doors: There appear to be two 19th century
doors remaining in the house. One is a six panel door
at the basement level to the rear bedroom and the other
is a six panel door from the stairhall to the porch.
89
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-176 (Page 10)
6. Decorative features and trim: Interior features including
door trim, window trim, and baseboards are of 20th
century date with the exception of the baseboard at the
east wall of the second floor. This does appear to be of
19th century date and is a simple wood 5" baseboard.
7. Notable hardware: The one notable piece of hardware is
a nineteenth century lock box with brass knob, keyhole,
and slide lock, It is located at the door to the second
floor bedroom but has been relocated to this position from
another building.
8. Lighting: There is nothing of 19th century date or special
note.
9. Heating: The house possesses three handsome 19th century
mantelpieces. The fireplace at the second floor bedroom
has a brick hearth and fireback and a 20th century molded
wood trim surround. At the first floor the living room
fireplace has a brick hearth and fireback. It is surround-
ed by simple wood mantelpiece 4' 6" X 4' 8" high with a
6' 5" x 3" rectangular mantel shelf. There are no features
or pilasters other than a three piece raised wood trim
strip framing the fireplace opening. At the east wall
of the east brick section of the house the first floor
fireplace has a simple brick hearth and fireback. It is
surrounded by a simple Federal unpainted wood mantelpiece
4' 6" x 4' 4" high. The 5' 4" X 9" rectangular mantel
shelf is supported by wood molding strips. As in the front
living room fireplace there are no other special features
except a three piece raised wood molding framing the
fireplace opening.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: 1221 28th Street is
located at the eastern edge of Georgetown on a street
of small row type houses.
2. Enclosures: The rear yard to the east and to the north of
the brick ell is edged by a wood fence about 7' in height.
At 3' 3" from the west facade a retaining wall about 7'
high provides an areaway for the basement windows.
Another brick retaining wall at 6' from the south wall
allows a passageway to the side doorway to the basement
floor and to the rear yard to the east.
90
METHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-176 (Page 11)
3. Outbuildings: None
4. Walks: The west facade adjoins a brick street sidewalk.
5. Landscaping: The facade is bracketed by a pair of
medium sized walnut trees.
Prepared by: William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
April, 1969
91
Methodist-Episcopal
Parsonage House
photo: J. Alexander
92
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
3015 Dumbarton
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Federal/Victorian Frame House
HABS No. DC-183
kitchen
d
15'x16'
dining rm.
14'x15'
stair hall
parlor
14'x15'
d
+
living rm.
16'x17'
shrubs
0
10
N
Dumbarton Avenue
94
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 183
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
Location:
3015 Dumbarton Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the north side of the Street
midway between 30th and 31st Street.
Present Owner:
Edgar K. Thompson
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
This two story house exhibits a unique combination of a
Significance:
Victorian front block added to an earlier wooden build-
ing. Although there is no secure dating for this
earlier section, stylistic evidence indicates the late
Federal period.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in
Square 1242, lot 804 (formerly Square 72, the west half of
lot 79 in Beall's addition to Georgetown). The following
is an incomplete chain of title to the property. The
references are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.
1794 Deed April 30, 1794, recorded July 12, 1794 in
Liber B folio 52
Richard Johns et ux Susannah
To
Samuel Davidson
William Craik
William Hammond Dorsey
(tenants in common)
All of lot 79
1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded September 12, 1797 in
Liber c folio 151
William Craik
William Hammond Dorsey
Samuel Davidson
To
Samuel Brooke
95
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC-183
(Page 2)
1814 Deed January 25, 1814, recorded May 5, 1814 in
Liber AG folio 362
Samuel Brooke
To
Joseph Brewer
1842 Deed September 7, 1842, recorded September 20, 1842 in
Liber WB 95 folio 122
John Marbury
To
Farmers and Mechanics Bank of Georgetown
Joseph Brewer by Deed of Trust, March 28, 1826 in
Liber WB 15 folio 368 was indebted to said bank
for $2650 and in order to secure payment for debt,
conveyed the property to John Marbury. After twice
offering lots 87 and 88 on Beall Street and lot 79
on Dumbarton, Marbury sold the said lots in a
private sale to said Bank for $1482.83.
1846 Deed July 18, 1846, recorded August 4, 1846 in
Liber WB 127 folio 88
President and Trustees of the Farmers and Mechanics
Bank
To
Walter Godey
West half of lot 79
Consideration: $200.00
Deed in Trust July 25, 1846, recorded August 4, 1846 in
Liber WB 127 folio 116
Walter Godey
To
Francis Dodge
West half of lot 79 on N. side of Dumbarton.
"...with all and singular the buildings, improve-
ments and appurtenances"
1868 Deed June 15, 1868, recorded June 16, 1868 in
Liber 560 folio 379
Walter Godey et ux Jane
To
George Casilear
Consideration: $3100
96
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 183 (Page 3)
1870 Deed June 4, 1870, recorded June 9, 1870 in
Liber 618 folio 2
George W. Casilear
To
Malcolm Seaton
Consideration: $6500
1871 Deed June 19, 1871, recorded June 21, 1871 in
Liber 651 folio 8
Watkins Addison, Trustee
To
George W. Casilear
Sold for default under trust from Malcolm Seaton
Consideration: $5100
1872 Deed December 20, 1872, recorded December 23, 1872 in
Liber 706 folio 133
George W. Casilear
To
David M. Cooper
1891 Deed November 13, 1891, recorded November 13, 1891 in
Liber 1628 folio 338
David M. Cooper, widower
To
John P. Taylor
Consideration: $4000
1918 Deed April 25, 1918, recorded April 30, 1918 in
Liber 4064 folio 276
Alice M. Taylor, widow
Isabelle P. Taylor
William H. Taylor
To
Mary E. Graham
1922 Deed August 4, 1922, recorded August 15, 1922 in
Liber 4781 folio 279
Mary E. Graham
To
William W. C. Howard and wife May Mary
1929 Deed April 4, 1929, recorded April 3, 1929 in
Liber 6305 folio 244
William W. C. Howard
To
Grace C. Taylor
97
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 183
(Page 4)
1942 Deed January 10, 1942, recorded February 12, 1942 in
Liber 7723 folio 137
Neill E. Bailey
To
Margaret H. Shire
1944 Deed January 21, 1944, recorded January 22, 1944 in
Liber 7932 folio 352
Albert C. Shire
To
Sylvia Miller
Deed January 24, 1944, recorded January 25, 1944 in
Liber 7933 folio 115
Sylvia Miller
To
Margaret Hatfield
1946 Deed November 10, 1946, recorded November 25, 1946 in
Liber 8361 folio 56
Margaret Hatfield
To
Captain Edgar K. Thompson, USN
2. Date of erection: The earliest mention of a building occurs
in the Deed in Trust of July 25, 1846 (see page 2), although
portions of the house appear to be slightly earlier.
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The 2 story kitchen addition is
mid-20th Century
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following list of
tenants:
1870
Malcolm Seaton, asst. examiner, Pat. Office, 90
Dumbarton
1872-92
David M. Cooper, engraver
98
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 183
(Page 5)
1872-92
David M. Cooper, engraver
1893-1914
John P. Taylor, clerk
1915-16
vacant
1919-24
Dana H. Graham
1925-29
Wm. W. Howard
1930
vacant
1932
Henry Bell
1933-36
Edgar E. Hume
1937-40
Howard R. Tolley
1941-43
Albert Shire
1948
Captain Edgar K. Thompson, USN
1949
H. R. La Motte
1951-56
Walter S. Gabler
1956-58
Ambassador Paz
1958-
present
Captain Edgar K. Thompson, USN
2. The Georgetown Assessments (National Archives, Microcopy
605, Group 351) provide the following information:
Roll 8 (1808-1812)
Samuel Brooke, Montgomery Co.
May 31, 1809 Daniel Bussard lot 79 Beall's
$300
Roll 9 (1815)
Joseph Brewer
July 1, 1815 Samuel Brooke lot 79 Beall's add.
60 Dumb. vacant
$500
Roll 11 (1818-1819)
Joseph Brewer
Lot 79 Beall's
60 Dumb. vacant
$1,000
Roll 12 (1865-70)
Walter Godey
W. part lot 79 30' n. side Dumbarton 120' deep
$750
Improvements
Two story frame dwelling
$1,000
Because of the significant doubling of the assessment in 1818-
1819 and the continuing of the same amount ($1,000) through
1865-1870, it may be possible that some type of building did
actually exist in 1818-1819. This could be the original
structure to which the Victorian front was added.
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
99
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC-183
(Page 6)
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 3015 Dumbarton Avenue exhibits
a unique blend of elements of Federal and Victorian
architecture. The elevation reveals components such as
wood quoins and modillioned cornice which recall the
early 19th century in close juxtaposition with Victorian
features such as the bracketed cornice doorway or the
large scaled 2/2 light sash. Even more fundamentally,
plan development indicates that a Victorian street front
(South) block was added to an existing early 19th century
structure. In these ways the house is an atypical
example of the direct physical fusion of early and mid-
19th century concepts of domestic design.
2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exterior
of the dwelling are in good-excellent condition.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This two story frame with basement
faces South onto Dumbarton Avenue between 30th and 31st
Streets with its West wall approximately 215' West of the
centerline of 30th Street. The three bay facade is 23'6"
in width and the depth of the house is approximately 65'.
2. Foundations: The Southern mid-19th century block of the
house has a brick foundation wall exposed approximately
6' at the South elevation. The early 19th century
portion has an uncoursed granite block foundation, and
the foundation for the 20th century kitchen addition to
the North is of brick.
3. Wall construction: The South elevation is covered with
ship-lap siding painted gray; the corners of the facade
are edged with wood quoins painted white. At the North
and the East elevations siding is with wood clapboarding.
4. Framing: As visible in the basement, the wood framing
of the central section of the first floor consists of
3" x 8" joists with one side rough hewn and the other
100
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC-183
(Page 7)
sawn. These joists run in an East - West direction, those
under the stairway walls are of 3" X 9" section. The
members are notched to rest on the foundation wall. Joints
between the joists and a North - South crosspiece under
the stairway are slotted and pinned with wood pegs.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the South elevation
facade a cast iron stairway of nine risers ends in a
narrow platform. The risers are geometric filagree panels
and the stringers are also lightened with punched circular
holes. A heavy mid-19th century cast iron tubular railing
and six floral ornamental posts edge both sides of the
stair and platform.
At the East elevation a long four bay wood porch extends
approximately 34' to the North from the North wall of the
front Victorian block. The porch is two stories in height
and is fitted with Tuscan piers and simple railings of
wood. Wood stairs of five risers each are located at the
North end of the porch and at the North wall of the
Victorian front block. This porch is probably of mid-19th
century date.
Small ornamental mid-19th century iron balcony railings
are placed at each of the two lower floor windows of the
South facade.
6. Chimneys: The older central portion of the house has one
chimney approximately 1'-8" x 3'-0" at the middle of the
North wall and one approximately 1'-8" x 3'-0" in size at
the center of the West wall of the parlor to the South of
the stair hall. The Victorian block has one approximately
1'-8" X 3'-0" at the center of the West wall of the block.
All have simple brick caps.
7. Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors: The front (South) elevation
entry is fitted with a pair of 2' three panel doors
with the top panel having a semicircular head.
Above the doors is a single light rectangular
transom.
The doorway is framed by vertical wood lesenes and
topped by a projecting flat wood cornice supported
by a modillioned band and a pair of finely detailed
consoles.
101
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 183
(Page 8)
The doorway to the basement at the West end of the
South elevation is a mid-20th century alteration
replacing an opening to a basement level garage
of early 20th century date.
The East wall early 19th centurv entry doorway
from the porch at the first floor of the central
portion of the house has a simple framed opening
with a 3'-0" wood four panel mid-19th century
door with a two light transom above.
b.
Windows and shutters: In the Victorian South
block the first floor windows are 2/4 light double-
hung of standard height. Both sets of windows have
wood sills and wood convex curve eared cornices
with dentil band and small keystone block. At the
South elevation the attic level is marked by three
oval attic vents surrounded by a simple white
painted wood band and with a grill consisting of
a floral pattern wood cut-out. At both the first
and second floors of the South elevation the windows
have two panel horizontal louvered shutter painted
deep royal blue. At the North elevation of the
Victorian block there are three rectangular attic
vents with horizontal louvers.
Windows in the Federal central portion are quite
different from those in the front section and con-
sist of 6/6 light double-hung sash at the East
elevation of both first and second floors. These
windows are fitted with wood one panel horizontal
louvered shutters with 19th century metal shutter
stops in place at the first floor level.
8. Roof:
a.
Shape, covering: At present the roof over the
central and rear portions of the house pitches up
from East to West to the party wall. The front
block has a shed roof pitching up from North to
the South facade in a gradual slope. The covering
of both roofs is standing seam metal.
b.
Cornice, eaves: The Victorian block terminates in
a rich modillioned wood cornice with a cyma-recta
102
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC-183
(Page 9)
corona. All downspouts and gutters are at the East
side of the house and are of metal.
C.
Cupolas, dormers, towers: None
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The plan consists of three basic units: a
front (Southern) block with one large room on each floor
and an East side stair hall; a central unit with East - -
West stair hall between front (Southern) and rear (North-
ern) rooms; and thirdly, a 20th century two story addition
at the North of the central block. In addition, a two
story porch extends along the East side of the central
block from the North wall of the front block.
On the first floor the front unit contains a living room
connected to the front parlor of the central block by a
wide opening. The rear (North) room of the central block
is a dining room and a kitchen occupies the North addition.
The second floor contains a series of bedrooms; one at
each side of the central stairway, one at the South block
at three steps above the level of the central unit, and
one in North end of the North addition. There are also
two bathrooms; one at the Southest corner of the front
block, and one in the North addition at the North wall of
the central block.
The basement consists of a large room under the central
block, a room of the same floor elevation under the East
half of the front block, and a room which had formerly
been a garage at a 1'-8" lower floor level under the
West half of the front block.
2. Stairways: The Victorian era stairway at the East side
of the front block is an important sculptural feature of
the house. The half turn 3'-1" wide stair ascends thir-
teen risers from South to North and back from the landing
five risers to the second level. Curving elements of
various scales dominate the details of the stair with the
single sweep of the rounded fruitwood railing, turned
balusters, a newel post with ring moldings, and stringer
103
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC-183
(Page 10)
appliqués in a floral curving pattern. Even the plan of
the opening at the second level shows rounded corners.
The Federal era North - South stairway at the middle of
the house is a major feature of the central block. It
is also a half-turn stairway but is 2'-8" wide and
ascends ten risers from East to West and back five risers
from the landing to the second floor. The wood rail
curves up to vertical at the beginning of the landing and
then makes an angular direction turn to horizontal, to
North and to East to the upper section of the rail. De-
tails of the stair include simple rectangular balusters,
sculptured wood newel posts with exaggerated entasis
bulge, and simple curved wood angle appliqués under each
tread at the stringer board.
A stairway to the basement is located under the main
staircase in the South block and is a straight run of ten
risers.
3. Flooring: Painted wood flooring is used on the first and
second floors and the basement has a concrete floor.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Plaster walls are painted or
wallpaper covered. Ceilings are plaster.
5. Doorways and doors: Doors in the Victorian (South) sec-
tion of the house are heavy wood four and six panel types
with a heavy wood projecting molding around each panel.
Doors in the central block are of simple four panel type
with no molded edge around each panel.
Although they are now removed there were formerly two 4"
four panel wood sliding doors between the front and middle
rooms of the first floor. These are stored in the base-
ment.
6. Decorative features and trim: For the South portion of
the house the second floor 19th century trim consists of
a 4 1/2" wood molded door and window trim and an 8"
molded top baseboard. The living room below contains 19th
century trim including a 6" rounded edge door and window
trim and a 9" molded cap baseboard.
104
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC-183
(Page 11)
Trim in the central portion of the house includes 2 1/2"
door and window trim and a 4" baseboard with no molded
cap. On the first floor what appears to be early 19th
century trim includes a 6" wide window trim with upper
corner 3" square wood blocks and a 3" deep three step
under trim below the window stool. A simple molded
top baseboard of probably 19th century date is 7" in
height.
7. Notable hardware: Many of the doors have porcelain door-
knobs of probably 19th century date and several of the
windows in the central portion of the house have 19th
century strap weight hangers.
8. Lighting: There are a variety of 20th century fixtures.
9. Heating: In the Victorian era South section of the house
there are two fireplaces at the West wall of this block.
The one at the second floor has a 5'-4" wood mantelpiece
framed by 8" wide pilasters, has an 11' wide mantel shelf,
and has an ogee arch over the fireplace opening.
The 5'-8" x 4"-0" high white marble mantelpiece in the
living room below features a semicircular headed fireplace
opening, and ornamental scroll keystone and a curving 10
1/2" mantel shelf. There are no pilasters at the sides
but rather chamfered vertical corners.
The central section of the house has two fireplaces open
on the first floor; one at the West wall of the South
room and one at the North wall of the North room. Both
have had their mantelpieces extensively altered in the
20th century. On the second floor both fireplaces above
those on the first level have been blocked up.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: 3015 Dumbarton Avenue
is in a residential area with single family homes, town
houses and apartment buildings. It is abutted directly
on the West by a three story brick structure but on the
East there is an alleyway approximately 9' wide to the
rear yard.
105
FEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 183 (Page 12)
2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed by a 4' stockade
fence at the East and by brick walls 4' in height at the
North and approximately 7' at the West.
3. Outbuildings: While there are at present no remains of
an outbuilding to be seen, it is said by the current
owner that remains of an outbuilding were uncovered in
1946. A brick foundation for a building approximately
20' in the East - West direction and approximately 8'
wide was discovered along the North end of the lot.
4. Walks: There is a brick walk approximately 6' wide from
the street to the rear yard along the East side of the
house. The South elevation faces directly onto a brick
public walk approximately 6' from the facade.
5. Landscaping: At the facade a fir tree stands West of the
entry stairs.
The rear yard is edged at the North by a planting border
of ivy and low shrubs.
Prepared by: William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
July, 1968
106
Federal/Victorian Frame House
south facade
photos: J. Alexander
east porch
107
Federal/Victorian
Frame House
living room
photo: J. Alexander
108
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
1228 30th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
William Knowles House
HABS No. DC-163
rear yard
kitchen
dining rm.
14'x19'
living rm
13'x27'
hall
0
10
N
30th Street
110
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-163
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
Location:
1228 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the West side of 30th Street
(formerly Washington) at the intersection of Olive
Street.
Present Owner:
Mrs. Gordon Gray
Present Occupant: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Steiner
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
The house is generally of the Federal plan and
Significance:
character but demonstrates the assimilation of certain
features of the Greek Revival. Although the back
section has been extensively remodelled, there is
indication that part of this was originally a separate
two story frame building with a single chimney. This
is further supported by the fact that the first known
resident was listed with his carpentry shop at this
address.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History
1. Original and subsequent owners: The buildings is located
in Square 1209, lot 843 of old lot 15. The following is
an incomplete chain of title to the property. The
references are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.
1802 Deed December 20, 1802, recorded April 23, 1803 in
Liber I folio 292
Thomas Beall et ux Nancy
To
Nicholas Hedges
Part of lot 15
1827 Deed May 23, 1827, recorded May 26, 1827 in
Liber WB 19 folio 459
Tench Ringgold, Marshall
To
Bank of the United States
111
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC-163 (Page 2)
Parts of lots 14 and 15 were purchased October 13,
1824 by Daniel Bussard in behalf of the Bank of
Columbia for $1095 to apply towards a debt of
$3302.92 owed by Nicholas Hedges to the President
and Directors of the Bank of Columbia. The bank
requested the conveyance to the Bank of the United
States.
1828 Deed December 15, 1828, recorded December 27, 1828 in
Liber WB folio 174
Bank of the United States
To
John Laird
1849 Deed April 25, 1849, recorded May 25, 1849 in
Liber JAS 4 folio 215
Robert Leslie, Trustee
To
Richard W. Redin
Consideration: $229.50
1852 Deed November 5, 1852, recorded January 29, 1853 in
Liber JAS 56 folio 444
William Redin, 1st party
James Goddard, 2nd party
To
William Knowles, Jr.
This deed recites that Robert Leslie conveyed the
premises to Richard W. Redin who died unmarried
and intestate. His sisters and heirs at law
conveyed the premises to the first party above.
Further, the second party sold all his interest
in the premises to the third party having con-
tracted with the first party for the purchase of
the land.
Consideration: $200.00
1905 Deed August 3, 1905, recorded August 4, 1905 in
Liber 2875 folio 56
Heirs of William Knowles
To
John A. Neuhaus
112
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 163 (Page 3)
1940 Deed January 12, 1940, recorded January 15, 1940 in
Liber 7431 folio 436
John A. Neuhaus
To
August William Neuhaus
Louis William Neuhaus
Deed March 23, 1940, recorded March 27, 1940 in
Liber 7454 folio 491
August William Neuhaus
Louis William Neuhaus
To
Lee R. Baker
1958 Deed November 25, 1958, recorded November 28, 1958 in
Liber 11152 folio 377
Lee R. Baker
Charles R. Baker
To
Nancy Maguire Gray
2. Date of erection: Probably after 1852 and before 1858. It
would seem that William Knowles first established his car-
pentry shop in the back part of the premises and then his
residence in front. (see list of tenants)
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known.
5. Alterations and additions: In 1964 the front stairs were
changed from wood to brick and the side porch was removed
when the kitchen was remodelled. The original chimney in
the back part was removed on the second floor.
6. Important old views: None known.
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington city directories provide the following tenant
information:
1858
William Knowles, carpenter. 123 Wash. dw. 35
Green (This indicates his carpentry shop at
the present site with his dwelling at 35 Green,
now 29th Street.)
113
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC-163 (Page 4)
1860
William Knowles, carpenter. 75 Wash. h. 123 do.
(The carpentry shop was located at 75 Washington
Street which was south of M Street and his
Residence was at 123 Washington, the present
building.)
1882
William Knowles, Jr.
1228 Washington
1907-40
John Neuhaus, baker
1941-42
James Macgill
1943-54
Charles Baker
1956
Ellsworth Bunker
1962
Andre Van Compenhout
1964
vacant
1965
Daniel Steiner
2. The Georgetown Assessment records (National Archives Micro-
oopy 605, Group 351, roll 12) list the following for
1865-70 for William Knowles, Jr:
Part lot 15 25' Washington Street 120' deep 500
Improvements 2 story and attic frame house 1600
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1228 30th Street is a good example
of a transitional, Federal-Greek Revival building of the
middle of the 19th Century. The house is modest in size
and restrained in detail both internally and externally.
The major "experience" of the dwelling is that of entry,
beginning with the two column potico and ending with a
view up the finely detailed staircase.
2. Condition of fabric: The house has been renovated and
restored. Both the interior and the exterior are in
excellent general condition.
114
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC-163 (Page 5)
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: 1228 30th Street is a 2 1/2 story frame
facing East onto 30th Street between M and N Streets and
with the South wall located on the extended center line of
Olive Street.
2. Foundations: The brick foundation wall is exposed below
the wood siding 3'1" on the East elevation and is approx-
imately 6" above grade at the West elevation of the main
section. Perpendicular to the South wall there are two
pairs of brick walls which support the chimneys above.
These walls are spanned at the first floor level with wood
lintels to support the hearth.
3. Wall construction: The house is a wood frame, with clap-
board siding painted gray covering most of the surface.
One notable exception is that the attic story at the East
elevation is sided with flush horizontal boarding painted
gray.
4. Framing: As visible from the basement, framing of the
first floor is with 3" X 8" joists hand hewn on one side
and spanning East - West. A wood girder now supported at
third points by two steel pipe columns spans from North -
South foundation walls at approximately 13' from the
East basement wall.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc: A wooden frame 2 column
porch fronts the East elevation entry. The 7'-4" x 4'-5"
brick platform with its six risers running North. - South
is a mid-20th Century renovation replacing the former
wooden steps and platform. The columns and porch roof,
however, appear to be 19th Century.
The two 10" diameter and 7'-10" high fluted Tuscan Doric
columns have echinus projections but not abacus blocks.
The porch roof has a simple flat cornice board and eaves
supported by a modillioned band. The wood porch railings
and balusters are of simple section.
At the narrower rear section of the house an "L" shaped
115
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC-163 (Page 6)
roof deck and railing is located over the first floor
kitchen area and extends along the South and West sides
of the second floor elevations. This replaced a 19th
Century cantilevered second floor porch along the South
side.
6. Chimneys: Two brick chimneys are at the South gable end
wall at approximately the first and third quarter points
of the wall length. They are approximately 3'-4" X 1'-9"
in section with a simple two course brick caps. An item
of special note is an attached brick buttress at the West
chimney extending from approximately the second floor
line down to grade.
During renovations of 1963 the chimney at the center of
the West wall of the dining room was removed.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The entry door is a four panel
2'-10" wood door of 20th Century date. It is framed
by five fixed sidelights and a three light transom.
Crowning the interior trim of the doorway is a
modillioned cornice of wood.
At the West wall of the living room a pair of center
closing 20th Century twelve light metal frame doors
give access to the rear yard.
b. Windows and shutters: Typical windows at both the
front (East) elevation at the first two floors and
at the South elevation are 6/6 light double-hung
sash. At the attic level of the East elevation,
however, pairs of two light center closing sash are
used for each 3'-0" X 2'-5" opening.
Each of the five windows on the first two floors of
the East elevation is crowned by a molded ogee
straight line cornice board supported by a dentil
band. The attic casements have no projecting trim
or cornice features.
A window of special note is at the Northwest corner
of the rear section at the second floor level. It
116
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 163 (Page 7)
is a 4/4 light double-hung sash window of 1'-10" X
4'-6" size and appears to be of early 19th century
date. It is simply trimmed and set in a wall
covered by 19th century clapboarding.
Shutters at the second floor East elevation are
single panel fixed horizontal louver units painted
black. On the first floor are two panel shutters
painted black;the upper panel is fixed louver, the
lower a plain panel. The shutters at the lower
floor may be 19th century and the shutter stops at
both floors are 19th century cart metal.
8. Roof:
a.
Shape, covering: The main East section of the house
has a gabled roof with its ridge running North -
South. The West narrower section has a shed roof
pitching up from South to North and the two are linked
by a flat roofed unit with skylight. Roof covering
is standing seam metal.
b.
Cornice and eaves: At the East elevation the roof
cornice has an under eaves band of dentil scale but
consisting of small brackets. Eaves are of wood but
downspouts and gutters are of metal.
At the sill level of the casement windows a simple
molded cornice band separates the attic story from
the first two clapboard sheathed floors.
C.
Cupolas, dormers, towers: None
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The basic plan shows a main block with front
and back rooms and a North side stairway. Attached to this
is a narrower two story section to the West rear.
The first floor Eastern section has a side stair and
entry hall full depth and a large living room full depth
at the South. Evidence suggests that this room was
originally separated by a North-South cross wall at approx-
imately the mid-point into two rooms. The extensively
remodelled rear section contains a dining room, kitchen
and lavatory.
117
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 163 (Page 8)
2. Stairways: The main stairway is of the half-turn type
with landings at the Northwest corner of the main section.
From the first floor the 2'-8" wide stair ascends twelve
7" risers from East to West to the landing and back four
risers to the second level. To the third floor the run
is nine risers from East to West and then back up six
risers.
This stairway also gives access to the second floor of
the rear section. Because of the difference in floor
levels there is only one riser from the first floor
landing to the second floor level of the rear block.
Major features of the stair are the various turned newel
posts at each level. To support the railing as it curves
up at each floor and makes an angular turn at each
landing and floor level there are nine newels;one at the
beginning at the first floor, paired newels at each
landing and at the second floor, and one each at the
top of the flight at the second and third floors. All
of these are approximately 3 1/2" in diameter except for
the first floor newel which is approximately 4 1/2".
There are two rectangular balusters for each tread and
the stringers are adorned with wave pattern wood appli-
ques at the end of each tread. The under stair area at
the first floor is completely enclosed with 10" wide
vertical panelling.
A second stairway occupies the Northwest corner of the
rear section beginning at the West wall of the main gabled
block. It is a half-turn stair with corner winders at
both the beginning and the end of the run. The stair
opening to the second floor is now blocked but the 2'-0"
wide stair is twelve 8" risers from the East to the West
along the North wall. The newel posts and the balusters
of this stair appear to be replacement of original wood
members. The stringer features here are also of a wave
pattern wood appliqué differing from that of the main
staircase.
The straight run stair to the basement has an ascent from
East to West of 13 risers directly under the main stair.
118
WILLIAM INOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 163 (Page 9)
3. Flooring: Floors are of pine throughout. Some of these
especially in the upper floors of the main (East) block
appear to contain 19th century boarding.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Wall and ceiling finish through-
out the East section is painted plaster.
5. Doorways and doors: Doors throughout the house are four
panel and most appear to be 20th century in date. How-
ever the four panel door from the dining room to the hall
and the pair of two panel center closing door from the
living room to the dining room all appear to be 19th
century.
6. Decorative features and trim: The two upper floors of the
main gabled block and the present dining room have 2 1/2"
wide door and window trim that appears to be early 19th
century. Both the window and door trim have upper corner
square blocks. Those in the dining room and on the third
floor front bedroom have hollowed out bull's-eye ring
patterns, while the others are plain solid blocks.
Windows have simple stools while doorways use 6" high
coved edge plinth blocks.
The 6" baseboard in the third floor appears to be 20th
century but the 8" molded top baseboard on the first and
second floors is probably 19th century.
7. Notable hardware: There are several fine pieces of 19th
century hardware present. Among these is a 6" X 4" lock
box on the living room side of the pair of doors to the
dining room. This lock has a brass knob and a brass key-
hole on the dining room side. At both the door from the
hall to the dining room and at the second floor East
bedroom door there are 3 1/2" X 5" high lock boxes with
aplayed edges. At the front door there is a fine large
7" X 5" lock box with a brass knob and brass vertical
edge of the catch box.
8. Lighting: The house has a variety of mid-20th century
fixtures.
9. Heating: Ornamental mantelpieces are found in several
rooms in the present living room both of the mantelpieces
119
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 163 (Page 10)
have the fireplace opening surrounded by a simple wood
molding above which are paired vertical fluted feature
blocks under an 8" mantel shelf.
In the dining room the mantelpiece has been relocated
from 1224 30th Street against a chimney at the West wall.
It is an early 19th Century 4'-3" x 3'-9" high enframe-
ment with an 8 1/2" mantel shelf. Under the mantel shelf
there are two vertically gouged reeded blocks and two end
blocks with urn-flower and swag features of ornamental
putty.
On the upper floors the only 19th Century mantelpiece is
at the front bedroom of the main block's second floor.
It is a wood enframement 4'-1" by 4'-2" high with a 7"
wide mantel shelf. The under shelf area has a central
fluted band and end sunburst features of carved wood.
Modern central heating has radiators in every room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: The residence lies on a
busy residential street near a major commercial street of
Georgetown. It stands next to a frame structure to the
south renovated in Greek Revival style in the 1920's and
is directly abutted by a brick Victorian apartment house
on the North.
2. Enclosures: The rear yard is surrounded by various fences
and walls. On the South and the West there are brick walls
while on the North there is a metal grid fence and a wooden
vertical board fence near the kitchen.
3. Outbuildings: none
4. Walks: Extending directly from the East elevation wall to
the curb is a brick paved public sidewalk.
5. Landscaping: The rear yard slopes up several feet toward
the West and is formed into a series of terraces. Up 2'
from the flagstone paved area at the South of the rear
120
WILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 163 (Page 11)
porch is a brick paved patio directly abutting the West
end of the porch and the kitchen wall. A brick 2'
curving retaining wall and four brick risers mark the
edge of a second terrace of pebbled paving. Surrounding
this terrace on the West and the North and marking the
North edge of the lower brick is a 3" rubble stone
retaining wall. The final terrace above this wall is a
small garden area reached by a flight of flagstone steps
at the Southwest corner of the yard.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
July, 1968
121
William Knowles House
photo: J. Alexander
122
William Knowles House
living room
photos: J. Alexander,
main staircase
123
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
3043 N Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Wheatley Town House
HABS No. DC-186
rear yard
1d
deck
kit
porch
dining rm.
15'x16'
hall
living rm.
15'x16'
0
10
N
N Street
126
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-186
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
Location:
3043 N Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is the westernmost of a pair of houses
on the north side of N Street (formerly Gay Street)
described as follows: beginning at a point on
the north side of Gay Street 40' East running
120' to the rear line of lot 59; thence East 57'8"
then South and thence West on said street subject
as to 1 1/2' front on Gay Street by 52'5 1/2" deep
binding on the East side of above described land to
right of way as an alleyway for the use of said land
and the lot next East thereof..
Present Owner:
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Roth
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
3043 N Street is a fine example of a large Victorian
Significance:
town house of the third quarter of the 19th Century.
It possesses the grand living spaces, the lushness
of ornament and the variety of fine details charac-
teristic of the best work of the period.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1233, lot 827 (formerly Square 63, lot 60). The
following is an incomplete chain of title to the property.
The references are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington,
D. C.
At the time of the cession of the District of Columbia
lot 60 appears to have been owned by Samuel Davidson.
1796 Deed January 4, 1796, recorded February 10, 1796 in
Liber B folio 403
Samuel Davidson
To
Walter S. Chandler
127
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 186 (Page 2)
1801 Deed August 27, 1801, recorded September 1, 1801 in
Liber G folio 261
Walter S. Chandler
To
John Weems
1815 Deed November 4, 1815, recorded November 20, 1815 in
Liber AK folio 203
Elizabeth Weems
To
Thomas Turner
1846 Deed March 10, 1846, recorded March 26, 1846 in
Liber WB 125 folio 340
Samuel Turner et ux Amanda M.
To
Thomas Turner, Jr.
1855 Deed November 11, 1855, recorded March 29, 1856 in
Liber JAS 1113 folio 350
John Marbury, Trustee
To
Richard Cruikshanks
East part of lot 60
1859 Deed March 14, 1859, recorded April 2, 1859 in
Liber JAS 172 folio 54
Richard Cruikshanks et ux Anna Jane
To
Francis Wheatley
1884 Deed September 11, 1884, recorded September 11, 1884 in
Liber 1098 folio 80
William A. Gordon, Trustee
To
Marion McCullough
"forming an alley 3' wide and 52' 5 1/2" deep, and
of the height as at present covered by portions of
the houses on said lot and that on lot next East
thereof...'
1905 Deed May 9, 1905, recorded May 18, 1905 in
Liber 2870 folio 79
Marion W. McCullough
To
Alice Virginia Winship
128
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-186 (Page 3)
1918 Deed May 7, 1918, recorded May 16, 1918 in
Liber 4073 folio 169
Katherine Virginia Winship
To
Kendrick Scofield
1921 Deed April 29, 1921, recorded May 4, 1921 in
Liber 4527 folio 74
Kendrick Scofield and wife Violetta Sprigg
To
Aileen M. Callaghan
Deed July 8, 1921, recorded July 15, 1921 in
Liber 4557 folio 381
Aileen M. Callaghan
To
James R. M. Ash
1922 Deed February 17, 1922, recorded February 21, 1922 in
Liber 4669 folio 252
James R. M. Ash and wife Fannie B.
To
Theodore W. Wilkinson
1948 Deed August 24, 1948, recorded August 26, 1948 in
Liber 817 folio 338
Catherine H. Wilkinson, widow
To
American Security and Trust Company
1964 Deed January 9, 1964, recorded January 27, 1964 in
Liber 12143 folio 484
American Security and Trust Company
To
Gordon L. Roth and Kathryn Carson Roth
2. Date of Erection: The Georgetown column of the Washington
Evening Star, April 14, 1859 reports the following:
"...and Messrs. Berret and Miem have the contract for
constructing two large brick dwellings on Gay Street
for F. Wheatley, Esq. The excavations for the
foundations of each of these buildings are now being
made."
129
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-186 (Page 4)
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The original kitchen was
located in the back section of the basement; the present
first floor kitchen is a mid-20th century addition. The
small study at the first floor stair landing was also
added.
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. In The Recollections of J. Holdsworth Gordon, unpublished
manuscript, 1910 Mr. Gordon states that his family moved
into the house in 1860 and remained there until 1877,
when they moved into a villa at Cooke's row. The
Washington Elite List: A Compilation of Selected Names
of Residents of Washington City, D. C. and Ladies Shopping
Guide (The Elite Publishing Company of Washington, D. C.
[copy of the directory located in the Washingtoniana Room
of the Central branch of the D. C. Public Library]) gives
the following information:
1888
Mrs. L. E. Cammack and drs.
Mrs. Ann K. Thompson
William T. Harris
1889
Dr. and Mrs. Carl H. A. Kleinschmidt
1890
Dr. and Mrs. Carl H. A. Kleinschmidt
Miss Adele Kleinschmidt
Washington City Directories provide the following tenant
information:
1886
Annie K. Thompson, wid. Wm. E.
1887
William T. Harris (Beale and Harris)
Annie K. Thompson
1891-94
Brooke B. Williams, broker
1914-16
Mrs. Margaret Meinikheim
1917-21
Kendrick Scofield
1923-25
Theodore Wilderson
1930
Ernest Wilkinson
1931
vacant
1932-38
Robert W. Horton
130
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 186 (Page 5)
1938-41
Mrs. Leonora Fuller
1942
vacant
1943-48
Mrs. Katherine Wilkinson
1954-56
John I. Thompson
1960
vacant
1962
Benjamin F. Kronfeld
1965
Gordon Roth
2. The Georgetown Assessments of 1865-70 (National Archives
Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll 12) show the following
assessments to Francis Wheatley:
Lot 60
50' W. Gay Street 120' deep
$1,800
Improvements: Two 3 story and finished brick $ 10,000
dwellings
3. The Evening Star of Thursday July 14, 1859 in its George-
town column gives a contemporary appraisal of the houses.
"Among all the multitude of fine private improvements
erected in our city this season, none shows to more
advantage nor is more of a real ornament to the town than
the two first-class brick dwellings by Alderman F. Wheatley,
on Gay Street, adjoining his own property."
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: With its twin to the East, 3043 N
Street is one of the finest examples in Georgetown of an
upper class Middle Victorian row house. A general open-
ness characterizes the interior arrangement as the high
ceilinged rooms are connected by large scale openings and
the first floor gives views to both the street and to the
rear yard through wide floor-ceiling windows. The facade
presents the customary solidity and richness to the street.
2. Condition of fabric: Having been repaired and cleaned
within the last five years, the house is in excellent
condition on both the interior and exterior.
131
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 186 (Page 6)
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This three story brick row house
faces South onto N Street between 30th and 31st Streets;
its West wall is approximately 105' along N Street from
the centerline of 31st Street. The three bay front is
22'-8" wide and the depth of the house is approximately
35'.
2. Foundations: The brick foundation walls of the basement
are revealed approximately 6'-8" on the front (South)
elevation and approximately 7'-6" on the rear (North)
elevation. At the South elevation a red-gray sandstone
water table occurs at the sill level of the basement
windows.
3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has
a rear (North) elevation faced with rough textured red
brick laid in common bond with header courses every six
rows. The first two stories are painted white while
the third remains its unpainted red-orange color.
The front elevation differs by using a dense smooth
unpainted face brick in common bond but with no bonding
header courses and with very thin mortar joints.
4. Framing: Not visible
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the South elevation
the brick entry stairway and stoop is 5'-8" wide. The
ten treads to the entry platform are of red-gray sandstone
now refaced with a layer of red bricks. A fine pair of
iron railingsedge both the stair and the stoop and end
in a three quarter turn around the street level metal
newel posts.
As an additional feature of the South elevation a 2'-6"
iron black balcony extends across the facade at the first
floor level.
At the rear there is a simple two story framed three post
porch 7'-6" deep. The porch is screened at the second
floor level and open to a newly constructed wood deck
extension at the first floor.
132
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-186 (Page 7)
6. Chimneys: There are two large brick chimneys approximately
3' X 3' at the East party wall located at approximately the
first and third quarter points of the wall. Both have
simple two coursed brick caps.
7. Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors: The handsome entry ensemble of
the house includes two rich door frames, a large entry
door and a pair of vestibule doors. The sequence
begins with a 3'-3" wide wood six panel entry door
surmounted by a single light transom window. The
rounded edge panels of the door contrast with the rich
pedimental cornice supported by lush floral brackets.
In the vestibule, doors with semicircular headed tall
single pane lights above a circular molded edge panel
give access to the stair hall. This vestibule door-
way is topped by a flat entablature supported by six
small brackets between two larger end consoles.
b.
Windows and shutters: The front (South) elevation
has 2/2 light double-hung sash for the upper two
floor windows and 2/4 light double-hung wood sash
for the first floor's floor to ceiling windows.
The window openings have stone sills painted white
and are crowned by segmental cast iron heads with
a central medallion and end drip brackets.
All major windows have internal folding wood shut-
ters; each as an upper and a lower pair of three-
part folding vertical panels with adjustable
vertical louvered portions. The units fold back
into jamb pockets at each side of the window.
At the North elevation the windows are without orna-
mental trim and simply have the opening bridged by
flat, arches of brick.
8. Roof:
a.
Shape, covering: The gabled roof with ridge parallel
to the street has a standing seam metal covering.
b.
Cornice, eaves: The South elevation has a rich
bracketed cornice band painted white, capping the
facade. At the North elevation however there is
133
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-186 (Page 8)
simply a two course corbelled brick cornice band.
C.
Cupolas, dormers, towers: None
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The typical 19th century town house plan has
a major front and rear room on each floor with an entry
and stair hall running the full length of the house at
the West party wall.
The first floor plan has a front living room and a rear
dining room. A modern kitchen has been added at the North
end of the stair hall.
The second and third floors have two bedrooms each with a
bath at the Southwest corner of each floor. An unusual
feature of the second floor plan is a sitting room at the
Northwest corner entered up three steps from the stair
landing.
The original kitchen was probably in the front room of
the full basement. The rear room at present houses the
heating equipment. Two special basement features are a
large coal storage room under the South sidewalk and
entered by stairs under the entry stairs and a 3'
service passage from the street to the rear under the
porch. The latter occurs along the East foundation wall.
2. Stairways: Because of its monumental carved newel post,
its fine turned balusters and curvilinear stringer
features the main staircase is an important sculptural
feature of the interior. From the entry hall the half-
turn stair rises up from South to North a full sixteen
risers to the landing and then back five risers to the
second floor. At the second level, in a similar manner,
the stair ascends twelve risers and back six to the
third level. The fruitwood railing is continuous from
the newel to the top floor and is made of sections up
to 5' long.
The stairs to the basement are directly under the main
stairs in a steep straight run thirteen risers from a
platform and door under the North end of the eastern
stair stringer.
134
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 186 (Page 9)
3. Flooring: The original yellow pine floors have been
cleaned and refinished in the last five years. The
basement level has a concrete floor.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of
plaster throughout. The hall has had new wallpaper
within the last five years over older paper. All other
rooms are painted over plaster or over old wallpaper.
5. Doorways and doors: Wooden six panel doors appear to be
in most cases original and are approximately 3' X 7'.
The frames are trimmed with a wood molding are topped by
a straight molded wood cornice. On the first floor a
7'-1" opening between the front and the rear room is
fitted with two large eight panel doors which slide into
wall pockets.
6. Decorative features and trim: As major decorative
features there are on the first floor molded ceiling
ornaments in the stair hall and in the front and rear
parlors. All are of the heavy Victorian floral type
formerly acting as gas lighting fixture bases. In
keeping with the large scale of the rooms, the ornaments
in the center of both the parlor and dining room ceilings
have a large 3'-6" spread.
Trim forms and sizes vary considerably throughout the
house from floor to floor. The third floor has a 8"
baseboard with simple molded top and simple 5" window
and door trim. Doorways are crowned by a 3" architrave
board and a 2 1/2" corona. Plinth blocks are used at
the baseboard.
At the second level a 10" molded top baseboard is used
along with 6" door and window trim. Doorways are without
crown molding but do rest on plinth blocks as above.
At the main floor a baseboard of the same type as the
second floor is employed but in this case is 11" in height.
Door trim is similar to that used in the second floor but
with a 3/4 round edge and a 7 1/2" width. Doorways have
no crown mold but do rest on plinth blocks.
Additional trim on the first floor includes a picture
molding at approximately 2' from the ceiling in both the
dining room and living room and a cornice ceiling mold in
all rooms.
135
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC-186 (Page 10)
7. Notable hardware: The house retains much of its 19th
century hardware and this includes brass doorknob rings,
brass keyholes, and porcelain doorknobs. Especially
notable items of hardware are on the first floor sliding
doors. Geometric floral ornaments are cut out in low
relief on the plates for the door pulls, lock plates and
catch plates.
8. Lighting: There are a variety of 20th century fixtures.
9. Heating: There are several handsome fireplace mantel-
pieces which act as principal features of the major rooms.
On the third floor both fireplaces have been closed but
the simple wood mantelpieces remain. These have unfluted
but chamfered edge pilasters supporting a 7 1/2" deep
mantel shelf.
The second floor fireplaces are both open and are also of
brick with wood mantelpieces which are only slightly more
elaborate than those above. The front room has a seg-
mental arched opening and a 7 1/2" deep curving plan
mantel shelf.
The two major first floor rooms have 6'-0" X 4'-0" high
mantelpieces and hearths of white silver-veined marble.
Both have semicircular topped fireplace openings 2'-9"
X 2'-9" with a decorative floral featured keystone which
supports an 11" deep curving mantel shelf. The opening
in the dining room is set with a 19th century metal
heating ventilator. The metal facing is edged with a
stamped floral band and the floral patterned heating grill
is backed by adjustable metal vertical louvers. A 2'-9"
X 9" metal fender projects from the lower edge of the
metal facing and rests on the marble hearth.
The basement has the 20th century addition of a 19th
century black marble fireplace mantelpiece.
Modern central hot air heating was introduced into the
house according to the owners in the late 1920's. Metal
ductwork carries air to rooms on all floors.
136
WHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 186 (Page 11)
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: This house is the center
unit of a group of three Victorian row houses set on this
residential street not far from the shopping area of
Georgetown.
2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed by a wooden stockade
fence approximately 5' to 6' high.
3. Outbuildings: At the Northeast corner of the lot is a
small outbuilding shared by 3041 and 3043 and divided at
the center by a North-South party wall. The brick building
is approximately 12' square is 9' high to the roof cornice
line and is topped by a wood framed pyramidal roof. There
are two 2'-10" doors on both the East and West elevations
and a pair of windows at the South side. Walls are con-
structed of common bond and openings are bridged by flat
arched brick lintels. The 3041 side of the buildings still
serves as a storage facility while that of 3043 has been
recently renovated as a "tea house".
4. Walks: At the front (South) elevation there is red brick
paving from the elevation to the curb. Within the last
five years three paved brick circles strung out and linked
along the centerline of the lot have been added in the
rear yard. The first begins near the end of the rear wood
deck and the last ends near the North edge of the lot.
5. Lanscaping: The rear yard has been handsomely landscaped
during the last five years with various shrubs and plants
around the periphery. A black metal fountain has been
placed in the center of the second brick circle. From
the center of the West side of the rear yard a large black
walnut shades the yard. (The cast iron fountain dates from
1856).
Prepared by: William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
July, 1968
137
Wheatley Town House
photos: J. Alexander
living room
138
Wheatley Town House
entry and stair hall
photo: J. Alexander
139
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
1320 30th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
De La Roche-Jewell Tenant House
HABS No. DC-179
living rm
13'x19'
kitchen
8'x13'
parlor
hall
Dumbarton Avenue
13'x13'
shrubs
0
10
N
30th Street
142
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 179
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
Location:
1320 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
is located in the Northwest corner of 30th Street for-
merly Washington) and Dumbarton. It is the southern-
most of a three unit row.
Present Owner:
James L. Manogue
Present Occupant: Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Nichols, Jr.
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
1320 30th Street along with the two adjoining houses
Significance:
to the North is typical of simple rental housing of
mid-19th century. While the interior is quite unpre-
tentious, the exterior with the cast iron detailing
and projecting entry porch forms a pleasant and humanly
scaled streetscape.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in
Square 1242, lot 30 (formerly Square 72, lots 80 and 81).
The following is an incomplete chain of title to the property.
The references are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.
Lot 81
1804 Deed July 16, 1804, recorded January 5, 1805 in
Liber M folio 61
Thomas Beall
To
Thomas Sim Lee
Lot 81, being a corner lot 120' on west side of
Washington Street and 60' on north side of Dumbarton
Street
1813 Deed November 13, 1813, recorded November 15, 1813 in
Liber AF folio 431
Thomas Sim Lee
To
John Lee
Lot 81
Consideration: $550.00
143
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-179
(Page 2)
Deed December 23, 1813, recorded December 24, 1813 in
Liber AF folio 303
John Lee
To
Joseph Milligan
Consideration: $650.00
1814 Deed April 1, 1814, recorded April 12, 1814 in
Liber AG folio 267
Joseph Milligan
To
Anna Reinagle
Consideration: $1000.00
1815 Deed November 21, 1815, recorded December 1, 1815 in
Liber AK folio 259
Anna Reinagle
To
George Peter
Lot 81
Consideration: $2000.00
1835 Deed May 27, 1835 recorded June 12, 1835 in
Liber WB 53 folio 265
George W. Peter
To
William S. Nichols
Lot 81
Consideration: $750.00
1840 Deed July 9, 1840, recorded August 6, 1840 in
Liber WB 81 folio 298
William S. Nichols
To
Daniel Kurtz
Consideration: $1000.00
Lot 80
1794 Deed July 11, 1794, recorded July 12, 1794 in
Liber B folio 54
Thomas Beall, son of George
To
Samuel Davidson
William Craik
William Hammond Dorsey
144
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 179
(Page 3)
1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded September 12, 1797 in
Liber c folio 151
William Craik
William Hammond Dorsey
Samuel Davidson
To
Samuel Brooke
Lots 79, 80, 87 and 88
1814 Deed January 25, 1814, recorded May 5, 1814 in
Liber AG folio 362
Samuel Brooke
To
Joseph Brewer
1830 Deed September 28, 1830, recorded February 14, 1831 in
Liber WB 35 folio 1
John Marbury
Joseph Brewer
To
John Kurtz
Joseph Brewer by deed heretofore made and recorded
conveyed among other property in Georgetown lot 80 in
Thos. Beall's addition to Georgetown to said John
Marbury in trust to secure a certain debt due the
Farmers and Mechanics Bank of Georgetown and hath
recently sold the said lot of ground to John Kurtz
at private sale for the sum of $800...Lot 80...
granting 60' on Dumbarton Street and running back N
of same breadth 120'"
1842 Deed October 12, 1842, recorded November 29, 1842 in
Liber WB 96 folio 454
John Kurtz
To
Daniel Kurtz
Daniel Kurtz now owns both lots 80 and 81
1851 Deed August 1, 1851, recorded January 8, 1852 in
Liber JAS 34 folio 244
Mary C. Kurtz
and children, and heirs of Daniel Kurtz
To
George F. de la Roche
Lots 80 and 81
Consideration: $2800
145
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-179
(Page 4)
1863 Deed November 6, 1863, recorded January 25, 1864 in
Liber NCT 25 folio 71
Jane I. de la Roche
To
Claudius B. Jewell
Consideration: $2400
1889 Deed March 18, 1889, recorded March 10, 1881 in
Liber 1370 folio 490
Claudius B. Jewell
To
James Manogue
Consideration: $16,000
1916 Deed January 31, 1916, recorded February 18, 1916 in
Liber 3859 folio 472
Mary J. Manogue
William H. Manogue
To
George W. Manogue
Parts of lots 80 and 81 in Square 1242 beginning at
the southeast corner of lot 81 and running north on
30th Street 20' to the middle of the dividing wall
between premises 1320-1322 30th Street, and running
west through said dividing wall 80' to an alley in
rear...
2. Date of erection: The houses were taxed in the Georgetown
Assessments of 1865-70 (National Archives, Microcopy 605,
Group 351, roll 12) as follows:
Claudius B. Jewell
South part lots 80 and 81
120' Dumbarton Street 60' Washington
$ 1,800
Improvements Five Brick Houses, two stories
and back buildings
$7,600
George de la Roche heirs
North part lots 80 and 81
60' Washington 120' deep
$1,500
Improvements Two Story Frame Dwelling and
back buildings
$ 2,500
The five houses (three on Washington and two on Dumbarton)
are not shown on the Boschke map published in 1861.
146
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-179
(Page 5)
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The house has been extensively
remodelled, the major addition being the living room block
with its projecting bay window in the rear.
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1870-71
Henry Solmes [c] Beall corner Washington
1875
William G. Tanner, Beall corner Washington
h. 41 Montgomery
(These tenants possibly occupied 1320 30th Street. The
directories show no listing for a Washington Street
address.) The following are definite occupants:
1914
Julius H. Holtzberg
1915-19
Frederick Stahl
1920
Grace Burtis
1921-24
Laura V. Warner
1925
Laura V. Warner and John H. Thompson
1926-27
Mrs. Alice Peters
1928
James B. Darcey
1929-33
Mrs. Alice Moxley
1934
vacant
1935
Henry Klumb
1936
Henry K. Arneson
1937-38
John P. Cowan
1939-40
George Roper
1941
Mrs. Esther Stonestreet
1942-43
John H. Vincent
1948
A. H. Alexander
1954
vacant
1954
Woodward Wiley
1960
William McE. Fleming
1962
Charles A. Nichols
147
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 179
(Page 6)
2. George F. de la Roche who owned the property between 1851
and 1863 lived in the frame house on the north part of lots
80 and 81. He was the architect of Oak Hill Cemetary and
St. John's Church.
3. For information on early owners of the land see the following:
The Beall Family
HABS No. DC-154
Thomas Sim Lee
HABS No. DC-168
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1320 30th Street with its
neighbors to the north forms a pleasant row of mid-19th
century tenant houses. The details are typical of other
less diminutively scaled Victorian row houses in George-
town, but the addition of Greek Revival type front stoops
and small front gardens make this group distinctive.
2. Condition of fabric: The row is in good condition on the
exterior. 1320 30th Street is in good condition on the
interior. The house has been modernized for 20th century
living, the major alteration being the extensive remodel-
ing of the first floor living room (in the rear ell).
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This two story brick row faces east
onto 30th Street with its south wall 25' north of the
centerline of Dumbarton Avenue. Its three bay east facade
is 19' long and its depth, including the rear ell, is about
40'.
2. Foundations: The brick foundations are exposed about 2'
at the east facade.
3. Wall construction: The structure is of brick bearing walls
with header courses every eight rows. Number 1320 remains
unpainted red brick while numbers 1322 and 1324 have had
their facades painted white.
148
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-179 (Page 7)
4. Framing: Interior partitions are of stud-wall construc-
tion.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: The main facade of each
of the three houses has a small wooden stoop. This is
about 4' X 3' in size and is reached by three wooden steps.
The stoop is canopied by a wooden roof attached to the
facade below the second floor window sill and supported
by a pair of wooden columns. These columns are tapering
eight sided champion columns with pseudo-tuscan simple
wood capitals. At the side to the doorway each canopy
roof is supported by slightly projecting wood pilaster
boards. The roof is built with projecting wood boxed
gutters supported by a modillion band.
6. Chimneys: Two chimneys are present: one at the center
of the south wall of the front parlor and one at the north
wall of the rear living room.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The entry door at the east
elevation is a 3' 2" four panel wood door which has been
much altered and repaired. This door is surrounded
with nine glass lights beginning at 3' from the floor.
At each side are three lights and above is a four
light fixed transom.
b. Windows and shutters: Windows (three in number)
throughout the eastern portion of the first floor are
6/9 light double-hung wood sash 2' 10" wide. At the
second floor all windows are 6/6 light double-hung
wood sash. At the facade of all three units in the
row windows at both floors are crowned by cast iron
ornamental lintels.
At the facade all three houses in the row are fitted
with two panel wood shutters (painted black) at both
first and second floor windows.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The main portion of the house is
roofed by a gable with its ridge running parallel to
30th Street while the rear section has a shed roof
pitching down to the south. Both roofs are metal
covered.
149
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-179 (Page 8)
b. Cornice, eaves: The facade is capped by a wood
modillioned cornice. The projecting wood boxed rain
gutter is supported by wood brackets approximately
l' high and spaced between each window. There are no
downspouts at the east facade.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There are none.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: This simple side hall plan row house has
two rooms per floor in the gabled front portion and one
room per floor in the shed roofed rear ell. The first
floor contains a front parlor, a kitchen and a rear living
room. The second floor has three bedrooms and two baths.
A basement is constructed under the rear portion of the
house, but the eastern section has only a crawl space.
2. Stairways: The half-turn sidehall staircase presents to
the entry hall a run of 14 7 1/2" risers from east to
west to a landing and a 3 riser return to the second floor.
The fruitwood railing is continuous from the hardwood
Victorian newel post to the north wall at the second
floor and is supported by two turned balusters per tred.
The basement is reached by an exterior stair at the south
side of the rear portion of the house. It descends 10
brick risers from west to east.
3. Flooring: Pine floors of 19th century date remain.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of
plaster throughout.
5. Doorways and doors: Four panel 19th century wood interior
doors which remain vary from 2' 6" to 2' 10" in width.
6. Decorative features and trim: First floor trim consists of
5" door and window moldings and an 8" molded top baseboard.
Corners of the trim are mitered and doors do not have
plinth blocks. At the second floor, door and window trim
are reduced to 3" in width with those windows at the east
being trimmed instead with 3 3/4" moldings. The baseboard
at the second floor is 7 1/2" high. Neither floor has a
cornice or chair rail. There are no other distinctive
decorative features of 19th century date.
150
DE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-179 (Page 9)
7. Notable hardware: Door knobs and hinges in the front
section of the house are mainly of 19th century date but
none are of special note.
8. Lighting: There is nothing of special note.
9. Heating: The major decorative feature of the house
other than the stairway is the front parlor mantelpiece.
The brick hearth and fireback are enclosed by a 4' 5" x
3' 11" high white marble mantelpiece with an 8" wide and
5' long mantel shelf. The under shelf lintel has its
lower edge cut away forming a very shallow pointed arch
over the fireplace opening.
The other mantelpiece extant in the house in the living
room is an early 20th century neoclassic design in wood.
The other fireplace at the second floor at the southeast
bedroom has been walled-up and the mantelpiece removed.
Heating of the house at present is by radiator units in
each room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: This house is the
southernmost of a group of three row houses of iden-
tical design. The row is set in the midst of residential
northeast Georgetown.
2. Enclosures: The diminutive front yard is enclosed by
a handsome black painted metal fence and gate about
2 1/2' in height. The rear yard is fenced at the
west, south and north by a 6' high stockade fence.
3. Outbuildings: There are none.
4. Walks: The house is fronted by brick sidewalks at both
the east and the south.
5. Landscaping: The front yards of all three row houses are
planted with ivy and small shrubs. The rear yard of
number 1320 is brick paved and edged with shrubs. A
small pine tree stands at the northwest corner and the
rear yard is shaded by a medium sized maple tree of the
house to the north.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
September, 1968
151
De La Roche-Jewell
Tenant House
photos: J. Alexander
similar type at
1521 29th street
152
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
1400 29th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
James I. Barrett House
HABS No. DC-180
rear yard
patio
d
kitchen
dining rm.
14'x15'
living rm
14'x31'
O Street
lav
library
hall
14'x15'
0
10
N
29th Street
154
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 180
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
Location:
1400 29th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the northwest corner of 29th
(formerly Greene) and 0 (formerly Beall) Streets.
Present Owner:
Mrs. Philip Thayer
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
This house is an example of a restrained and formal
Significance:
Victorian dwelling. The exterior is a simple brick
cube adorned only by a roof cornice band and cap-
ping features for each element of fenestration. A
central hall divides the interior into four cubical
spaces per floor. The only exception is the living
room which runs the full depth of the house.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1258, lot 207 (formerly parts of lots 100-101).
The house itself is actually only on part of lot 101.
The following is an incomplete chain of title to the
property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,
Washington, D.C.
1795 Deed September 30, 1795, recorded October 3, 1795 in
Liber B folio 354
Thomas Beall
To
Henry Lucas
Lot 101
1807 Deed March 12, 1807, recorded March 20, 1807 in
Liber R folio 143
Henry Lucas
To
Jesse Smith
155
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 2)
1813 Deed March 15, 1813, recorded June 8, 1813 in
Liber AE folio 454
Jesse Smith
To
Vicent King
1816 Deed August 10, 1816, recorded August 27, 1816 in
Liber AM folio 88
Vincent King
To
Caleb Peckam
1851 Deed July 30, 1851, recorded January 5, 1852 in
Liber JAS 34 folio 147
Elizabeth Peckam
To
George F. de la Roche
Consideration: $300.00
1854 Deed May 19, 1854, recorded October 30, 1855 in
Liber JAS 103 folio 329
George de la Roche
To
James Isaac Barrett
Consideration: $1000.00
1887 Deed December 12, 1877, recorded December 13, 1887 in
Liber 1288 folio 391
William C. Barrett
To
Eleanor A. Walker, formerly Barrett
Part lot 101, 40' on Green Street
60' Beall Street
Deed December 14, 1887, recorded December 16, 1887 in
Liber 1295 folio 300
William C. Barrett
To
Eleanor A. Walter
Part lot 101
1889 Deed March 28, 1889, recorded March 30, 1889 in
Liber 1377 folio 400
Eleanor A. Walter
To
William H. Manogue
All lot 100 and 101
Consideration $14,000
156
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 180 (Page 3)
1890 Deed May 20, 1890, recorded May 27, 1890 in
Liber 1502 folio 91
William H. Manogue
To
James D. Rowe
Consideration: $5500 for lot 207 (Parts of old
lots 100 and 101)
1898 Deed of Trust February 18, 1898, recorded
February 19, 1898 in
Liber 2291 folio 174
James D. Rowe
To
Rawlings and Luckett, Trustees
1899 Trustees Deed January 24, 1899, recorded
February 1, 1899 in
Liber 2378 folio 122
Rawlings and Luckett, Trustees
To
Thomas J. Stanton
Sold for default from above trust
1922 Deed May 23, 1922 recorded June 2, 1922 in
Liber 4733 folio 209
Thomas J. Stanton
To
Margaret Hartigan
1939 Deed November 27, 1939, recorded November 29, 1939 in
Liber 7417 folio 5
Margaret Hatigan
To
Roberto G. de Mendoza
1945 Deed June 15, 1945 recorded July 2, 1945 in
Liber 8126 folio 137
Roberto G. de Mendoza
To
Russell Skinner et ux Sina Steenrod
1945 Deed June 27, 1945, recorded July 2, 1945 in
Liber 8126 folio 138
Russell Skinner
To
John M. Creighton
Frances Skinner Creighton
Virginia Hughes Skinner
157
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 180 (Page 4)
1952 Deed April 4, 1952, recorded April 10, 1952 in
Liber 9689 folio 302
John M. Creighton
Frances Skinner Creighton
Virginia Hughes Skinner
To
James Marshall McHugh
Maxine Davis, his wife
Deed September 5, 1952, recorded September 11, 1952 in
Liber 9799 folio 17
James Marshall McHugh and wife
To
Ellen N. La Motte
1954 Deed January 15, 1954, recorded January 20, 1954 in
Liber 10120 folio 524
Ellen N. La Motte
To
Philip W. Thayer and wife Barbara
2. Date of erection: City directories show the Barrett family
occupying the present house in 1867. The Georgetown Assess-
ments for 1871 (National Archives, Microcopy 605, Group 351,
roll 13) show an assessment to Barrett for $6600 for the
same property valued at $1600 in 1865-70 (roll 12). The
$5000 increase signifies the erection of a large house.
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: The original kitchen was located
in the basement: the present first floor kitchen and bath
were added in the 20th century. Also the second floor
porch was enclosed, an access was added and a small bath.
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington city directories provide the following tenant
information:
158
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180
(Page 5)
1867-69
James Isaac Barrett, carpenter
107 Greene
1870-77
Robert Barrett, widow
1888-90
Brooke B. Williams
1891-96
James D. Rowe, clerk, treasury
James G. Rowe, Milk
1897-98
James D. Rowe, clerk
1900-07
Paul B. Hinzen, clerk, war
1909-22
Paul B. Hinzen
Clara Hinzen
1923-25
Charles Hartigan
1926-27
vacant
1928
Charles B. McVey III
1929
Charles Hartigan
1930
John P. Gregg
1931
John H. Towers
1932
vacant
1933
Charles Hartigan
1934
vacant
1935-36
Charles Hartigan
1937-38
David Saperstein
1939-40
Charles Hartigan
1941
Robert G. Mendoza
1943
Mrs. Rebecca S. Mallorey
1948
Julius Krug
1954
Ellen La Motte
1956
Philip Thayer
3. In 1888 Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Williams were listed in the
Washington Elite List: A Compilation of Selected Names
of Residents of Washington City D.C. and Ladies Shopping
Guide (copies of this guide located in Washingtoniana
Room, Main Branch, D.C. Public Library).
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Rowe were listed in the 1892 edition.
4. Mr. George Scheele, a long time resident of Georgetown,
recalls that a colored family operated a dairy in the back
part of the basement house. This would coincide with the
directory listing from 1891-96 for "James G. Rowe, Milk
107 Greene".
5. Thomas Stanton who owned the property between 1899 and
1922 had a grocery store at 1401 29th according to city
directory listings.
6. Julius Albert Krug (born 1907) was the chief power engineer
of TVA from 1938-1941. He joined the Office of Production
Management in 1941 and became Chairman of the War Product-
ion Board in 1944. From 1946 to 1949 he was Secretary of
the Interior under President Truman.
159
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 6)
7. Philip Thayer was a special assistant to the Ambassador
to Chile, 1942-1944, and Cultural Relations Attache in
that Embassy 1944-5. He was Dean of the School of Advanced
International Studies, the Johns Hopkins University, 1948-
1961. (Who's Who in America, vol. 32, 1962-63). Mrs.
Thayer is the present occupant of the house.
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1400 29th Street is a good
example of a substantial Victorian free-standing residence.
Its scale is not overly grand yet both interior and exterior
show an ample spaciousness. Similarly its ornamentation
is rich but overabundant. In its strongly symmetrical
plan and its single block massing it partakes of much of
the spirit of the earlier 19th century. It is one of
the most prominent examples of this conservative Victorian
vein in Georgetown.
2. Condition of fabric: This gray painted house is in
excellent condition on the exterior and good-excellent
condition on the interior. The interior has been modified
for 20th century living by the addition of a lavatory at
the first floor southeast parlor and the addition of a
two story frame section at the west housing a kitchen at
the first floor and a bath at the second floor.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This two story brick free-standing
house faces east onto 29th Street at the northwest corner
of 29th and 0 Streets. Its south side is approximately
25' from the centerline of 0 Street. The three bay
front (east) elevation is 36' 9" and the south elevation
is 32' 8" long.
160
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 7)
At the west the house is entered by a pair of 15 light
modern French doors to the north living room. A
modern 3' door gives access to the present kitchen
from the yard. From this same yard a 4 riser stair
extends down from south to north to the basement under
the present kitchen.
b. Windows and shutters: All windows at the east eleva-
tion are identical in form. There are five pairs of
4/4 light double hung wood sash windows with each
window opening having a segmental head and topped by
a cast iron hood. This hood is a single unit over
eash pair of windows and is topped by two acroteria
and supported by three leaf-ornamented consoles.
Window sills are straight line design and are supported
by three small cast iron brackets. The masonry
opening for each pair is about 6' while the height
of those at the first floor is 6' 8" and those at the
second floor is 6'. Windows at the rear east and
south elevations are 6/6 light double-hung wood sash
with flat brick arch lintels and no ornamental trim.
Windows at the south elevation are fitted with single
panel fixed louver shutters. These are painted gray.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: This flat roof is covered with sheet
metal.
b. Cornice, eaves: The house is crowned by a simple
boxed wood projecting cornice and gutter. The eaves
are underlined by a dentil band and supported by
approximately 2 1/2' high wood scrolling brackets.
These brackets are in 4 pairs at the east elevation
but occur singly at the other elevations.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There are none.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The plan is nearly square and is divided
down the middle, east to west, by a 6' wide central
hall. To the west an enclosed porch has been added. The
first floor contains a full length northern living room
161
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 8)
2. Foundations: The brick foundation walls of the basement
are revealed about 2' at the south and east elevations.
3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has
an east facade built in running bond smooth face brick.
The other three elevations are in common bond with header
courses every six rows and are constructed with lesser
grade rougher face bricks. All elevations are now painted
gray with white painted trim.
4. Framing: The interior is partitioned into four quadrants
by 19th century frame walls. Floor framing is said to
be wood joists.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads: At the west side of the
dwelling is a wood-framed two story porch entered from
the first floor hallway from the landing to the second
floor and from a 5 riser stair from the west yard. Both
levels were enclosed in the 1940's and covered with asbestos
shingles. The first floor serves as a kitchen while a
sitting room, bath and closet occupy the second floor.
6. Chimneys: There are three brick chimneys. Two at the south
elevation and one at the center of the north elevations.
That at the north and that at the southwest measure about
3 1/2' x 1 1/2' while that at the southeast is approximately
6' x 1 1/2'. All are cement-plaster covered and crowned
with simple course brick caps.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The major entry is at the center
of the east elevation and has a pair of 19th century
2' 5" three panel heavy wood doors. These are topped
by a two light transom set in a segmental headed
opening. The entry is framed by a pair of 10"
pilaster boards and topped by a pediment supported by
two 2' high scrolling wood consoles. The doors are
recessed about 1' from the west elevation and this
jamb is broken into panels by raised wood moldings. The
entry is reached by a run of four 20th century brick
steps.
162
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 9)
A southeast parlor-library, (with 20th century lavatory),
a southwest dining room, and a kitchen in the closed-in
porch at the west. At the second floor there are four
nearly square bedrooms, a bath at the east end of the
stairhall, and a bath at the enclosed west porch. A
basement extends under the southern portion of the main
block beginning at the south wall of the livingroom above.
This contains two large rooms and a furnace room. A wood
room extends as a basement under the west porch.
2. Stairways: The half-turn main staircase located in the
west half of the stairhall ascends 13 risers from east to
west to a landing, and back 6 risers to the second floor.
The stair rail of dark hardwood is supported by two
Victorian turned balusters per tred. The newel post
appears to have been replaced by an early 19th century
type, a simple wood turned post. Directly under the main
stair a run of 11 risers extend to the basement.
3. Flooring: The original pine flooring of random width 4'
6" runs east to west on both first and second floors.
The basement has a concrete floor for the east half and
a wood floor at the west half, 8" above the level of the
concrete.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of
plaster and either painted or wall papered.
5. Doorways and doors: The vestible doors at the east end
of the stairhall are a pair of 2' 5" two panel wood doors
with the upper panel being a single glass light 1' 3"
x 3' 9". Above these doors appears a two light transom.
The standard door used on both first and second floors is
a six panel heavy wood door with a raised molding around
each panel.
As part of the alteration of the second floors the doorway
between the southeast and the southwest bedroom has been
removed and walled-up.
6. Decorative features and trim: The major special feature
of the decoration is an 8" coved plaster cornice which
occurs in the three major rooms of the first floor. Wood
trim includes a 10" baseboard in the first floor main
rooms, a l' baseboard in the stairhall, and 8 1/2"
163
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 10)
baseboards on the second floor. Window and door wood
trim is 6 1/2" wide and a torus molded edge. Doors have
8" hung plinth blocks and first floor east windows have
three small wood console blocks under each pair of
windows.
7. Notable hardware: Hardware includes what could be late
19th century glass knobs, and brass escutcheons and key
plates.
8. Lighting: The one fixture of note is a glass chandelier
in the first floor stairhall.. This fixture may be of
19th century date but was installed in the house in the
mid-20th century by the previous owner.
9. Heating: Four fireplaces remain open; one at the second
floor and three at the first floor. In the living room
the north wall fireplace has a 2' 6" semicircular-headed
opening, and a white marble hearth and mantelpiece of
19th century date. The 6' 1" X 4' mantel is adorned with
a cartouche keystone, simply carved spandrel panels, and
torus molded vertical edges. It is topped by a simple
mantel shelf with double curving leading edge. In the
parlor-library the fireplace opening is 3' and semicircular
headed. Again the hearth and mantelpiece are of white marble
with the mantel being 5' 8" X 3' 11". It is ornamented
with a floral leaf keystone, grove-surrounded spandrel
panel and chamfered vertical edges. It is topped by a
marble mantel shelf.
The dining room fireplace is 2' 1" wide and is surrounded
by a 5' X 4' 4" wood mantelpiece. The opening is framed
by a pair of reeded and chanelled. pilasters 2' 6" high
supporting a shallow ogee arch. A slightly curved wood
mantel shelf is 9" in depth.
The house at present is heated by a central air system with
floor ventilators in each room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: This house sits
amidst a number of large and small 19th century residen-
tial structures, both town houses and detached residences.
164
JAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE
HABS No. DC-180 (Page 11)
2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed at the west by a
two story brick party wall, at the north by a 7' high
wooden stockade fence, and at the south by a 4 1/2'
high brick wall.
3. Outbuildings: There are none.
4. Walks: The residence faces east onto a brick sidewalk.
At the south is a 5' wide brick walk and a 10' wide con-
crete walk extending to the curb. At the south side
near the east corner is located a handsome circular coal
chute cover plate of cast iron. It bears the name of
F. & A. Schneider and is embossed with a central rosette
and peripheral band of overlapping leaves.
5. Landscaping: The rear yard is paved with brick and edged
by plants and shrubs. The east front is edged with
shrubs to window sill height.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
June, 1969
165
James I. Barrett House
photo; J. Alexander
166
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
3013 Q Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Cooke's Row, Villa No. 3
HABS No. DC-182
kitchen
14'x16
X
butler's pan
8'x14'
dining rm.
14'x23'
sitting rm.
15'x15'(orig.s)
hall parlor
15'x27'
shrubs
0
10
N
Q Street
168
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-182
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
Location:
3013 Q Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
This building is the eastern half of the third
villa from the left of Cooke's Row on the north
side of Q Street (formerly Stoddert). Originally
called villa number 3, Cooke's Place.
Present Owner:
Col. and Mrs. Robert Evans
Present Occupant:
Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
In its park-like setting, Cooke's Row forms an
Significance:
impressive series of large scale, formal Victorian
mansions. Of the four double villas, 3013 and 3015
Q Street specifically represent the Italianate style.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1282, lot 803 (formerly Square 112, lot 3 of
Beall's addition to Georgetown). The following is an
incomplete chain of title to the property. The references
are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.
1792 Deed June 13, 1792, recorded June 16, 1792 in
Liber A folio 117
George Beall and wife
To
Thomas Beall
"all that part of a tract of land known as the
'Rock of Dumbarton' adjoining Georgetown, divided
by the first branch north of Georgetown thence
down with said branch to Rock Creek; thence down
the West side of said Creek and all that part
that layeth south of the beginning of the before
mentioned branch and the West side of Rock
Creek..."
1798 Deed June 12, 1798, recorded August 24, 1798 in
Liber D folio 67
Thomas Beall
To
William Craik
169
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC- 182 (Page 2)
Part of the Rock of Dumbarton containing 10 and
5/8 acres, including land from the north side of
Back St. (Stoddert, now "Q") north to Road Street
(now "R") next to part of the Rock of Dumbarton
sold to Brook Beall.
1808 Deed March 10, 1808, recorded June 22, 1808 in
Liber U folio 76
Edmund J. Lee, Executor of the will of William Craik
To
David Peter
1836 Deed March 10, 1836, recorded April 21, 1836 in
Liber WB 61 folio 82
William Ramsey and wife
James Peter and wife
George H. Peter and wife
James Beverly and wife
To
John Marbury
Conveys 8 acres of land lying in Georgetown
fronting on Stoddert, Washington and Road Streets
known as Peter's Grove, the residence of David
Peter and his family after his death
1844 Deed June 6, 1844, recorded June 8, 1844 in
Liber WB 109 folio 193
John Marbury, Trustee
To
John Carter
1867 Deed in Trust June 13, 1867, recorded July 9, 1867 in
Liber ECE 10 folio 419
John Carter O'Neil
To
William G. Moorhead
"In trust to secure payment of four promisory
notes given by said Moorehead to said O'Neil dated
May 15, 1867, for $9,375 for deferred purchase and
on payment of said sum, to hold in trust for the
sale and separate use of Laura S. Cooke, wife of
Henry D. Cooke
170
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC- 182 (Page 3)
1869 Deed February 2, 1869, recorded February 24, 1869 in
Liber D 6 folio 360
William G. Moorhead, Trustee
Laura S. Cooke
To
Charles M. Keyser
Recites that Charles M. Keyser and his heirs "shall
not erect nor suffer to be erected on said premises
any out building or out buildings whatsoever except
a stable to be built in blocks of two upon the
dividing line of said premises, said stable to be
not higher than 12' to the square and to be of the
same style of architecture as the house now
erected on said lot."
Deed July 10, 1869, recorded July 29, 1869 in
Liber D 11 folio 458
Charles M. Keyser
To
Alexander R. Shepherd
Deed October 18, 1869, recorded October 19, 1869 in
Liber D 14 folio 231
Alexander R. Shepherd
To
Charles M. Keyser
1870 Deed February 16, 1870, recorded March 9, 1870 in
Liber TR 6 folio 271
Charles M. Keyser
To
Stephen Flanagan
1876 Deed November 8, 1876, recorded March 1, 1877 in
Liber 846 folio 178
Stephen Flanagan et ux Amanda
To
Joshua A. Ellis
Deed December 27, 1876, recorded February 28, 1877 in
Liber 844 folio 239
Joshua A. Ellis
To
William H. Barnard
171
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC- 182 (Page 4)
1879 Deed May 1, 1879, recorded May 5, 1879 in
Liber 909 folio 347
William H. Barnard
To
Henry D. Cooke and Laura S. Cooke
1881 Deed May 25, 1881, recorded June 21, 1881 in
Liber 976 folio 105
William E. Chandler,
William M. George, Jr., Trustees
To
Van H. Higgens
Sold for default under trust
1885 Deed August 22, 1885, recorded September 1, 1885 in
Liber 1139 folio 325
Van H. Higgins and wife Lena M.
To
Helen Young Shepperd
Villa #3 in Cooke's Row
1909 Deed May 8, 1909, recorded May 11, 1909 in
Liber 3238 folio 42
Randolph Clay Murphy
To
Aurelia Augusta Murphy
Devisee under the will of Helen Young Shepperd
1911 Deed December 8, 1911, recorded January 5, 1912 in
Liber 3486 folio 322
J. Holdsworth Gordon,
William H. Good, Trustees
To
Watson Clark
Sold under decree passed October 5, 1909 in Equity
Case 28585
1912 Deed January 3, 1912, recorded January 7, 1913 in
Liber 3587 folio 288
Watson Clark
To
John Blake Gordon
Erskine Gordon
172
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC- 182 (Page 5)
1914 Deed May 18, 1914, recorded May 18, 1914 in
Liber 3720 folio 31
John Blake Gordon
Erskine Gordon
To
George L. Nicholson
1950 Deed October 16, 1950, recorded October 19, 1950 in
Liber 9322 folio 412
George L. Nicholson
To
Earl L. Packer and wife Iris
1958 Deed June 23, 1958, recorded July 18, 1958 in
Liber 11075 folio 373
Earl L. Packer and wife Iris
To
Robert F. Evans and Jane R. Evans
2. Date of erection: The Evening Star, June 30, 1868 gives
the following information: "Messrs. Starkweather and
Plowman, the accomplished architects, engineers and
surveyors of Washington, some months since commenced the
construction of eight first-class cottage villas located
on Stoddert Street on the south side of and adjoining the
beautiful grounds of Henry D. Cooke, Esq. on the famed
Heights of Georgetown."
3. Architect: Starkweather and Plowman.
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known.
5. Alterations and additions: None.
6. Important Old Views: None Found
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1878-79
Henry D. Cooke
1886-1908
John Shepperd
1915-48
George Nicholson
1954
George Nicholson
1958
Colonel Robert Evans, USA, ret.
173
COOKE's ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 6)
2. Henry David Cooke (1825-1881), after running a newspaper
in Ohio, came to Washington during the Civil War to manage
the office of Jay Cooke and Company. This was one of the
most prominent banking firms of the period, and had been
found by his brother. Henry Cooke was responsible for
having Congress authorize the construction of the first
street railway in the District and became the president of
the Georgetown Street Railway Company in 1862. Shortly
thereafter he resigned to become president of the First
National Bank of Washington. President Grant appointed
Henry Cooke the first territorial governor of the District
in 1871; he resigned from this position in 1873 because
of the failure of the firm of Jay Cooke. Cooke's own
Georgetown residence was the Dodge House at 30th and Q
Streets, which he purchased from Francis Dodge, Jr. in
1867. According to legend, he built Cooke's row to
established residences for his twelve children. (Diction-
ary of American Biography, vol. IV, pp. 382-383)
3. The Georgetown Assessments of 1871 (National Archives
Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll 13) show an assessment on
the land for each of the villas at $1200 and the value of
the improvements at $10,000.
4. The following description of the villas is taken from The
Evening Star, June 30, 1869.
"These beautiful residences are set back from the street
25 feet upon lots 43' X 140' deep, thus affording beauti-
ful front and side yards, which will be graded two feet
(three steps) above the sidewalk, and terraced up from a
level, leaving a walk inside the front fence, which fence
will be composed of a 2 foot high faced brick wall with a
neat iron railing.
The buildings will be elevated above the terrace four feet
to the principal floor and are two stories and French attic
high for four of them in the French style of architecture,
in the Italian style.
The houses contain each two parlors, connected with sliding
doors, a library, a dining room, butler's closet, servant's
hall, and stairs, with all modern improvements and appur-
tenances (besides the spacious hall and stairs opening on
tasty porches) in the principal stories which are twelve
174
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC- 182 (Page 7)
feet high in the clear. The kitchens which are located in
the basement, are ample, and communicate directly with the
butler's closet, adjoining the fine diningroom, by means
of a dumb-waiter. The kitchen and butler's closets have
every convenience and are supplied with hot and cold water
as also are the bathrooms in the second stories.
The second story of each house, 11 feet high, contains four
fine chambers, closets, water closets, bathroom, dressing-
room, servants' hall stairs, etc. while the attics have
each 4-5 good chambers. There is a cellar under each house
its entire size.
These villas are of brick and are to be painted some warm
mellow tint and sanded. The walls are open, with a 3-inch
air space from the bottom of the cellar to their tops,
thus securing a dry house in wet weather, and warm one in
cold weather and cool one in warm weather. All the exterior
decorations, except the main cornices, will be formed of
fancy moulded bricks, similar to the dressing of the Theo-
logical Seminary in Fairfax County, Va., which was designed
and built by Mr. Starkweather of this firm just before the
Rebellion.
The outline of these superb residences is varied and
picturesque while the details are constructed and arranged
in a manner displaying great skill and refined taste in
art of design both as pertains to grace and ease of outline
originality, novelty and effective beauty in detail; but
also great economy of outlay, a very important item in the
District. These houses cannot be surrounded and hemmed in
on either side and they adjoin the beautiful and pictur-
esque grounds of Mr. Henry D. Cooke who is also having
constructed by the same gentlemen one of the most spacious
and elegant mansions this side of Philadelphia."
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
175
COOKE's ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 8)
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 3013 - 3015 Q Street are
numbers three and four of the eight units of the famous
Cooke's Row. Two units at each end of the row are in the
French Second Empire Sytle while the other four units
including 3013-15 are in the bracketed Italianate Villa
style. As fine examples of this mode 3013-15 are signi-
ficant in Georgetown. As representative of the Victorian
desire for convenience and the picturesque this house, and
the entire row, are important. The concern for utility
is evident from circulation features such as the dumb-
waiter or the servant stairway or in special appurten-
ances such as indoor plumbing or storage closets. This
basic provision for use is matched by romantic desires
for a house set in a park amid rich foliage. Variety
is a key concept of the picturesque and this is evident
in several ways. Each floor is differentiated by changes
in floor to ceiling height and differences of detail,
while modulations of scale and shape give to each unit
of fenesration a specialized form for a particular position
in the elevations.
It is as a whole however that Cooke's Row achieves its
greatest importance. The sum here is much greater than
a mere addition of its parts. Few other residential
groups of the Victorian period reveal as well the age's
cultivation of picturesque siting and variations on a
theme as well as do these.
2. Condition of fabric: 3015 is in a good and 3013 in a
good-excellent state of repair. Both halves of this
building however, have been altered somewhat. 3013 has
had a kitchen addition at the north and a rectangular
projection added to the east side of the sitting room.
It also appears that the interior has been altered in
the second quarter of the 20th century to include neo-
classic wood mantelpieces and a first floor hallway arch.
3015 has added a garage with patio deck at the first floor
elevation to the west of the living room in the mid-20th
century. A two story rectangular brick section has been
added to the west end of the dining room probably at the
beginning of the 20th century, and one story kitchen has
176
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 9)
been added at the rear (north). The main rooms of the
interior are much less changed than 3013 except for the
removal of the original 19th century front marble fire-
place in the living room and the substitution for it of
a smaller Victorian one.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: 3013 and 3015 Q Street are numbers
three and four respectively of Cooke's Row located on the
north side of Q Street between 30th and 31st Street and
with the party wall approximately 205' along Q Street
from the center line of 30th Street. The two and one half
story brick double house has an 48' street front (south)
and a depth of the 19th century portion of about 73'.
2. Foundations: Brick bearing wall of the house is of common
bond with header rows every six to eight courses. The
wall is enriched with several 19th century ornamental
features. The first of these is a bracket supporting belt
course at the sill level of the attic windows. The band
itself is of standard and molded brick, while the
chamfered lower edge sills appear to be of stone. At
the first floor line a three course water table of molded
brick gridles ahe building. Additional features are two
types of window hood molds for the second floor windows.
These are 8" wide segmental arched bands over the paired
windows at the south, east and west elevations. At each
pair of windows the bands are terminated by three molded
brick hoods. This theme is continued by similar 4" wide
brick bands over the single windows at the second floor
over the entry doors.
It has been reported that these buildings were painted
with pastel shades from the beginning. At present 3013-
15 is a light yellow.
4. Framing: Framing is not visible but is almost certainly
of wood. Evidently the main staircases are both cantil-
evered from a series of single beams running through the
party wall.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: The house is approached
by a flight of brick steps the full width of central south
facade recess. The nine risers are topped by 20th
177
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 10)
century flagstone treds and the steps are provided at
the center and each side with 20th century black painted
railings.
To the north of the dining room of 3015 a set of 7
risers descends from west to east to the basement. A
similar arrangement does not exist at the east half of
the house.
Above the entry at the south elevation at the second
floor line is a balcony with four metal brackets and metal
railings which appear to be of 20th century date.
6. Chimneys: Each half of the house has two chimneys; one
double size at the east-west wall between the library
and the parlor and one single chimney at the south half
of the outer wall of the parlor. Above the roof line
the two chimneys of 3013 appear to be in nearly original
condition while those at 3015 have been greatly altered.
Those at 3013 are approximately 2' X 4' 6" and 2' x 2'
8" respectively. Both have ornamental caps in the form
of molded brick dentil bands and a standard brick 5
course cap.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The main entry door at the
south elevation has a semicircular headed
masonry opening about 5 1/2' wide. The doors them-
selves are two 2' 7" x 8' wood two panel center clos-
ing units with one of these panels a large rectangular
light. The doors are topped by a semicircular tran-
som and a brick arch of 8" voussoirs. At 3013 the
fan light appears to be of early 20th century date,
while that of 3015 is a 19th century colored glass
lunette.
Thresholds of both entry doorways are of cast iron.
b. Windows and shutters: Fenestration throughout the
house varies considerably in form and scale, Those
at the first floor are semicircular headed 3/2 lights
double-hung sash. The 3' wide floor-ceiling windows
with the stool at 7" from the floor are paired except
178
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 11)
for the triple windows at the bay in the dining room.
The top half of each window has a pair of lancet win-
dows and a single lunette. The head of these windows
is bridged by a brick voussoir arch and a sill formed
by the water table.
Second floor windows are low segmental headed 2/2
lights double hung sash. They are also 3' wide and
are semi-floor-ceiling height with the stool at
2' 2" from the floor. Those at the east and west
elevations have stone sills supported by molded brick
brackets.
Third floor windows at the south elevation under
the projecting gable end consist of 3' semicircular
headed 3/2 light double-hung sash flanked by a l' 8"
x 3' 8" 1/1 light semicircular headed double-hung
sash.
In the large cupola over the central portion of the
house are 16 (4 per side) semicircular headed 1' 3"
x 5' 2" 1/1 light double-hung sash.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The basic roof shape is an "H"
with two low pitched gabled roofs with a north-south
ridge crossed by an east-west gable at the north end
of the house. To the south of the crossing is a
large cupola approximately 14' square with a low
pitched hipped room. The covering of the roofs is
standing seam metal.
b. Cornice, eaves: As normal appurtenances of the
Italinate mode there are numerous roof brackets.
Under the overhanging gabled roof ends and edges are
pairs of 3 1/2' tall brackets. They are scrolling
brackets with turned drips and are attached to the
brick belt course at the attic story sill level.
For the wooden framed cupola, the widely projecting
roof is supported by three single 5' 6" tall and two
1' tall wood brackets at each side.
179
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 12)
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: One major feature of the
house is a large centrally located cupola. It is
divided by the north-south party wall into two
spaces. 6' X 12' and is reached by a flight of steps
from each half of the house.
The dormer over the doorway bay of 3015 is a 20th
century intrustion.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: The basic plan of each half of the "cottage
villa" is a simple row house type with full depth stairhall
at the party wall, and along the side a series of rooms
staged from more public at the south to less public to the
north. The 12' tall first floor contains a parlor, a
sitting room, a dining room, a butler's closet and a kitchen
addition.
The second floor of 3015 contains three bedrooms and a
bath at the southeast corner at the main level and a
library and a bath on the lower floor level (about 3 1/2'
lower) over the butler's closet at the north.
The third floor of 3015 has four bedrooms and a bath at
the southeast at the end of the hall.
The full basement contains laundry and storage rooms at
present, and probably originally housed a kitchen. This
would have been connected to the butler's pantry above by
a dumbwaiter about 1 1/2' square, the shaft of which is
still to be seen in 3013.
2. Stairways: There are three sets of stairs for the house;
a main set at the entry hall, a set of servant stairs, and
a stairway to the cupola. The 3' wide main stair built
against the party wall at the central section of the side
hall has two straight runs up from south to north to the
second and third floors. That to the second is twenty-
one 7 1/2" risers and that to the third is eighteen
risers.
At the wall between the dining room and the hall is a
set of double corner winder service stairs from the first
floor to the second floor and to the basement. Those to
the second level are fifteen 8" risers up from south to
north to the lev 1 of the room over the butler's closet
180
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 13)
and back from north to south five risers to major second
floor plane. In contrast to the free open aspect of the
main staircase this set of stairs is narrow, winding and
completely enclosed.
The cupola is reached by a 2' 5" stairway at the front third
of the stairhall against the party wall. It is completely
enclosed and ascends eighteen 9" risers in a straight
run from the third floor.
Detail features of the main stairway include a continuous
dark wood railing with extremely long sections up to 14'
in length, one large carved newel, polygonal and circular
ringed balusters, and floral wood appliqué blocks at
the tred ends.
3. Flooring: The original pine flooring is best preserved
in 3015. 3013 has had narrow board flooring added in the
early 20th century.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings throughout
are painted plaster.
5. Doorways and doors: Doors vary in size from 2' 10" x
8' four panel heavy wood doors at the first floor, to
2' 10" X 7' 5" four panel heavy wood doors at the second
floor, and third floor doors 2' 6" x 6' 4" of the four
panel type.
In addition, specialized doorways on the first floor (seen
nearest to original condition in 3015) include a large
5' 7" opening from the hall to the parlor and a pair of
two panel sliding doors in the 3' 10" opening between the
dining and sitting rooms.
6. Decorative features and trim: Wood door and window trim
varies considerably from floor to floor. That at the
first floor is 7 1/2" wide with a torus molded edge, while
at the second floor it is 7" wide and is of a different
flat edged type. At the third floor a simple 4" trim is
used.
Molded top baseboards at the first and second levels are
of the same type and are 1' 1" and 10" in height respectively.
Additional first floor trim includes a picture mold in the
parlor at approximately 1' 8" from the ceiling and a 6"
cornice mold at the ceiling in both the sitting room and
the dining room.
181
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 14)
7. Notable hardware: Some 19th century porcelain knobs and
brass hardware are still in place in both 3013 and 3015.
8. Lighting: The lighting fixtures are generally of 20th
century date and none appears to have been a part of the
house in the 19th century.
9. Heating: 19th century mantelpieces which appear to be
original to the house are present in 3015 while those at
3013 seem to be early 20th century additions. The major
mantelpiece of 3015 (now removed) is in the parlor at
the west wall. It is 5' 8" X 4' 5" high of gray-green
streaked marble with a 1' 1" X 6' 3" mantel shelf. The
brick firebacked opening is framed by two free-standing
marble columns with Corinthian floral caps and bases
both in white marble. The north fireplace in the parlor
is paint covered stone and is 4' 8" X 4' high with a 5' 6"
X 11" mantel shelf. The semicircular headed fireplace
opening has a carved floral keystone and spandrels car-
ved into single panels.
At the second floor front bedroom (south) a fireplace at
the west wall has a stone mantelpiece 4' 6" X 3' 9" high
with a 5' 1" X 1' mantel shelf. The semicircular headed
fireplace opening has a carved keystone block and the
mantelpiece is framed by a 1/2 round edge band. The two
other fireplaces at the second floor are both of wood
and are located at the north wall of the bedroom over the
dining room and at the south wall of the bedroom over the
sitting room.
20th century central heating has radiators placed in every
room.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: 3013-15 Q Street as
units three and four of Cooke's Row, share the features
of siting prescribed for the whole row. They are set
back approximately 25' from the public walk and are given
wide side yards at both the east and the west. Because
each building is placed on an earth platform with a 2'
retaining wall at the sidewalk and is reached by a
flight of nine steps above this level, each seems surrounded
by yet dominating, the surrounding landscape.
182
COOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3
HABS No. DC-182 (Page 15)
2. Enclosures: At the north edge of the rear yard is a 4'
brick retaining wall. Both rear yards are edged on the
east and west by 20th century wood fences from 5' - 7'
in height. There are no traces of the iron fence on the
2' brick retaining wall at the public sidewalk that was
reportedly a part of the 19th century structure.
3, Outbuildings: The only out building is a mid-20th century
basement level garage addition and patio deck to the
southwest of 3015.
4. Walks: The house faces onto a concrete public sidewalk.
A 7' wide concrete walk connects each set of entry steps
with the street. To the east of 3013 at 12' from the
house a concrete walk runs from the rear yard to a
concrete paved parking area at the public sidewalk.
5. Landscaping: The rear and side yards of 3013 are lawn
areas while that of 3015 has a 20th century flagstone
paved patio for the rear yard and to the west of the
dining room.
At the south elevation many trees and shrubs fill in the
area between the sidewalk retaining wall and the facade.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
July, 1968
183
Cooke's Row, Villa No. 3
photos: J. Alexander
parlor
184
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
1314 30th Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Grafton Tyler Double House
HABS No. DC-178
porch
unit 20001
kitchen
lav.
arch
dining rm.
16'x20'
double parlor
15'x39' arch
hall
0
10
N
30th Street
186
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-178
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
Location:
1314 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The residence is located on the west side of 30th
Street (formerly Washington Street) midway between
N Street and Dumbarton Street. This data book concerns
only the northern half of a double house.
Present Owner:
Mrs. Ronald Osnos
Present Occupant: Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
This double mansarded residence is an example of a
Significance:
particularly formal treatment of a mid-Victorian
dwelling. It is conceived sculpturally with the
heavy hood molds, cornice and mansard carried around
on each side. The facade is axially symmetrical.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1233, lot 826 (formerly Square 63, lots 4, 72,
and 73). The following is an incomplete chain of title to
the property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,
Washington, D.C.
1811 Deed April 6, 1811, recorded April 19, 1811 in
Liber AA folio 36
Henry Suttle, Trustee
To
George C. Washington
"Be it known that said Beall [Thomas] did bargain
and convey the said lots [part of 72 and all of 73]
to a certain Peter Cassanave of Georgetown but said
Cassanave has never complied with the contract or
paid for legal title so that no conveyance was made
to Cassanave
Thomas Beall brought suit in Chancery
187
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-178 (Page 2)
Court of Washington Co. and D.C. and judgement was
that said lots should be sold to the highest bidder
and Henry Suttle was appointed trustee to sell.
Sale was made 5-19-10. George Washington was the
highest bidder paying Beall $316.94. The said sum
was held as a lien on the lots."
Deed April 9, 1811, recorded April 19, 1811 in
Liber AA folio 36
Thomas Beall and wife Nancy
George C. Washington
To
Robert Beverly
Deed April 19, 1811, recorded August 8, 1811 in
Liber AB folio 56
Robert Beverly et ux Jane
To
George Clarke
1854 Deed December 29, 1854, recorded January 15, 1855 in
Liber JAS folio 306
William B. Clarke
To
Maria Clarke
1868 Deed April 25, 1868, recorded April 27, 1868 in
Liber ECE 32 folio 406
Robert B. Clarke
Roberta A. Clarke,
Heirs of Maria Clarke
To
Grafton Tyler
Consideration: $10,000
Deed in Trust September 11, 1868, recorded
September 11, 1968 in
Liber 568 folio 372
Grafton Tyler et us Mary
To
William D. Cassin
Frederick W. Jones
"Beginning on West side of Washington Street 122'
n. of Gay Street thence west parallel to Gay Street
188
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 3)
80' to a 10' wide alley, thence north parallel to
Washington Street 26' thence east parallel to first
line through the center of the division wall of the
house hereby conveyed and house next adjacent on
north (said houses being now in course of errection)
to west line of Washington Street. Thence south 26'
to beginning
"
1875 Deed May 10, 1875, recorded May 10, 1875 in
Liber 783 folio 283
Grafton Tyler
To
William Tyler
"
beginning 148" north of Gay Street thence
parallel to Washington Street 26'
"
Deed July 15, 1875, recorded July 16, 1875 in
Liber 794 folio 83
William Tyler
To
Edward W. Whitaker
" beginning 122' from Gay Street by 52' on
Washington Street. (both lots)
Deed July 15, 1875, recorded October 10, 1875 in
Liber 803 folio 164
Edward W. Whitaker et ux Theodocia
To
William Tyler
1876 Trustees Deed January 26, 1876, recorded January 28, 1876
Liber 807 folio 391
Robert P. Dodge
Philip A. Darneville, Trustees
To
James R. Young
William T. Keenan
Sold for default under trust of William Tyler
beginning 148' from Gay Street and running 26' on
Washington Street
1877 Deed June 26, 1877, recorded June 27, 1877 in
Liber 859 folio 236
James R. Young
William T. Keenan
To
Charles Wheatley
189
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 4)
1884 Deed September 11, 1884, recorded September 11, 1884 in
Liber 1098 folio 77
William A. Gordon, Trustee of Charles Wheatley
To
Samuel E. Wheatley
1903 Tax Sale, April 4, 1903
1920 Deed May 10, 1920, recorded May 12, 1920 in
Liber 4346 folio 248
William J. O'Donnell and wife Mary
To
Charles Lusby and wife Nancy
1956 Deed May 21, 1956 recorded May 29, 1956 in
Liber 10666 folio 169
Mary Lusby
To
Samuel Carter
1959 Deed July 7, 1959, recorded August 9, 1959 in
Liber 11303 folio 486
Samuel Carter
To
Ronald Osnos
1968 Deed April 5, 1968, recorded May 28, 1968 in
Liber 2885 folio 348
Ronald Osnos
To
Alice H. Allen
Deed April 5, 1968, recorded May 28, 1968 in
Liber 128885 folio 350
Alice H. Allen
To
B. L. Osnos
2. Date of erection: 1868. The construction of the double
residence is mentioned in the Trust of September 11, 1868
(see page 3). In 1871 Grafton Tyler was assessed $5000
for the improvements on lots 72 and 73. (Georgetown Assess-
ment Records, National Archives Microcopy 605, Group 351,
roll 13)
3. Architect: Unknown
190
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-178 (Page 5)
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known.
5. Alterations and additions: The western section of the
house was extensively remodelled in 1960. This block
is said to have been in existence prior to the eastern
Victorian section. However, because of the remodelling,
this cannot be corroborated. As part of the 1960
alterations two sets of stairways at the western wall
of the rear block were removed.
6. Important old views: None known.
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington city directories provide the following tenant
information:
1883-1901
Samuel Wheatley
1904-18
William O'Donnell, wholesale and retail druggist
1922-56
Charles Lusby
1960
Barbara J. Nahigian
Samuel F. Cortel
1962
Ronald Osnos
2. For biographical information on early owners of the property
see the following:
The Beall Family
HABS No. DC-154
Peter Cassanave
HABS No. DC-168
3. Dr. Grafton Tyler was a very respected and prominent citizen
of Georgetown. He was born November 21, 1811 in Prince
George's Country, Maryland. In 1845 Dr. Tyler moved to
Georgetown and according to the 1853 city directory
established his residence at the corner of Gay (now N) and
Washington (now 30th). In 1846 he was appointed professor
of Practice of Medicine at the Columbia Medical School. A
few years later he became professor of Clinical Medicine at
the Washington Infirmary. He resigned from both positions
in 1859.
Dr. Tyler was president of the Board of Council of George-
town, a member of the American Medical Association and
vice-president of this association in 1855. He was an
incorporator and director of Childrens' Hospital in
Washington, and consulting physician to Providence Hospital.
191
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 6)
He was married to Mary M. Bowie in 1836. Their home at
Washington and Gay Streets also served as his office
where he held office hours from "8 to 9 1/2 a.m., 1 p.m.,
4 to 5 1/2 p.m." (History of the Medical Society of D. C.,
1817-1909, p. 237)
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 1312 and 1314 30th Street are
a pair of mid-Victorian town houses which represent the
comfortable living standards of the upper middle class.
Both the interior and the exterior display a desire for
richness of texture and heaviness of detail typical of
the period. They are a good example of the Victorian
desire to clearly differentiate and discriminate one
portion or item of the design from another through the
use of ornamental features.
2. Condition of fabric: The building is in good to
excellent general condition on both the interior and
the exterior. There has been a 1960 renovation of the
interior throughout. The major part of this was the
removal of two flights of stairs from the kitchen sec-
tion. At the present time 1312 is having an extensive
interior remodelling and therefore all following remarks
about the interior refer to 1314 30th Street.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: The structure faces East onto 30th
Street between N and Dumbarton Streets with the party
wall approximately 115' South of the centerline of
Dumbarton Avenue. Each 2 1/2 story unit composed of
entry and large bay front is 22' wide and approximately
75' deep.
192
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 7)
2. Foundations: The brick foundation is exposed approximately
5' at the front (East) elevation and approximately 6" at
the rear (West) elevation.
3. Wall construction: The red brick wall bearing structure
is of common bond with header rows every eight courses.
1314 30th Street is now painted yellow with wood trim
painted black.
4. Framing: The 19th century interior partitions of the house
appear to be of stud wall construction.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the East elevation
there is a cast iron entry stoop of five risers and entry
platform supported at the ground by two red-gray sandstone
steps. The stair is edged by a pair of cast iron railings
with two floral ornamental balusters per tread and termi-
nated by heavy floral newel posts.
The rear elevation has a wood framed porch 9' deep with
decks at both the second and third floor. It is screened
at the second floor but open at the first and third floor
levels.
6. Chimneys: The brick chimneys are a major feature of the
exterior of the houses. The three that are evenly spaced
along the North wall of 1314 and the South wall of 1312
have blind arches just above the level of the roof cornice,
and above this, a dentil band and corbelled brick cap. A
fourth chimney occurs at the center of the East wall of
the smaller western block of the house.
7. Openings:
a.
Doorways and doors: The entry doorway has a shallow
(approximately 3') projecting pedimental hood
supported at the party wall by a gigantic sheet
metal scrolling bracket approximately 10' high and
on the bay side by a metal pilaster. The entry
doors open into a vestibule and consist of a pair
of 2'-0" wood doors with large rectangular single
pane lights 1'-0" x 7'-1". Over the doors is a
segmental headed jeweled glass transom. The five
panel wood vestibule door matches the scale of the
party wall bracket being 4'-0" wide and 8'-3" high
and having a 3'-0" x 4'-0" single pane glass light.
Over this door is a single light rectangular transom.
193
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 8)
b.
Windows and shutters: At the East elevation all
windows are 1/1 light double-hung wood sash with
rounded heads. Those on the third floor are
dormer windows with the dormer over the entry
door being differentiated by having two narrow
1/1 windows rather than one larger 1/1. The
first floor windows are floor-ceiling length.
At the North elevation of 1314 and the South ele-
vation of 1312 the windows of the eastern block
are round headed but with 2/2 light double-hung
wood sash.
All of the major North and East elevation windows
of 1314 have interior folding shutters. Each has
an upper and a lower pair of two part folding
vertical panels with adjustable vertical louvered
portions. The units fold back against the jamb
but do not fit into wall pockets.
The masonry window openings at the first and
second floor are bridged by segmental brick arched
bands projecting from the wall face, punctuated by
a sheet metal keystone, and ending is a molded
brick impost block. The second floor window over
the entry is distinguished by having a sheet metal
lintel with end brackets and a center acroterion
over a flat headed opening. Each window has a
stone sill and at the first floor there appear
plinth-like vertical brick bands at the sides of
the windows in the projecting bay.
8. Roof:
a.
Shape, covering: The roof is a mansard with asphalt
roofing on the upper slopes and with alternating
bands of hexagonal and triangular slates covering
the steep lower slope. The vertical and horizontal
corners of the roof are edged with simple moldings.
b.
Cornice, eaves: The cornice band is supported by
large wood brackets. These are arranged in an
alterating pattern of paired and single brackets.
Down the North elevation of 1314 and the South ele-
vation of 1312 these take the pattern of 2-2-1-2-1-
2-2.
194
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page )
C.
Cupolas, dormers, towers: The East elevation poly-
gonal bay terminates in a vertically segmented
baroque roof tower ending in a finial with polygonal
ring blocks.
The several dormer windows on the East, North and
South elevations of the buildings each has an eared
segmental arch cornice supported on consoles.
C. Description of Interior:
1. Floor plans: 1314 30th Street is made up of two units, a
western (rear) section with one major room per floor and
a wider eastern section with three major rooms per floor
and with a stair hall and corridor along the South (party)
wall.
The first floor plan has two front parlors separated by a
low arch, and a rear dining room in the eastern block and
a kitchen plus a bath in the western block.
The second floor has three bedrooms in the eastern block
and one bedroom plus bath in the western block.
The third floor is now rented apartments with two bedrooms
and a rear kitchen in the eastern block and a single bed-
room plus bath in the western block.
There is a basement under the western section housing the
heating equipment and a crawl space under the eastern
section.
2. Stairways: The one stairway at present is the original
main staircase opposite the entry door. It presents a
directness characteristic of the Victorian period with a
straight run of twenty-one risers running up East to
West from the first floor to the second. The upper flight
is also a straight run from East to West of nineteen
risers up to the third floor. Details of this stair
include a carved wood newel post, turned wood balusters,
a wood railing and wood curvilinear stringer appliqués
under each tread.
195
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 10)
During the renovations of the house in 1960 the sets of
stairs at the West wall of the kitchen that extended to
the basement and to the second floor were removed.
These stairs rose one above the other .up from South to
North in straight runs to the first and second floors
respectively. These were replaced by a trap door in
the kitchen floor at about the center of the West wall
with a set of simple wood steps descending from North
to South to the basement.
3. Flooring: Most of the flooring on the first and second
floors is 20th century refinishing with narrow oak strips
running North - South. On the third floor however the
original pine flooring running East - West still remains.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of painted
plaster throughout.
At the North and South walls of the front vestibule there
is a glazed tile wainscot of 6" x 1/2" tiles capped by a
red colored wreath band and a green leaf pattern cap band.
Above this the plaster is scored to form of a large scale
fern pattern.
5. Doorways and doors: There are several varieties of wood
panel doors throughout the house. The second and third
floors have as typical 2'-0" six panel wood doors with
two light horizontally pivoting wood framed transoms.
The first floor hall is differentiated by a 3'-0" x 8'-3"
six panel wood door between the dining room and the hall.
In the dining room on the West wall the door to the kitchen
is a 2'-8" X 7'-0" six panel door.
There are in addition three sets of 19th century wood
sliding doors. On the second floor there is a set of two
six panel wood sliding doors in a 7'-5" opening in the
North - South wall between the front and the middle rooms
of the eastern block. On the first floor a 8'-1" opening
to the hall from the front living room is fitted with two
six panel wood sliding doors with two large 1'-0" x 4'-0"
stenciled lights per door. Asimilar set of doors closes
the 7'-1" opening in the North - South wall between the
living room and the dining room. Each door has a pair of
8" X 4'-0" stenciled lights.
196
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 11)
6. Decorative features and trim: One special feature of the
first floor is a series of over-doorway screens. The
screens are typically approximately 2' deep and of three
panels. The center panel in each case is of turned
vertical wood members with alterating large and small
diameter ring moldings. The side panels are a woven
pattern of twisted horizontal and vertical wood members.
These three panel units appear over the two sets of
sliding doors in the living rooms and also act as a
visual stop in the hall between the entry and the stair-
way. Finally, a transom screen similar to the central
panel of the screen appears over the hall doorway to
the dining room.
Further space demarcation devices on the first floor are
two shallow curved plaster arches; one in the living room
between the West and the East portions of the space, and
one in the dining room runing West East between the
body of the room and the corridor connecting the hall and
kitchen doors. The living room arch is supported by two
large heavy floral ornamented brackets, has a repeating
circular flower motif on the intrados, and an intaglio
vine feature in each spandrel. The arch in the dining
room is much simpler with no floral ornaments and supported
by two simple plaster brackets.
Additional ornamental notes on the first floor are pro-
vided by several molded ceiling features. One is in the
entry hall before the stair, two are in the living room,
and one is in the dining room. These originally served
to surround the point of attachment of the hanging gas
light fixtures.
On the second and third floors there is simple 19th
century wood trim. An 8 1/2" molded top wood baseboard
is the major element of wall trim as there is no chair
rail, cornice or wainscot.
On the first floor the living room is trimmed with a
10 1/2" molded top baseboard, a large ogee cornice mold
and a 6" wide door trim with plinth blocks. The dining
room is further differentiated by having a 3'-8" wood
panel wainscot, no cornice, but a picture mold at approxi-
mately 6" from the ceiling.
197
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC-178 (Page 12)
7. Notable hardware: There is a variety of 19th century
hardware present, including both porcelain and brass
doorknobs and brass keyhole plates.
8. Lighting: Three 19th century metal hanging gas lighting
fixtures remain in the house on the first floor. Two
four-armed central stem fixtures remain in the living
room and one six outlet tubular fixture remains in the
dining room.
All three of these have etched glass globes. The six in
the dining room fixture have patterns of cameo faces,
maidens, and flowers with birds. The two fixtures in the
living room with four globes each exhibit the following
patterns: birds, flowers, deer, hunting duck and deer,
and fishing.
9. Heating: Several 19th century ornamental mantelpieces
remain on fireplaces along the North wall. On the second
floor, fireplaces in the two front bedrooms have been
bricked up but an early 20th century mantelpiece and
heating grill are present in the back (West) room of the
eastern block. A 5' wood mantelpiece with mantel shelf
and mirror surrounds a glazed tile facing and hearth for
a 10" x 1'-2" heating grill. Heat is supplied by a coal
stove in the dining room fíreplace below.
On the first floor two paint covered stone mantelpieces
are 5'-1" wide and approximately 4' high. Both are
fitted with 1'-2" mantel shelves and both have glazed
tile facing surrounding a fireplace opening with cast
iron fireback embossed with circles of three sizes. The
mantel shelf is supported by baroque outline pilasters
topped by simple projecting blocks each having four
vertical grooves. The mantel towards the west has a fire-
place opening with a semicircular headed opening and
projecting keystone. The vertical outer edges of the
mantel are chamfered and the spandrels are carved into
single panels.
As in the bedroom above, the dining room mantelpiece is of
wood with a 4'-9" mantel shelf. The mantel surrounds a
coal stove with a facing of colored glazed tiles between
it and the mantelpiece.
198
GRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 178 (Page 13)
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: The structure is located
in a neighborhood of single family houses and walk-up new
type apartment buildings in the heart of residential
Georgetown.
2. Enclosures: The rear yard is surrounded by a brick wall
approximately 5' high.
3. Outbuildings: None
4. Walks: The East elevation fronts on a brick public side-
walk while the rear yard is almost completely covered by
a brick patio.
5. Landscaping: The rear yard is surrounded by a strip of
small trees and shrubs.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
July, 1968
199
Grafton Tyler Double House,
photos: J. Alexander.
parlor and stair hall
200
Grafton Tyler Double House
living room chandelier
photos: J. Alexander,
dining room
201
ALBERT JACKSON HOUSE
1693 31st Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Albert Jackson House
HABS No. DC-181
dining rm.
(orig. kit)
14'x18'
study
kitchen
16'x19'
12'x19'
11
hall
:I
:
.
porch
living rm.
19'x20'
17
0
10
N
31st Street
204
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 181
ALBERT JACKSON HOUSE
Location:
1694 31st Street, N.W. (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is located on the west side of 31st Street
(formerly Congress) near R Street.
Present Occupant: Mr. and Mrs. Martin Millett
Present Owners:
Same
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
This house is the only remaining Georgetown example
Significance:
of a late Victorian bargeboarded cottage.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History:
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1281, lot 812 of original lot 3 from a subdivision
of Tudor Place. The following is an incomplete chain of
title to the property. The references are to the Recorder
of Deeds, Washington D.C.
1869 Deed May 3, 1869, recorded June 12, 1869 in
Liber 10, folio 53
George Washington Peter et ux Jane
To
William H. Godey
Lots 2 and 3
1878 Deed August 5, 1878, recorded August 6, 1878 in
Liber 898, folio 1
Mary E. Godey
To
Albert B. Jackson
1959 Deed april 24, 1959, recorded August 5, 1959 in
Liber 11235, folio 321
Edna Jackson Baker
To
Samuel Levy
205
ALBERT JACKSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 181 (Page 2)
Deed June 25, 1959, recorded June 25, 1959 in
Liber 11263, folio 80
Samuel Levy
To
Eluned Millar
1967 Deed June 28, 1967, recorded July 14, 1967 in
Liber 12774, folio 121
Eluned McLaren Millar and John Y. Millar
To
Martha Rockwell Millett
2. Date of Erection: 1878-80. Albert B. Jackson took out
a building permit on September 17, 1878 (Permit #B 1272)
for a two story brick dwelling on Congress between Stoddard
and Road Streets, in the amount of $4,000. He is listed
in the 1880 City Directory at "Congress near Road" (now
31st Street near R).
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc.: None known
5. Alterations and additions: All exterior trim is original
although the front porch was removed in 1959. At that time,
the original kitchen was converted into the present dining
room and the original second parlor was partitioned to form
the present library and kitchen. Walk-in closets in the
second floor bedrooms have been converted into baths.
6. Important old views: The present owners of the house posses
a photograph which seems to have been taken shortly after
the completion of the house.
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1880-1920
Albert Jackson, and Mrs. Josephine Jackson
1921-48
Harry J. Baker
1952-60
Guy C. Jones
1960
John Y. Millar
1964
Livingstone Biddle
1965
McNair Pierce
1966
Jack Valenti
1967
Stephen Millett
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
October, 1968
206
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: This late Victorian brick house
with its elaborate wood decoration has been renovated,
both interior and exterior, in the past few years. It is
a fine example of a cottage style detached residence with
the appropriate rich but light ornamentations. This includes
wood brackets, barge boards, gable ends, and lintels
(heads.) Originally a turned wood porch at the south, and
corbelled chimney tops further enriched the exterior.
2. Condition of fabric: It is in very good condition and is
well maintained.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: This 2 1/2 story house faces east
onto 31st Street between Q and R Streets, and is approxi-
mately 50' along 31st Street from the centerline of R
Street. The house is 46' deep by 28' wide; with a 19'
by 18' elevation at the rear (west).
2. Foundations: The brick foundation wall is exposed about
3' 6" around the building.
3. Wall construction: The solid brick bearing walls have
been painted gray with the wood trim a contrasting off-
white.
't. Framing: There are both plastered masonry and wood stud
partitions in the house.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: Originally there was
a one-story front porch of Victorian "gingerbread" along
the eastern 22' of the south side of the house, now replaced
by an open deck. There is a small stoop off the dining
room at the west end, and another off the kitchen at the
north side.
6. Chimneys: There were originally four chimneys: one on
the north side of the living room, one on the north side
of the kitchen, one on the south side of the library, and
one at the west end of the dining room. There were orna-
mental brickwork caps, greatly simplified in the recent remodell-
ing. The westernmost chimney was removed at this time.
207
ALBERT JACKSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC-181 (Page 4)
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The original front door has
been replaced with a pair of glazed doors in the
original opening which leads directly from the south-
east porch-deck into the entry hall. There is a
heavy, elaborate machine-carved wood head over the
doorway. Other exterior doors, all modern, open off
the dining room and the kitchen.
b. Windows and shutters: Windows in general are tall
one over one double-hung wood sash, and those on the
east and south elevations have the same heavy machine-
carved wood heads as the front door. There are wood
louvered shutters on both the upper and lower win-
dows. The east end has three windows forming a bay
at the first floor level. There are also some recent
casement windows in new dormers at the rear of the
third floor. At the south elevation second floor, a
bathroom window has been added.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: There are three ridge lines, two
running east-west and one running north-south, forming
gables on the east end, the south center, the west end,
the north center. The roofs are covered with gray-
green slate in two shades, in a geometric pattern.
b. Cornice, eaves: The most arresting feature of the
house is the profusion of scroll-sawn and lathe-
turned ornamentation that billows around the roof-
line like somewhat heavy lace. The barge boards of
the gables are elaborately treated, and their off-
white paint sets them off in distinct contrast to the
gray-green painted brick.
C. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There is one large 20th
century dormer at the rear of the third floor, a simple
shed-roofed structure with casement windows.
C. Description of the Interior:
1. Floor plans: The first floor has a living room at the
east end, an entry-stair hall running north-south through
the center, a study on the south and a kitchen on the
north, with a dining room in an ell at the rear. The
study and kitchen once formed a double room with a pair
of sliding doors (now removed). between them, and the
208
ALBERT JACKSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 181 (Page 5)
present dining room was the kitchen. The second floor
has a bedroom at the east end, the stair hall west of
that with a bathroom above the front door, a center hall
running east-west with a bedroom on each side, and a
bedroom with bath at the west end. The third floor has
a bedroom with bath at the east end, the stair hall west
of that, and large playroom-studio across the rear.
The basement is divided into three large areas demarcated
by the masonry bearing walls.
2. Stairways: The main stair ascends along the east wall
of the stair-entry hall to a series of winders at the north
end and returns along the west wall to the second floor.
The stair to the third floor repeats this pattern. There
is also a small enclosed rear stair which ascends from
west to east along the north wall of the dining room
(former kitchen) in a straight run with winders at each
end to the second floor. The basement stair runs beneath
this one, beginning in the present kitchen.
3. Flooring: Floors in general are oak strip, covered with
carpet in many areas; resilient tile in the kitchen,
basement, baths, and third floor playroom-studio. The
entry hall has a slate floor of 20th century date.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: In general walls are plaster,
painted.
5. Doorways and doors: Typical doors have four raised
panels with applied quirked cyma sticking, although some
of the doors inserted on the upper floors in the recent
renovations are louvered or flush hollow-core units.
6. Decorative features and trim: Both the living room and
the entry hall have deeply coved molded plaster cornices
and heavy foliated medallions in the centers of the ceil-
ings. The original trim, which still exists at most
openings, is 6 1/2" wide and heavily molded. Many
windows have white-painted folding louvered shutters
added in the mid 20th century.
7. Notable hardware: Original existing hardware is of very
simple late Victorian design: new hardware is unobtrusive.
209
ALBERT JACKSON HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 181 (Page 6)
8. Lighting: There are no original fixtures.
9. Heating: There is a modern furnace in the central por-
tion of the basement. Fireplace mantels in the dining
room (former kitchen), present kitchen, south and east
bedrooms have been removed: those remaining in the
living room and study are heavily molded stone mantels
with arched openings, skillfully painted to look like
very dark marble.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: Located on the west
side of 31st Street, the house faces east with its entrance
on the south. The north wall is approximately 2' 6" from
its neighbor to the north, while the front side and rear
yards are quite ample. The neighborhood is typical of
Georgetown, combining large detached residences, now
houses, and walkup-apartments.
2. Enclosures: Wood fences enclose the rear yard, while an
ornamental iron fence runs along the sidewalk at the
front yard.
3. Outbuildings: None
it. Walks: Walks are of concrete, brick, and flagstone.
5. Landscaping: There is much planned plant material on
the property. The general effect is that of a well-
tended informal landscape. In addition to the planting
around the house there are also several large architectural
pots containing plants on the front entrance deck.
Prepared by The Office of
Walter G. Peter, Jr., AIA
Architect
April, 1969
210
Albert Jackson House
nineteenth century view
THE
EDIT I Did
Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Millett
211
Albert Jackson House
photos: J. Alexander
living room
212
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
3099 Q Street
(Georgetown)
Washington, D. C.
Mariner-Lewis House
HABS No. DC-187
X
pantry
7'x12'
dining rm.
16'x23'
entry hall
living rm.
porch
ll'x17'
15'x24'
coats
Street
Q
0
10.
N
31st Street
214
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-187
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
Location:
3099 Q Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.
The house is on the northeast corner of Q Street
(formerly Stoddert) and 31st Street (formerly
Congress). Although the address is listed on Q
Street the house actually faces onto 31st Street.
Present Owner:
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes Call
Mr. and Mrs. George Skinner
Present Occupant: Mrs. Eleanor Lewis
Present Use:
Private Residence
Statement of
This home is a good example of the "baronial" type
Significance:
residence that was so often built by wealthy busi-
nessmen of the period to proclaim their new status.
The heavy fortress-like expression of the exterior
shelters sculpturally rich and spatially grand major
living spaces. The picturesque variety of the
exterior helps to integrate the buildings with its
surroundings and a difficult hill site. This inte-
gration was formerly enchanced by an unobstructed
view of Tudor Place and by the existence of a
building of similar scale and form on the opposite
southwest corner.
PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION
A. Physical History
1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located
in Square 1282, lot 815 (formerly lots 7 and 8 of W. T.
Birch's subdivision of Square 112 in Beall's addition to
Georgetown). The following is an incomplete chain of
title to the property. The references are to the
Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.
1805 Deed June 14, 1805, recorded June 15, 1805 in
Liber G folio 398
Thomas Beall
To
Harriet Williams
215
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 187 (Page 2)
"same sold to Brook Beall, father of Harriet
Williams but not conveyed and which fell to her
in division of her father's estate
1832 Deed December 17, 1832, recorded January 22, 1833 in
Liber WB 44 folio 355
Harriet Williams
To
Harriet Eliza Harry
1871 Will Book 16 folio 141
Harriet Eliza Harry wills property
To
Harriet Beall Chesley
1885 Deed June 17, 1885, recorded June 22, 1885 in
Liber 1132 folio 173
Harriet B. Chesley
To
W. Taylor Birch
Consideration: $3,710.26
Subdivision June 22, 1885 recorded in
Liber ARS folio 155, into lots 7, 8, and 9
1901 Deed November 16, 1901, recorded November 16, 1901 in
Liber 2590 folio 442
W. Taylor Birch et ux Ida
To
John Mariner
Lot 8 and an undivided 1/2 interest in lot 7
The remaining 1/2 interest in lot 7 was sold to
Edgar Trisby at the same time.
1903 Deed January 15, 1903, recorded January 16, 1903 in
Liber 2704 folio 455
Edgar Trisby et ux Laura
To
John Mariner
Deed January 16, 1903, recorded January 16, 1903 in
Liber 2704 folio 456
John Mariner
To
Ella Truett
Lots 7 and 8
216
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 187 (Page 3)
1926 Deed April 14, 1926, recorded April 19, 1926 in
Liber 5737 folio 255
Ella Truett
To
Mary S. Cary
1928 Deed July 17, 1928, recorded July 19, 1928 in
Liber 6183 folio 201
Mary S. Cary
To
Eleanor C. Lewis
1953 Deed October 30, 1953, recorded June 10, 1953 in
Liber 10064 folio 106
Eleanor C. Lewis
To
Volinda and Hughes Call
Phoebe and George Skinner
2. Date of erection: Between 1887 and 1890. The house is
not shown on the Hopkins Atlas of 1887, but is on the
Atlas of 1890.
3. Architect: Unknown
4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known
5. Alterations and additions: Garage added C. 1920
6. Important old views: None known
B. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:
1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant
information:
1903
John Mariner
1904-24
George E. Truett
1925-26
Vacant
1927-68
Mrs. Eleanor Lewis
2. In 1926 when the Lewis family moved in, they chose to
change the address from 1601 Congress Street to the present
address on Q Street. Mr. Ernest Lewis was Commissioner of
the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1929 and President of
the Georgetown Citizens Association in 1938.
217
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC- 187 (Page 4)
3. For additional biographical information on the Beall family
see HABS No. DC-154.
Prepared by Ellen J. Schwartz
Architectural Historian
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:
A. General Statement:
1. Architectural character: 3099 Q Street, N.W. is a good
example of an end of the nineteenth century Victorian
baroque mansion. Both on the interior and exterior it
is a pretender to the title of "grand residence". The
academic picturesqueness of the exterior is complemented
by the formal textural richness of the interior. Because
of the manner in which it dominates a key site in George-
town (southeast of Tudor Place) it is a critical node in
the architectural structure of the northeast area.
2. Condition of fabric: The house is in generally good
condition. There are, however, at present, several roof
leakage problems, which threaten the upper floor ceilings.
Both the interior and the exterior remain largely of
late nineteenth century character.
B. Description of Exterior:
1. Overall dimensions: 3099 Q Street is located at the
northwest corner of 31st and Q Streets with its north
wall approximately 55' north of the centerline of Q
Street. The dimensions of the "L" shaped three story
brick residence are approximately 50' for the nominally
east-west leg and approximately 35' for the nominally
north-south leg.
2. Foundations: The brick bearing walls are carried down as
foundations for the house.
3. Wall construction: A chief feature of this wall bearing
structure is modulation of the wall surface in both form
218
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 5)
and texture. At the south and west elevations the base-
ment level is surfaced with brownstone. This surfacing
extends to the second floor window sill line at the
entry (west) elevation and around the southwest circular
tower. Further use of this sandstone occurs in a series
of smooth or rough belt courses. Red brick wall features
include a dentil-like band above the second floor windows,
arched lintels on the tower windows, and a colonette
band at the level of the third floor windows of the tower.
In addition, brick colonette buttresses are placed at the
two corners of the south elevation two story bay projection
of the dining room leg.
4. Framing: As visible in the attic roof, framing is with
2" X 8" wood joists. Other framing is not visible.
5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads: At the south side of the
living room is a wood and stone porch giving access to
the dining room. The two slope roof (to south and west)
is wooden framed and is supported by four wood columns.
These columns have simple unfluted shafts and bell-
shaped capitals. The porch is surrounded by a gray-brown
sandstone railing. Steps to the porch are located at
the east half of the south side and the ascent of 7 stone
risers is in a straight run up from south to north.
At the main entry (west elevation) the stoop and steps are
of gray-brown sandstone. The four risers are bracketed
by sandstone grid railings ended by rounded cone sand-
stone newel posts.
7. Openings:
a. Doorways and doors: The main entry to the north of
tower is fitted with a pair of wood single light
vestibule doors and a 3' 2" x 7' seven panel wood
door with a large glass light and transom light
above.
The seven panel heavy wood door from the south porch
to the dining room is 2' 11" X 7'.
b. Windows and shutters: A variety of window sizes
and shapes highlight the exterior. On the first
219
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 6)
floor the living room has four 6/1 light double-
hung wood sash with the upper sash being 1/3 the
height of the lower sash. Both the lower light
and the horizontal members of the sash are curved
in correspondence to the circumferential curve of
the tower. Over each of the windows is a blanked-
out transom. In the dining room 1/1 light double-
hung wood sash are used. The entry hall is lit by
a pair of single casements with nine leaded lights.
The main stairway is lit by a pair of 9/9 light
double-hung wood sash at the first floor landing.
The closet at the west side of the entry hall is lit
by a pair of approximately 1' x 2' 6" six light
fixed sash.
The second floor generally uses 1/1 light double-
hung wood sash of approximately 6' 6" height. The
three windows in the tower have both lights and hori-
zontal members of the sash curved in conformity with
the circumferential curve of the tower.
Windows on the third floor are 1/1 light double-
hung wood sash. The five windows in the tower are
of this type but have semicircular headed upper
sash.
At both the tower and the south elevations all large
windows on all three floors have internal folding
shutters. Each window has a lower and an upper pair
of two panel shutters, the lower pair having adjustable
horizontal louvers.
8. Roof:
a. Shape, covering: The hipped roof is almost obscured
by the conical roof of the tower at the southwest and
the flat roof of the projecting bay at the southeast,
Roof covering is with thin pieces of slate.
b. Cornice, eaves: At the edge of the hipped roof at the
south and the east there are metal ornamental gutter
facings. At the tower the eaves are supported by single
wood brackets. At the southeast the third floor bay
projection is topped by a heavy balustrade supported
by stone block brackets and ended at the east and west
corners by pseudo-bartizans.
220
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 7)
C. Cupolas, dormers, towers: The one dormer of the
house is located at the west roof slope and is fitted
with a pair of 1/1 light double-hung sash. It is
topped by a triangular pediment ornamented with a
central rinceau motif. Attached to the upper corner
of the dormer are pseudo-bartizan features.
C. Description of the Interior:
1. Floor plans; The first floor plan of this asymmetrically
planned house has an entry hall at the northwest, the
living room at the southeast and a pantry at the north-
west. This pantry is connected to the basement kitchen
by a dumbwaiter at the southeast corner of the pantry.
The second floor has one bedroom each at the north, west
and south, a study at the southwest, and a bath at the
northeast.
On the third floor there are three bedrooms; one each at
the northwest, southwest, and southeast. In addition there
is a bath at the center of the east half of the house and
a small kitchen has been added in the mid-20th century at
the northeast corner of the plan.
The full basement contains, at present, a series of storage
rooms and a laundry. Evidence of the use of the east
half as a kitchen in the 19th century is to be found in
the cast iron stove that remains.
2. Stairways: The 3' 9" wide half-turn main staircase
is a major ornamental feature of the house and is located
at the east side of the entry hall. The run to the second
floor is seven risers up from south to north to the landing
and then back 13 risers. The ascent to the third floor
has a run of 12 risers up from south to north and a
return of 6 risers.
Carving of the various wood appurtenances of the stair-
way at the first floor is generally quite rich. Three
floor-ceiling posts at the west side of the stair visually
establish the space of the stair as separate from that of
the hall. These posts are decorated with floral carved
wood bases and capitals. The balusters of the stairrun
and the landing are closely spaced turned wood sections.
221
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 8)
Both the posts and the balusters have been painted in the
20th century.
Additional minor stairs in the house include a service
stair from the pantry to the first floor landing. It is
a straight run up from south to north. Under the run of
the main stair from the landing to the second floor a
half-turn wood stair descends from the south to the north
to the basement. On the third floor a corner winder
stairway located between the southwest and the southeast
bedroom ascends from west to east to the attic.
3. Flooring: The first floor retains its original narrow
board oak flooring. At the second and third floors,
however, oak parquet flooring in a checkerboard pattern
has been added in the early 20th century.
4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are generally
of painted or wall-papered plaster. The ceiling in the
entry hall however is a grid pattern of square wood panels.
It has been painted an off-white in the 20th century.
5, Doorways and doors: Door types vary from floor to floor.
the third floor has simple four panel wood doors with
single wood panel transoms, while the second floor has
six panel wood doors with the same single panel transom.
At the first floor there are two sets of heavy wood sliding
doors. A pair of 3' doors closes the opening between
the entry hall and the living room and a set of 3' 6" doors
closes the opening between dining and living spaces.
Both sets of doors slide completely into wall pockets.
6. Decorative features and trim: Door trim varies in size
and form from floor to floor. At the second and third
levels it is 6" and 5" wide respectively. Upper corners
are fitted with bulls eye square corner blocks. At the
first floor the door trim is 6" wide. The doorways are
crowned by a simple wood cornice molding, and corner
blocks are ornamented with a four part leaf pattern wood
appliqués.
Molded top baseboards are 8" high at the third floor,
9 1/2" at the second floor and 11" at the first floor.
222
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 9)
Additional trim includes an oak panelled wainscot in both
the entry hall and the dining room. That in the dining
room is 4' 1" high and that in the entry hall is 4' 5"
high.
In both the dining room and the living room there are
ceiling plaster features. These include a heavy unorna-
mented cornice band and an approximately 2 1/2' X 2'
molded lighting fixture base at the center of the ceiling
of each room.
7. Notable hardware: Most of the original 19th century
door and window hardware is still present. Of special note
is the cast metal oriental geometric and floral patterned
catch plates and keyhole plates of the sliding doors of
the first floor.
8. Lighting: The major feature of note is the 19th century
glass chandelier in the dining room. It is a gas fixture
with four branches with glass hung in several concentric
rings of several diameters. It was present in the house
when it was purchased by Ernest Lewis in 1926.
9. Heating: Fireplaces with their ornamental mantelpieces
provide foci for the major rooms. Those on the first
floor are especially unique. The living room fireplace
has a tile hearth and a tile facing with projecting
garland band. The opening itself has a metal fireback
and a round headed ornamental metal facing plate. The
6' X 4' high wood mantel has a straight line mental shelf
supported by two free-standing floral decorated columns.
In the dining room the fireplace opening has a tile hearth
and a tile facing. The 6' X 4' high mantelpiece has a
straight line shelf supported by two pilasters with foliate
capitals.
All three second floor fireplaces have tiled hearths,
tiled facings and wood mantelpieces. Typical is that of
the south wall of the southwest study. It is fitted
with seventeen 6" square aquamarine colored facing tiles.
Those at the upper corners and at the center of the lintel
are embossed with full face boys' heads. The hearth is
of 3" square dark green glazed tiles edged by a 1/2"
rosette band of green-brown tiles. The metal fireback
is embossed with a floral pattern. The mantel is 4' 1"
X 3' 11" high with a simple wood mantel shelf.
223
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 10)
The fireplace at the north wall of the northwest bedroom
has its tiled hearth and facing painted over with black.
The 6" square facing tiles are floral patterned with
the exception of those at the upper corners which are
embossed with full face heads. The metal fireback is
embossed with a rosette pattern. The mantelpiece is
5' 3" X 3' 11" high with a 3' 9" X 3' 11" overmantel
mirror.
In the southeast bedroom the tiled face and tiled hearth
fireplace has had its fireback removed and its mantel
has been altered.
On the third floor the fireplace in the southeast bedroom
is similar to those in the bedroom on the second floor.
Its tile facing is blue and the upper corner tiles are
full-face medusa heads. Its fireback is cast in a rosette
pattern.
The other open fireplace on the third floor is at the
north wall of the northwest bedroom. It is a 20th cen-
tury addition in terms of its mantelpiece. This is of
black marble 5' x 3' 8" with a semicircular headed open-
ing.
D. Site:
1. General setting and orientation: 3099 Q Street dominates
the northeast corner of 31st Street and Q streets from its
hillside site. It sits on an embankment approximately
4' above sidewalk grade at the south. Tudor Place is
located to the northwest and the Lewis house formerly
was fronted by companion large brick mansions at the
southeast and southwest corners of 31st and Q.
2. Enclosures: Brick retaining walls were built in the mid-
20th century at the south and west sidewalks. In the
yard to the east there is an approximately 8' high brick
wall to the north and a low snow fence to the east.
3. Outbuildings: Approximately 20' from the east wall of
the house is a 20' deep and 18' wide sunken garage of
early 20th century date. Its roof is level with the rear
yard and its floor is 10' below rear yard grade. It is
224
MARINER-LEWIS HOUSE
HABS No. DC-187 (Page 11)
entered from Q Street by a downward sloping concrete
ramp. There is a flight of 15 concrete steps along the
west side of the garage up from south to north to the
rear yard level.
4. Walks: The house fronts onto two sidewalks; that at the
south is concrete and that at the west is of brick.
From the south walk a brick walk and steps lead to the
entry at the west elevation. From the street at the
southwest corner of the property, a series of 4 risers
from south to north leads to a brick platform. From this,
5 brick risers ascend to the walk which leads past the
tower to the entry steps at the west elevation. This
arrangement supercedes a 19th century arrangement in which
straight runs led from the west walk directly to the west
entry and from the south walk directly to the south
porch.
5. Landscaping: The house is framed on all three open
sides (south, east and west) by large shade trees.
Prepared by William P. Thompson
Architect
Commission of Fine Arts
August, 1968
225
Mariner-Lewis House
early twentieth century view
Courtesy of Mrs. George Skinner
photo: J. Alexander
1968 view
226
Mariner-Lewis House
stair hall
photos: J. Alexander
dining room
227
APPENDIX
OLD GEORGETOWN ACT
Public Law 808 - 81st Congress - H.R. 7670
D.C. Code 5-801, 64 Stat. 903
An Act To regulate the height, exterior design, and construction of
private and semipublic buildings in the Georgetown area of the
National Capital.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress Assembled, That there is here-
by created in the District of Columbia a district known as "Old
Georgetown" which is bounded on the east by Rock Creek and Potomac
Parkway from the Potomac River to the north boundary of Dumbarton
Oaks Park, on the north by the north boundary of Dumbarton Oaks
Park, Whitehaven Street and Whitehaven Parkway to Thirty-fifth
Street, south along the middle of Thirty-fifth Street to Reservoir
Road, west along the middle of Reservoir Road to Archbold Parkway,
on the west by Archbold Parkway from Reservoir Road to the Potomac
River, on the south by the Potomac River to the Rock Creek Parkway.
Sec. 2. In order to promote the general welfare and to preserve
and protect the places and areas of historic interest, exterior
architectural features and examples of the type of architecture
used in the National Capital in its initial years, the Commissioners
of the District of Columbia, before issuing any permit for the con-
struction, alteration, reconstruction. or razing of any building
within said Georgetown district described in section 1 shall refer
the plans to the National Commission of Fine Arts for a report as to
the exterior architectural features, height, appearance, color, and
texture of the materials of exterior construction which is subject to
public view from a public highway. The National Commission of Fine
Arts shall report promptly to said Commissioners of the District of
Columbia its recommendations, including such changes, if any, as in
the judgement of the Commission are necessary and desirable to
preserve the historic value of said Georgetown district. The said
Commissioners shall take such actions as in their judgment are right
and proper in the circumstances: Provided, That, if the said Commission
of Fine Arts fails to submit a report on such plans within forty-five
days, its approval thereof shall be assumed and a permit may be issued.
Sec. 3. In carrying out the purpose of this Act, the Commission
of Fine Arts is hereby authorized to appoint a committee of three
architects, who shall serve as a board of review without expense
to the United States and who shall advise the Commission of Fine
Arts, in writing, regarding designs and plans referred to it.
231
Sec. 4. Said Commissioners of the District of Columbia, with
the aid of the National Park Service and of the National Park and
Planning Commission, shall make a survey of the "Old Georgetown"
area for the use of the Commission of Fine Arts and of the build-
ing permit office of the District of Columbia, such survey to be
made at a cost not exceeding $8,000, which amount is hereby
authorized.
Sec. 5. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as
superseding or affecting in any manner any Act of Congress hereto-
fore enacted relating to the alteration, repair, or demolition of
insanitary or unsafe dwellings or other structures.
Approved September 22, 1950.
232
The documentation and recording of these
structures was begun in June 1968 under the direc-
tion of the Commission of Fine Arts and the Historic
American Buildings Survey. William P. Thompson,
formerly Assistant Professor and the architectural
historian of the University of Kansas, is assuming
the position of Assistant Professor of Architectural
History at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,
Canada; Ellen J. Schwartz is a Graduate Assistant
and candidate for a Master's degree in Art History
at the University of Maryland. Editorial assistance
was given by Daniel D. Reiff, Ph.D. candidate in
the Department of Fine Arts, Harvard University.
Acknowledgement is made to the office of Walter
G. Peter, Jr., and especially Robert Gray, for
assistance in the preparation of several archi-
tectural surveys. Acknowledgement also should be
made to the staff of the Commission of Fine Arts,
and the Secretary, Charles H. Atherton. All photo-
graphs were taken by J. Alexander, Wheaton, Maryland.
Plans were drawn by William P. Thompson.
233
# U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1969 0-356-031
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"ocrText": "129,74:6 29/5\nClemson University\n3 1604 019 773 698\nGeorgetown\nResidential\nArchitecture\nPUBLICATIONS PUBLIC OCi 1 GLE ATIONS LIBRARY LIORA Res\nNORTHEAST\nMADISON 3.2\nOAK HILL CEMETERY\nGEORGETOWN COLLEGE\nNS\n£\nMAP\nK S'\nOF\nGEORGETOWN D.C.\nPublished by\nFAEHTZ & PRATT\n1874.\nSELECTIONS FROM THE HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY NUMBER 5\nGEORGETOWN RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - NORTHEAST\nNorthwest Washington, District of Columbia\nHistoric American Buildings Survey Selections\nNumber 5\nIssued Jointly By\nTHE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS\nRoom 7000, Interior Building\n18th and C Streets, N. W. - Washington, D. C. 20240\nand\nTHE HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY\nUnited States Department of the Interior\nNational Park Service\nOffice of Archeology and Historic Preservation\n801 19th Street, N.W. - Washington, D. C. 20006\nI\nTABLE OF CONTENTS\nPage\nI Table of Contents\nii\nII Preface\nV\nIII Map of Georgetown\nvii\nIV Introduction\nix\nV Selections from the Historic American Buildings\nSurvey Washington, D. C. Records\nWASHINGTON, D. C.\nGEORGETOWN\nEdgar Patterson House, 1241 30th Street,\n3\nN. W.\nAndrew Ross Tenant House I, 1208 30th\n17\nStreet, N. W.\nAndrew Ross Tenant House II, 1210 30th\n33\nStreet, N. W.\nCrawford-Cassin House, 3017 o Street, N. W.\n47\nSmith-Morton Row House, 3034 P Street,\n65\nN.W.\nMethodist Episcopal Parsonage House, 1221\n81\n28th Street, N. W.\nFederal/Victorian Frame House, 3015\n95\nDumbarton Avenue, N. W.\nII\nPage\nWilliam Knowles House, 1228 30th Street,\n111\nN. W.\nWheatley Town House, 3043 N Street, N. W.\n127\nDe La Roche-Jewell Tenant House, 1320 30th\n143\nStreet, N. W.\nJames I. Barrett House, 1400 29th Street,\n155\nN. W.\nCooke's Row, Villa No. 3, 3013 Q Street,\n169\nN. W.\nGrafton Tyler Double House, 1314 30th\n187\nStreet, N. W.\nAlbert Jackson House, 1694 31st Street,\n205\nN. W.\nMariner-Lewis House, 3099 Q Street, N. W.\n215\nIV APPENDIX\n229\nIII\nDigitized by the Internet Archive\nin 2012 with funding from\nLYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation\nhttp://archive.org/details/georgetownreside05comm\nPREFACE\nThis study of residential architecture in the northeast section\nof Georgetown is the third in a series of documents prepared under\nthe auspices of the Commission of Fine Arts and the Historic American\nBuildings Survey. The first study was made in the summer of 1966,\ntwenty six commercial structures on Wisconsin Avenue and M Street,\npublished as volumes 2 and 3 in \"Selections from the Historic American\nBuildings Survey.\" In the summer of 1967 the second project was\nbegun, an extensive study of the Georgetown waterfront. These\ndocuments have been printed in a booklet, Georgetown Historic Water-\nfront, published by the Commission of Fine Arts and the Office of\nArcheology and Historic Preservation, and in volume 4 in \"Selections\nfrom the Historic American Buildings Survey.\" A three year survey of\nthe architecture in the neighborhood of Georgetown University, begun\nby volunteers, is to be published in 1969.\nThis study is limited to residential architecture in the north-\neast area: the area bounded by M Street to the south; Wisconsin\nAvenue to the west; R Street to the north; and Rock Creek to the\neast. A study of additional residences and institutional buildings\nprimarily in this northeast area is being undertaken in the summer of\n1969.\nV\nKEY TO NORTHEAST GEORGETOWN MAP\na. Edgar Patterson House, 1241 30th Street, N. W.\nb. Andrew Ross Tenant House I, 1208 30th Street, N. W.\nC. Andrew Ross Tenant House II, 1210 30th Street, N. W.\nd. Crawford-Cassin House, 3017 0 Street, N. W.\ne. Smith-Morton Row House, 3034 P Street, N. W.\nf. Methodist Episcopal Parsonage House, 1221 28th Street, N. W.\ng. Federal/Victorian Frame House, 3015 Dumbarton Avenue, N. W.\nh. William Knowles House, 1228 30th Street, N. W.\ni. Wheatley Town House, 3034 N Street, N. W.\nj. De La Roche-Jewell Tenant House, 1320 30th Street, N. W.\nk. James I. Barrett House, 1400 29th Street, N. W.\n1. Cooke's Row, Villa No. 3, 3013 Q Street, N. W.\nm. Grafton Tyler Double House, 1314 30th Street, N. W.\nn. Albert Jackson House, 1694 31st Street, N. W.\nO. Mariner-Lewis House, 3099 Q Street, N. W.\nVI\nIIA\nJ\nO.\n.\nOLTA\n?\n?\n= E\ns:\n3543\n5:\n( MARKET\nS?)\nS'\nis\nst\n.5\nis\n:\nMARKET\nPOTOMAC\nst\n(HIGH M\nIVALLEY 32\"\nROAD\nn.\ns:)\nWISCONSIN\nS?\n31\n5.1\n09 1 . ) a\n(CONGRESS\n3:)\n315\ns!\nCONGRESS\nS.)\nO.\nM.\nO.\ne\nP.\nQ.\nN.\nS:\n1\n8\n-\n\"\nUA\nh.\n\"\nm.\n3:\nis\nj\nd.\n\"\nS.)\n30\n,\n3r\n(WASHINGTON 5.7\n30th\nsr\n03 R I D E S')\nBRIDGE\n-\nOLIVE E\na.\n(GAY\nY\nDUNBARTON\n(BEALL\nk\n(WEST\n(STODDARD\nOAK\n29\ns:\n(GREENE\n5!)\n29th\nST\nis\n(,$\nis\nGS\nas\n(is\n20th\n3!\n(MONTGOMERY 5.)\n28th\n5!\n+\nHILL CEMETERY\n2\n27\nST\nMONROE\n3\"1\nPennsylv-\nTHILL\n22437\nM. M.S. S\n(NORTH\n3.7\n26\n⑆\n\"\nEAST S'\nis NOSTIM\nSmith-Morton Row Houses\nThis early nineteenth century streetscape is one of facade continuity\nand understated individuality.\nVIII\nINTRODUCTION\nGeorgetown provides a vivid picture of the development of\nnineteenth century residential architecture. Mirroring the chang-\ning patterns of life and taste, the architecture reveals a conti-\nnuity which gives to Georgetown its distinctive character. The\nword conservative best describes the continuities present in\nnineteenth century Georgetown architecture--conservative in its\nstyle, in its definition of architecture as elaborated construct-\nion and in its recognition of existing context. There is very\nlittle of the architecture of theatrical display or of violent\ncontrast with the work of the past. In addition the architect-\nural developments in Georgetown follow leading contemporary trends\nin the United States but are frequently from one to three decades\nlater. This position is one which naturally screens out excesses\nand tends to the normative middle course.\nContributing to the continuity in the residential architecture\nof Georgetown's northeast is the dominance of the builder-architect\nrather than the designer-architect. At present an architect's name\ncan be associated with only one building examined in this study.\nControl of the middle and upper middle class architecture by the\nconstructor accounts in part for the similarities in style, and the\nIX\nWheatley Town Houses\nThis mid nineteenth century row combines earlier geometric simplicity\nwith Victorian detail enrichments.\nX\narchitecture is a record of social differences, changing life styles\nand alterations of the modes of individual expression as much as it\ntendencies toward standard solutions. The most obvious manner in\nwhich the vernacular builder's imprint is visible is in the similar\nmanner of utilization of the materials of wood, brick and cast iron.\nWith these raw materials standard house solutions are developed and\nrepeated over the streets of Georgetown. Of the examples in this\nsurvey, the Andrew Ross Tenant Houses, the De La Roche-Jewell Tenant\nHouses and the Wheatley Town Houses exemplify this standardization.\nThe builders and architects of Georgetown's northeast evidence\na special sensitivity to physical pattern and context in which their\narchitectural projects are placed. This category of the visual con-\ntinuities of the residences examined is most important to the special\ncharacter of Georgetown. The block pattern established in the com-\nmercial and residential streets of the early nineteenth century is\nrecognized by most later examples. Conveniently salable lots of\nfrom 20' X 60' to 20' x 100' provide the basic framework into which\nfit the normative sidehall plans. Three bays form the normal facade\ndivision; building heights rarely exceed two and one half or three\nstorys. There is in these buildings a careful recognition of the\nstreet facade. Not only are height, width, and setback generally\nwell coordinated along a particular street, but even in free-standing\nexamples such as the Mariner-Lewis House, there is careful adaptation\nto the site.\nThese remarks do not deny the distinctiveness and the individual-\nity of the residential architecture of northeast Georgetown. This\nXI\nCooke's Row, Villa No. 3\nThese late nineteenth century picturesque villas break with the usual row\nhouse pattern to recognize the Victorian desire for variety, individuality,\nand a more natural setting.\nXII\nis the documentation of a single regional character. The architect-\nural building types representing widely divergent social groups range\nfrom tenant houses such as De La Roche-Jewell to large scale single\nfamily residences as in the Mariner-Lewis or Crawford-Cassin Houses.\nStylistic temporal change throughout the nineteenth century is\nrevealed with special clarity in Georgetown's northeast. The examples\nportray the gradual change from linear to plastic form, from a stricter\ndefinition of order to one allowing more freedom and variety, from\nfacades which are more horizontal and balanced to more vertical yet\nmore sheltered.\nBecause of the essentially conservative nature of Georgetown\narchitecture, it is especially important to note the changes in form\nof the residential architecture which document the rise of individual\nexpression. Certainly the residence, as the most personal of building\ntypes, mirrors this rise most effectively. Individuality and independ-\nence are evidenced in several different ways as the century moves to a\nclose. Plans become more asymmetrical as in the Albert Jackson House,\nand rooms become more distinctively positioned and ordered as in Cooke's\nRow or in the Mariner-Lewis House. Facades and roof lines become more\npicturesque and baroque as in Cooke's Row or in the Grafton Tyler\ndouble house. Ornamentation becomes more elaborate and profuse as an\noutward display of wealth. There is an accentuation on the uniqueness\nof overall shapes and patterns used on both interiors and exteriors.\nEverywhere there is the Victorian spirit of floral nature and\nbracketed villa overcoming the older image of the refined and urban\ntownhouse of the earlier nineteenth century.\nXIII\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\n1241 30th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nEdgar Patterson House\nHABS No. DC-177\nd\nkit.\nporch\n8'x12'\n7'x14'\nu\ndining rm\n12'x12'\nu\nJ\nliving rm.\nhall\n13'x13'\n0\n10\nN\n30th Street\n2\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-177\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nLocation:\n1241 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the east side of 30th Street\n(formerly Washington Street) midway between Olive\nand N Streets.\nPresent Owner:\nMrs. Celicia P. Bolin\nPresent Occupants: Miss Martha Pat Bell\nMiss Dale House\nMiss Judy Ruffner\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThe combination of a wooden second story overhanging\nSignificance:\na brick first floor makes this house unique in George-\ntown. However, both historical information and careful\narchitectural study give evidence that the house was\noriginally a one story frame, the present brick first\nfloor being the original basement.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in\nSquare 1211, lot 812 (formerly Square 41, lot 153 and 154).\nThe following is an incomplete chain of title to the\nproperty. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,\nWashington, D.C.\n1796 Deed June 23, 1796, recorded June 24, 1796 in\nLiber B folio 511\nThomas Beall\nTo\nPeter Casanave\nLot 153\n1806 Deed April 12, 1806, recorded May 19, 1806 in\nLiber P folio 193\nSamuel Brooke, Trustee\nTo\nGeorge Thomson\nLot 153\n3\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 2)\n1807 Tax Deed June 29, 1807, recorded July 18, 1807 in\nLiber S folio 37\nGeorge Magruder, Collector of the Corporation of\nGeorgetown\nTo\nAlexander Suter\nSold for taxes as the property of the grantee\nLot 153\n1808 Deed December 28, 1808, recorded January 31, 1809 in\nLiber V folio 207\nJohn Peter and wife Harriet\nTo\nEdgar Patterson\nLot 154\n1813 Deed November 3, 1813, recorded January 17, 1814 in\nLiber AG folio 28\nEdgar Patterson\nTo\nHenry Foxall\nLots 153 and 154\nConsideration: $4212.80\n1858 Deed January 20, 1858, recorded January 21, 1858 in\nLiber JAS 148 folio 159\nPhilip T. Berry, et al\n(Trustee for the estate of Henry Foxall)\nTo\nMargaret Ann F. Osborne\nParts of lots 153-154\nDeed January 20, 1858, recorded February 3, 1858 in\nLiber JAS 149 folio 98\nPhilip T. Berry\nMargaret A. F. Osborn\nTo\nWilliam Redin\nDeed January 20, 1858, recorded February 3, 1858 in\nLiber JAS 149 folio 93\nWilliam Redin\nTo\nSarah Berry, wife of Philip T. Berry\n4\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 177 (Page 3)\n1869 Deed April 1, 1869, recorded April 3, 1869 in\nLiber D 5 folio 172\nSarah Berry\nTo\nRichard A. Macomb\n1917 Deed July 23, 1917, recorded August 3, 1917 in\nLiber 4002 folio 155\nHeirs of Richard Macomb\nTo\nMarianna Stanton\n1921 Deed February 24, 1921, recorded February 25, 1921 in\nLiber 4455 folio 381\nMarianna Stanton\nTo\nBenjamin A. King\nDeed February 28, 1921, recorded March 2, 1921 in\nLiber 4500 folio 224\nBenjamin A. King\nTo\nAnna P. Beardsley\nDeed March 19, 1921, recorded April 20, 1921 in\nLiber 4499 folio 291\nAnna P. Beardsley\nTo\nM. Harold Keady and wife Anna Margie\n1923 Deed February 6, 1923, recorded February 14, 1923 in\nLiber 4904 folio 35\nM. Harold Keady\nTo\nAnna Virginia Huey\n1930 Deed October 7, 1930, recorded October 14, 1930 in\nLiber 6492 folio 547\nAnna Virginia Huey\nTo\nElizabeth C. Tandy\n5\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 4)\n1962 Deed May 3, 1962, recorded May 17, 1962 in\nLiber 11803 folio 19\nElizabeth C. Tandy\nTo\nJoseph Allen Patterson\n1963 Deed January 3, 1963, recorded January 7, 1963 in\nLiber 11928 folio 406\nJoseph Allen Patterson\nTo\nCecilia McCallum Parker Bolin\n2. Date of erection: The Georgetown Assessments for 1808\n(National Archives Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll 8)\ngive the following information:\nEdgar Patterson\nJuly 21, 1809 John Peter lot 154 Beall's\n$150\nAugust 11, 1811 1 story frame on 153 Beall's\nAugust 17, 1812 Alexander Suter lot 153 Beall's $ 400\nThe house is assessed as a frame dwelling through the 1818-\n1819 assessments (roll 11).\nThe Boschke map published in 1861 shows only the original\nfront portion of the house. Sometime before 1870 the frame\nportion was recognized as the second story. The assessment\nfor 1865 (roll 12) is:\nSarah Berry\n153 and 154 132' Washington Street 120' deep $ 640\nImprovements Two Story Brick and Frame House $ 900\nThe Hopkins Atlas of 1890 shows the outline of the house in\nits present state with the rear porch and kitchen block.\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The present brick first floor\nwas originally the basement to the house and was converted\nto the first floor by 1840. The present kitchen and back\nporch are not original to the house but are late 19th\ncentury. The higher elevation of the dining room-stairway\n6\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 5)\nhalf of the first floor appears to be a 20th century reno-\nvation. Interior partitions and door openings have been\nchanged significantly on both floors.\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1858\nAncus M. Hoffar, dentist, h. 108 Washington\n1870\nHenry Woodward, clerk\n1872-1880\nRichard Macomb, printer\n1881-1915\nMacomb family members\n1918\nvacant\n1919\nMrs. Lillian Kengla\n1921\nvacant\n1922-23\nMartin H. Keady\n1924-27\nMrs. Antoinette Funk\n1928\nvacant\n1929-30\nDrew Pearson\n1932-42\nElizabeth Tandy\n1943\nAlbert Dick\nMary Reed\nHugh R. Stephenson\n1948\nRuth Philips\n1954-56\nMrs. Bessie Trout\n1960\nNancy Riley\n1962-64\nJoseph Patterson\n1965\nAlbert Corbett\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\n7\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 6)\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1241 30th Street is a house\ntype which is unique in Georgetown today. With its frame\nsecond floor overhanging a lower floor of brick, its\nmassive central brick chimney and its steep gable roof\nfacing the street, this house is a good example of modest\nlate colonial design. These characteristics and others\nsuggest that this house may be one of the oldest remaining\nin Georgetown.\n2. Condition of fabric: The house is in good condition on\nboth interior and exterior. There has been some remodell-\ning to make the house servicable for 20th century living.\nThere are also two major alterations. First, it appears\nthat the original entry to the house was at what is now\nthe position of the southern most second floor window of\nthe facade. This is surmised from evidence of repair of\nthe flooring at that position and from the fact that\nbefore 1830, 30th Street was considerably higher at this\npoint, but was excavated in connection with the building\nof the C. and 0. canal after 1830. A second major altera-\ntion was the addition of a 3 story brick kitchen addition\nto the northeast of the main block adjoining the present\ndining room. This addition appears to be of early to mid-\n19th century date.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This two story brick and frame\nhouse faces west onto 30th Street between Olive and N\nStreets and its south wall is approximately 105' north of\nthe centerline of Olive Street. The house has a 3 bay\nfacade about 20' in length and is approximately 40' in\ntotal depth.\n2. Foundations: At present the house is on grade at the\nfacade while at the east elevation the rear yard is excavated\nso that a basement level opens directly out onto the rear\nyard. Foundation material is brick.\n8\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 7)\n3. Wall construction: The ground floor is of brick construc-\ntion while the second floor is a clapboard covered wood\nframe. At the facade, the second floor projects 8\"\nbeyond the brick face of the ground floor. This projec-\ntion is visually supported by flaring wood brackets of\n18th century design.\n4. Framing: Not visible.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: A wood frame porch,\n7' deep by 14' wide is positioned to the east of the main\nblock and is entered from the stairhall, dining room, and\nkitchen of the first floor.\n6. Chimneys: A special feature of the dwelling is the large\n5 1/2' by 4' chimney located at the center of the main\nportion of the house between the living and dining rooms.\nIt is two sided, with fireplaces at both its east and\nwest sides. At the roof, this chimney breaks through the\nridge and then is topped by a six course battered cap.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The entry door is of modern date\nand has a 5 light fixed transom. As mentioned earlier,\nit is likely that the original door was at the second\nfloor directly over the present location.\nb. Windows and shutters: Windows at the ground floor\ntypically are 6/6 light double-hung wood sash. Those\nat the second floor are 9/6 light double-hung wood\nsash. These windows appear to be 20th century replace-\nments of earlier units. Shutters are used at the\nfacade for both first and second floor windows. These\nare single panel fixed louvered and painted black.\nAt the rear, window and door openings in both the brick\nkitchen ell and the east elevation of the main block\nare bridged by 2\" and 3\" wood lintels.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The gabled roof, with its ridge\nperpendicular to the street, has a standing seam metal\ncovering at the north pitch and an asphalt shingle\ncovering at the south pitch.\n9\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 8)\nb. Cornice, eaves: At the west facade the gable rakes\nare edged by a 5\" molded wood cornice. This cornice\nis terminated at end by a short l' horizontal return.\nThe west elevation gable end is terminated by a\nsimple cornice board.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There are none.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: This side hall plan house with kitchen ell\nhas its staircase located at the southeast corner of the\nmain block at the end of the hall. At the first floor\nthere is a front living room, a back dining room in the\ngabled portion and a kitchen in the ell. The floor level\nof the dining room and the east half of the hall are 6\"\nabove that of the living room and the floor level of the\nkitchen is 11\" above that of the dining room. At the\nsecond floor there are front and back bedrooms and a\nbathroom in the rear ell. A basement extends under the\nell and under the eastern half of the main section of the\nhouse.\n2. Stairways: The 1/4 turn staircase to the second floor,\nlocated at the eastern end of the entry hall is of late\n18th century appearance. It ascends thirteen 8\" risers\nfrom west to east with corner winders turning to the\nnorth as the second floor is reached. Details of the stair\nare quite simple. The rail is a 3/4 round section, the\nnewel is a square 2 1/2\" post, and there are two simple\nrectangular balusters per 10\" tred. Below this is the\nbasement stairway with a platform at the east and ten\nrisers down from east to west.\n3. Flooring: The second floor retains handsome wide board\npine flooring with several pieces being 1' to 1' 2\" in\nwidth. The first floor has a few wide boards in the living\nroom and the front half of the entry hall but generally\nis 20th century narrow boarding.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are painted\nplaster over brick or lath.\n5. Doors and doorways: The oldest doors in the house (pre\n1850) are at the second floor from the front to the back\nbedroom and from the hall to the back bedroom. These are\nboth simple 6 panel doors.\n10\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 9)\n6. Decorative features and trim: First floor trim is of\n20th century date and consists of 2\" door and window trim\nand a 6\" baseboard. Probably of 19th century date,\nhowever, is a 3' 4\" high chair rail in the living room.\nBelow the rail the wall is furred out 1 1/2\" to form a\nsimple dado band.\nTrim at the front bedroom on the second floor is probably\nof 19th century date and consists of simple 1 1/2\" door\nand window trim and a 6\" baseboard.\n7. Notable hardware: The only notable item of hardware is\nthat the windows at the second floor use metal strip\nweight hangers.\n8. Lighting: There is nothing of note.\n9. Heating: The major features of the interior are the four\nwood mantelpieces surrounding each of the fireplaces on\nthe first and second floors. In the living room the\nmantelpiece is probably of 20th century date in imitation\nof 19th century design. It is 4' 6\" X 4' 5\" high with a\n6\" deep mantel shelf. The dining room mantel piece is of\na more plausible 18th century type and is 5' X 4' 6\" high\nwith a 6\" x 5' 9\" mantel shelf. The mantel is of very\nsimple design having two vertical sideboards, a lintel\nboard between these, a strip trim under the mantel shelf\nand three piece strip trim. The latter consists of a\nvertical trim at the outer edge of both vertical boards and\na horizontal strip terminating and connecting these two\nacross the lintel board at a height of about 3 1/2\".\nAt the second floor both bedroom mantelpieces are of\nsimilar design to that in the dining room. That at the\nfront room is 4' 3\" X 4' 3\" with a 7\" X 5' mantel shelf.\nThat at the rear room is 3' 8\" x 4' 3\" high. Both of these\nare of late 18th century type and have brick hearths and\nfirebacks.\nThe present heating system has radiator units in each room.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: This house is set in\na group of small row houses on one of the older resi-\n11\nEDGAR PATTERSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-177 (Page 10)\ndential streets of Georgetown. As indicated earlier, its\nsetting has been dramatically changed by the early 19th\ncentury excavation of the slope of 30th Street at this\npoint.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed by 7' high brick\nwall at the east and a 10' high brick retaining wall at\nthe north. The south side of the yard is closed by a 5'\nhigh wood fence.\n3. Outbuildings: Foundation remains located 27' east of the\neast wall of the kitchen ell and at 8' from the north brick\nwall of the rear yard have not been identified with any\nparticular past function.\n4. Walks: The dwelling fronts onto a brick herringbone pattern\nsidewalk.\n5. Landscaping: A brick patio the east of the kitchen ell is\nabout 9' square. A medium sized maple tree shades the\nfacade on 30th Street.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nSeptember, 1968\n12\nEdgar Patterson House\nfacade\nphotos: J. Alexander\nrear view\n13\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\n1208 30th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nAndrew Ross Tenant House I\nHABS No. DC-174\nrear yard\nkitchen\n9'x13'\nu\nclos\ndining rm.\nhall\n13'x16'\n0\n10\nN\n30th Street\n16\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-174\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nLocation:\n1208 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nis located on the west side of 30th Street (formerly\nWashington) midway between M (formerly Bridge Street)\nand Olive Street. The house forms a pair with 1210\nto the north but is separated by a narrow passageway.\nPresent Owner:\nDorothea de Schweinitz\nPresent Occupant:\nSame\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThis house is a good example of the early 19th century\nSignificance:\nmodest row type dwelling. It was erected along with\n1210 30th Street and the Ross and Getty building des-\ncribed in HABS No. DC-113.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION:\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1209 (formerly 39, lot 883, formerly 802 in\nBeall's Addition to Georgetown. The following references\nare to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.\n1787 Deed October 11, 1787, recorded October 11, 1787 in\nLiber c folio 668\nThomas Beall\nTo\nCharles Magruder\nBrook Magruder\nLot 18 (Montgomery Co. Land Records, Rockville, Md.)\n1801 Deed June 27, 1801, recorded November 2, 1801 in\nLiber G folio 342\nEleanor Magruder\nTo\nThomas Sim Lee\n1810 Deed February 17, 1810, recorded February 28, 1810 in\nLiber Y folio 45\nThomas Sim Lee\nTo\nAndrew Ross\nRobert Getty\n17\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 2)\nLots 18 and 19\n\"One equal moiety to the said Andrew Ross and\nthe other undivided moiety to the said Robert\nGetty...\")\n1827 Deed June 5, 1827, recorded June 14, 1827 in\nLiber WB 17 folio 522\nRichard Smith,\nWilliam S. Nicholls, Trustees\nTo\nPresident, Directors and Co. of the Bank of the\nUnited States\nConveys by default of payment of Andrew Ross, one\nlot with a three story brick house on the northwest\ncorner of Bridge and Washington Street, about 21'\non the former and 50' on the latter. One other\npiece of ground with the three story brick ware-\nhouse situated on Washington Street and adjoining\nthe corner aforesaid fronting about 26' on the\nsaid Street by 40' deep. Also a piece of ground\nwith the three story brick dwelling house thereon\nerected North of and adjoining the last described\nwarehouse also 21' front by 40' deep.\n1842 Deed March 30, 1842, recorded March 30, 1842 in\nLiber WB 91 folio 35\nRichard Smith, Trustee\nWilliam S. Nicholls\nTo\nOscar Alston\nConsideration: $800.00\n1849 Deed November 22, 1843, recorded May 14, 1844 in\nLiber WB 108 folio 86\nOscar Alston\nTo\nJoseph H. Fleet\nConsideration: $800.00\n1869 Deed July 30, 1869, recorded October 13, 1869 in\nLiber D 14 folio 185\nHermione C. Fleet (guardian)\nTo\nCharles H. Peters\n18\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 3)\nSold at a public auction November 30, 1863 for\n$1800 (Decree SCDC 1448 Doc. #9).\nDeed August 21, 1869, recorded October 13, 1869 in\nLiber D 14 folio 186\nCharles H. Peters et ux Cora Louisa\nTo\nHarione C. Fleet\n1873 Deed May 22, 1873, recorded May 24, 1873 in\nLiber 722 folio 19\nH. C. Fleet\nTo\nJames Goddard\n1913 Deed February 17, 1913, recorded March 21, 1913 in\nLiber 3608 folio 409\nMorgan R. Goddard\nFrederick L. Goddard\nAlice D. Goddard\nTrustees and beneficiaries of James Goddard,\ndeceased\nTo\nMary W. Goddard\n1925 Will of Mary W. Goddard, Will 126/503,\nDevises all of her estate to Morgan R., Frederick\nL., and Alice D. Goddard as joint tenants for life\nwith power to sell and convey with remainder over\nto Maryland Agriculture College of Maryland.\nMorgan R. Goddard died May 21, 1918\nAlice D. Goddard died February 23, 1935\n1941 Deed February 14, 1941, recorded March 1, 1941 in\nLiber 7584 folio 350\nFrederick L. Goddard, unmarried,\n\"surviving tenant for life under the will of Mary\nW. Goddard, deceased, acting herein in exercise\nof the power of sale and conveyance conferred upon\nhim by said will\"\nTo\nIrene Morley\n1941 Deed February 26, 1941, recorded March 1, 1941 in\nLiber 7584 folio 352\nIrene Morley\nTo\nJohn Lipscomb\nConsideration: $6,500.00\n19\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 4)\n1942 Deed April 8, 1942, recorded April 11, 1942 in\nLiber 7742 folio 52\nJohn Lipscomb et ux Mary R.\nTo\nDorothea de Schweinitz\n2. Date of erection: Between 1810 and 1811. The Deed of\nPartition, September 23, 1811, recorded November 7, 1811 in\nLiber AB folio 240 mentions the five houses and buildings\nerected by Andrew Ross.\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: There is evidence of changes\nof many interior partitions. The present north-south wall\nbetween the kitchen and stairway was located 3' to the west\nunder the present stairs. The northwest corner of the\nfront section of third floor was changed when the bath was\nadded. A new marble floor has been put in the front entry.\nIn the rear portion of the main level the floor has been\nelevated 10\". The back fireplace appears to have been\nrebuilt when this entire back portion was altered.\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1855-58\nJames Fleet (colored), music-teacher\n1863-70\nMrs. Hermione Fleet, widow\n1871-72\nGenevieve Fleet, Teacher\nH. C. Fleet, widow\nJames H. Fleet, teacher\n1875\nMary King, widow Andrew J.\n1912-23\nAlbert P. Hart, salesman\n1924-27\nMax Rosen, shoemaker (His shop was located at\n3005 M Street.)\n1930\nRick William\n1931-37\nWilliam Williams\n1939-41\nMrs. Hattie Williams\nGeorge Halloway\n1942\nvacant\n1943\nDorothea de Schweinitz\n20\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC- 174 (Page 5)\n2. The Georgetown Assessments of 1813-1818 (National Archives\nMicrocopy 605, Group 351, roll 9) show an assessment to\nAndrew Ross, July 9, 1817 for the three story brick houses\non Washington Street at 10,500. The following assessment\nin 1818-19 (roll 11) gives an assessment for the entire\ngroup of five three story brick houses on both Washington\nand Bridge Streets at 22,500.\n3. Miss de Schweinitz, the present owner and occupant of the\nhouse has been extremely active in the preservation of\nGeorgetown. In 1951, along with the Honorable Robert Woods\nBliss, she found Historic Georgetown Incorporated. She\nserved as president of the corporation from 1966-1968,\nSecretary from 1951-67 and was a member of the board from\n1951-57 and 1959-68. Miss de Schweinitz was instrumental\nin writing and securing passage of the Old Georgetown Act\nof 1950.\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1208 30th Street is a good example\nof a Federal house which is modest in elaboration but ample\nin size. Its simple, well-proportioned facade and its plain\ninteriors--ornamented only by mantelpieces and fine furnish-\nings--are typical of the merchant class homes of the period.\n2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exterior\nare in good to excellent condition. There has been altera-\ntion of the exterior as the facade has been marred by a\nrecent sand-blasting and the rear elevation (west) has been\nrepainted. The interiors have been altered significantly\nby the addition of a series of 20th century stud partitions.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This 3 1/2 story brick row type house\nfaces east onto 30th Street between M and Olive Streets\nand its south wall is approximately 105' north of the center-\n21\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 6)\nline of M Street. The four bay front is 21' 6\" wide and the\ndepth is approximately 35'.\n2. Foundations: Foundations at the east, west and south are\nof brick while that of the north is of uncoursed stone\nmasonry. In addition, similar stone foundation walls are\npresent at both the north and south corners of the west\nwall of the rear section of the basement. At the south\nfoundation wall the chimney is supported by a pair of brick\ncheek walls bridged by a 3' 6\" wide semicircular brick arch.\n3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has\nthe west and north elevations faced with red brick laid\nin common bond. The facade (east) is faced with red brick\nin Flemish bond.\n4. Framing: 19th century roof framing for both the east and\nwest sections of the house has 3\" x 3 1/2\" rafters rough\nhewn on one side and sawn on the other. 20th century wood\ntie boards and bracing has been added. 19th century fram-\ning of the first floor is with 3\" X 11\" joists running\nnorth-south. They are rough hewn on one side and sawn on\nthe other face. The wood spandrel at the south wall\nfireplace is slotted through the north-south joists and\nwood pin-wedged against them.\nFraming of the east section of the first floor is with 20th\ncentury joists of nominal 2\" X 10\" dimension. A mid-20th\ncentury 8\" steel WF beam in the basement replaces an earlier\nwood beam in supporting the east-west wall between the din-\ning room and the hall at the first floor. The beam is\nsupported by three 4\" pipe columns.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: There is a mid-20th\ncentury wood plank steel framed balcony at the second\nfloor north wall. It is supported by steel brackets and\nextends from the west wall of the main block to the rear\n(west) wall of the rear block. Five wood risers give access\nto the balcony from the rear patio.\n6. Chimneys: The house has two brick chimneys; one at the\ncenter of the south wall of the east section, and one at\nthe south end of the west wall of the kitchen (west) sec-\ntion. At the south wall the 3' 4\" X 4' 4\" is a party unit\nwith the building to south. That at the west wall is 4'\n8\" X 2' 4\". Both have very simple brick caps.\n22\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 7)\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The present entry door is a 19th\ncentury 3' 2\" wood six panel door with a three light\ntransom above. It rests on a single piece sandstone\nthreshold and is surrounded by a wood enframement of\nprobably 19th century date. The jambs are panelled, and\nthe door is framed by two simple flat pilasters support-\ning a three step architrave. The simple wood entabla-\nture is crowned by a dentil band and simple corona.\nA 20th century 12 light wood door at the north wall\nof the stair hall gives exit to the north side patio.\nAt the second floor is a triple sash window to the\nbalcony.\nAt the north side of the east section of the house, a\nbrick semicircular arch approximately 2' 6\" wide heads\nthe opening giving access to the exterior ground level\npassage.\nb. Windows and shutters: The facade is fitted with 6/6\nlight double-hung sash windows at the third floor\nand 9/6 light double-hung sash windows at the first\ntwo floors. Originally the northern, and the southern-\ncenter, bay at both the second and third floors\nprobably did not have window openings. Instead there\nwere recesses 4\" deep to receive closed shutters. At\npresent three of these shuttered recesses are extant\nwhile that at the southern-center, second floor, has\nbeen opened in the mid-20th century. It has received\na 9/6 light double-hung wood sash window. At the\nfirst floor, in addition to the east wall windows, the\n3' X 5' 6\" 12/12 light double-hung sash at the north\nwall of the rear block is probably of 19th century\ndate.\nAt the second floor, windows probably of 19th century\ndate include a l' 10\" x 5' 6\" 6/4 light double-hung\nsash at the north end of the west wall of the main\nblock, and a 3' X 5' 6\" 12/12 light double-hung sash\nat the north wall of the rear section.\nThird floor 19th century windows include a 6/6 light\ndouble-hung sash 2' 10\" wide at the north wall of the\n23\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 8)\nrear section and a 4/4 light double-hung sash at the\nnorth and of the west wall of the front section\nof the house.\nMasonry openings at the east elevation have wood\nsills but have neither wood nor masonry arched lintels.\nSupport of the brick course over the openings has not\nbeen sufficient as evidenced by sagging; thus some of\nthe window heads have had steel lintels installed.\nShutters at the east elevation are one panel horizontal\nlouvered shutters at the third floor and two panel\nhorizontal louvered shutters at the first and second\nfloors. All shutters are painted black.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The roof over the main east section\nof the house is gabled with the ridge running parallel\nto the street. The narrower rear section has a shed\nroof running up from the north to the south party wall.\nb. Cornice, eaves: The facade has a simple three course\ncornice with the center course a sawtooth header band.\nGutters and downspouts are of metal.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: The one dormer at the center\nof the east slope of the gabled roof is sided with\nsheet metal, has a pedimental cornice, and is fitted\nwith a new 6/6 light double-hung sash.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The basic floor plan is an \"L\" with a large\nfront room on each floor separated by a north-south\nstairway from a narrower rear room. At present the first\nfloor (with 8' 11\" ceilings) has a front dining room, a\nfront north side stair hall, and a rear kitchen. The\nkitchen and the north-south stairhall floor level is 10\"\nabove the floor level of the front section. There is no\nevidence to indicate that this was not the case in the 19th\ncentury.\nThe second floor (with 9' 4\" ceilings) contains a front\nliving room and a rear bedroom. A lavatory at the north-\nwest corner of the rear section has been added in the mid-\n20th century.\n24\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 9)\nThe third floor (with 8' 5\" ceilings) contains a front and\na rear bedroom, a bathroom at the north-west corner of the\nfront section and a bathroom at the north-west corner of\nthe rear section. The bathrooms have been added in the\nmid-20th century.\n2. Stairways: A 2' 4\" wide half turn stairway is located at\nthe rear section of the house at the west wall of the\nfront section. From the first floor ascent nine 8 1/2\"\nrisers from north to south to the landing and back south to\nnorth, four risers to the second floor. The run to the\nthird floor is nine risers to the landing and back six to\nthe upper level.\nNineteenth century details of the main stairway include a\nstraight wood 3/4 round railing from a 2 1/4\" square wood\nnewel at each floor to each landing and from each landing\nto the next floor. There are two simple 1\" X 1/2\"\nrectangular balusters per tread. There are no stringer\nfeatures.\nAccess to the attic is by a 20th century ladder-type wood\nstair of nine risers. Under the main stairway, wood\nstairway of eleven open risers with corner winders gives\naccess to the basement.\n3. Flooring: Attic flooring is with large 19th century random\nwidth pine flooring approximately 8\" to 12\" wide. The\nthree main levels have 19th century 6\" to 8\" random width\npine flooring running east-west. The basement has a 20th\ncentury concrete floor slab. The slab under the west\nportion of the house is 7\" higher than that under the east\nsection.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of plaster,\npainted or wall papered.\n5. Doorways and doors: 19th century wood doors to the\nstairway at the west wall of the main gabled section have\nsix wood panels with splayed faces on the stair hall side\nand plain reverse faces.\n6. Decorative features and trim: 19th century trim includes\nsimple quarter round type 1 3/4\" window trim in the front\nsection of the house at the second and third floors. The\n25\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 10)\n19th century door trim in the upper two floors is 4 1/2\"\nwide with a raised mold edge. Corners are mitered and no\nplinth blocks are used. A 7\" high baseboard used at all\nlevels of the front section of the house is probably of\n19th century date.\nMuch of the trim of the first floor dining room and of\nall floors of the rear section is of 20th century date.\nIn the north side hall Greek Revival type 5\" doorway trim\nwith corner blocks and plinth blocks is probably of 19th\ncentury date but may not be original to the house.\n7. Notable hardware: Hardware is of 20th century date.\n8. Lighting: There is nothing of 19th century date or of\nspecial note.\n9. Heating: The only major ornamental architectural features\nof the interiors are the three wood mantelpieces of the\nfront block. That at the first floor is a 20th century\nreconstruction of a Federal type mantelpiece. The mantel\nis 5' 8\" x 4' 8\" high with a bulging architrave, a dentil\nband and a 6\" mantel shelf.\nThe second floor fireplace of the main section has a\nbrick hearth flush with the floor boards, a brick fire-\nback, a plastered facing, and a wood 4' 10\" X 4' 10\"\nmantelpiece. The mantel is fitted with a 7\" X 5' 6\"\nstraight line shelf. The area under this shelf is divided\ninto five panels with those at the center and the ends\nprojecting approximately 1/2\". The two intermediary\nblocks have single rectangular cut outs with curved corners.\nThe London putty features of the mantel have been recon-\nstructed in the 1940's. The narrow vertical end blocks\nare set with putty features in the form of an eagle\nstanding on a bouquet. This is probably a 20th century\naddition. The large horizontal center block has London\nputty features in the form of an eagle, two draperies, and\ntwo rinceaus. This also was probably recast in the 20th\ncentury reconstruction. The fireplace is enframed by a\npair of pilasters with inset 1/8 round columns, reeded and\ndiagonally bound.\nAt the third floor the 19th century fireplace has both a\nbrick hearth flush with the floor boards and a brick\n26\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 11)\nfireback as in the fireplace below. The wood mantelpiece\nis 4' 10\" x 4' 6\" high with a 7\" X 6' shelf. The area\nunder the shelf is divided into five panels. The two end\nand the center panel project approximately 1/2\". The\nintermediary units have single semicircular-ended rectangular\ncut-outs. Here also the London putty features of the\nmantelpiece have been reconstructed and restored in the 1940's.\nThe large horizontal central panel has a putty crown and\nwheat sheaf motif surrounded by rinceaus which is probably\nof the 20th cendury date. The end vertical panels have 19th\ncentury putty features in the form of an urn with flowers.\nFireplaces in the rear section of the house at the south\nend of the west wall have simple wood mantelpieces. That\nat the second floor appears of 19th century date. It is\n5' x 4' 9\" high with a 7\" mantel shelf. The area under\nthe shelf is divided into five panels with the intermediary\npanels being vertically reeded.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: This brick row type house\nwith the building to the north forms a pair of fine Federal\nhomes around the corner from a group of Federal commercial-\nresidential buildings on M Street. As one comes upon\nGeorgetown from the center of Washington, this residential-\ncommercial ensemble marks a significant boundry of the\nremains of Federal Georgetown.\n2. Enclosures: The north side yard and the rear yard are\nenclosed by approximately 7' high brick walls at the north,\nsouth, and west.\n3. Outbuildings: A 20th century wood frame shed is set in the\ncorner of the rear yard formed by the west wall of the\nrear block of the house and the south brick enclosing wall\nand has 19th century window shutters.\n4. Walks: There is a passage at the north side of the house\n2' 6\" wide by 8' 3\" high that gives access to the street\nfrom the side yard. The east facade abuts a brick paved\nwalk extending from the facade to the curb.\n27\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE I\nHABS No. DC-174 (Page 12)\n5. Landscaping: A patio to the west of the rear block is\npaved with slate edged with brick while the yard to the\nnorth of the rear section of the house has white and black\nmarble paving. Planting of the rear yard includes a bor-\nder around the patio with a magnolia tree at the northwest\ncorner. A dogwood tree is at the south center of the\npatio.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nSeptember, 1968\n28\nAndrew Ross Tenant House I and II\nphoto: J. Alexander\n29\nAndrew Ross Tenant House I\nfireplace, third floor\nphotos: J. Alexander\nliving room, second floor\n30\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\n1210 30th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nAndrew Ross Tenant House II\nHABS No. DC-175\nkit. add.\ndining rm.\n(orig. kit)\n12'x14'\nu\nd\nINTITA\nparlor\nhall\n0\n10\nN\n30th Street\n32\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-175\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nLocation:\n1210 30th Street, N. W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nis located on the west side of 30th Street (formerly\nWashington Street) midway between M (formerly Bridge\nStreet) and Olive Street. The house forms a pair\nwith 1208 to the south but is separated by a narrow\npassageway.\nPresent Owner:\nMrs. Millicent Chatel\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\n1210 30th Street is a good example of the early 19th\nSignificance:\ncentury modest row type dwelling. It is of the type\nthat had an office on the first floor with living\nquarters above. 1210 and 1208 30th Street were\nerected along with the Ross and Getty Building des-\ncribed in HABS No. DC-113.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION:\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in\nSquare 1209, lots 878 and 882 (formerly Square 39, lots 18\nand 19). The following is an incomplete chain of title to\nthe property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,\nWashington, D. C.\n1787 Deed October 11, 1787, recorded October 11, 1787 in\nLiber C folio 668\nThomas Beall\nTo\nCharles Magruder\nBrook Magruder\nLot 18\n(Montgomery County Land Records, Rockville, Maryland)\n33\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175 (Page 2)\n1801 Deed June 27, 1801, recorded November 2, 1801 in\nLiber G folio 342\nEleanor Magruder\nTo\nThomas Sim Lee\n1810 Deed February 17, 1810, recorded February 28, 1810 in\nLiber Y folio 45\nThomas Sim Lee\nTo\nAndrew Ross\nRobert Getty\nLots 18 and 19\n\"One equal moiety to the said Andrew Ross\nand\nthe other undivided moiety to the said Robert\nGetty \"\n1827 Deed June 5, 1827, recorded June 14, 1827 in\nLiber WB 17 folio 522\nRichard Smith,\nWilliam S. Nicholls, Trustees\nTo\nPresident, Directors and Co. of the Bank of the\nUnited States\nConveys by default of payment of Andrew Ross, one\nlot with a three story brick house on the north-\nwest corner of Bridge and Washington Street, about\n21' on the former and 50' on the latter. One\nother piece of ground with the three story brick\nwarehouse situated on Washington Street and ad-\njoining the corner aforesaid fronting about 26'\non the said Street by 40' deep. Also a piece of\nground with the three story brick dwelling house\nthereon erected North of and adjoining the last\ndescribed warehouse also 21' front by 40' deep\nOne other brick three story dwelling house North\nof last described\nalso 21' front by 40' deep.\n1841 Deed December 23, 1841, recorded January 25, 1842 in\nLiber WB 89 folio 431\nRichard Smith, Trustee\nWilliam S. Nicholls, Trustee\nTo\nJoseph W. Hand\n34\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175 (Page 3)\n1851 Deed October 21, 1851, recorded February 6, 1858 in\nLiber JAS 149 folio 181\nCatherine W. Hand\nHeirs of Joseph W. Hand\nTo\nEzekiel Hughes\nConsideration: $800.00\n1877 Deed in Trust July 3, 1877, recorded July 5, 1877 in\nLiber 861 folio 133\nEzekiel Hughes\nTo\nWilliam D. Cassin\nWilliam A. Gordon\nSold Hereunder\n1879 Deed December 12, 1879, recorded December 22, 1879 in\nLiber 930 folio 253\nWilliam D. Cassin\nWilliam A. Gordon\nTo\nJames Goddard\nConsideration: $1550.00\n1904 Deed June 30, 1904, recorded June 30, 1904 in\nLiber 2825 folio 105\nJames Richard Young\nTo\nMorgan R. Goddard\nJames D. Goddard\nFrederick J. Goddard\n1910 Deed July 27, 1910, recorded October 26, 1910 in\nLiber 3564 folio 356\nMorgan R. Goddard\nFrederick J. Goddard\nMary W. Goddard\nAlice D. Goddard\nTo\nAnnie K. G. James\nDeed August 5, 1910, recorded November 20, 1912 in\nLiber 3591 folio 19\nAnnie K. Goddard James\nTo\n35\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175 (Page 4)\nMaryland Agriculture College\n\"said property and any funds arising thereupon\nshall be treated as a memorial or memorial fund ...\nof the beloved brother James Douglas Goddard...\n\"\n1943 Deed December 7, 1943, recorded December 10, 1943 in\nLiber 7920 folio 438\nUniversity of Maryland\nSuccessor to Maryland Agricultural College\nTo\nFrederick J. Goddard\nConsideration: $20,000\n1948 Deed June 28, 1948, recorded July 20, 1948 in\nLiber 8792 folio 152\nNational Savings and Trust Co.,\nExecutor under the Will of Frederick J. Goddard\nTo\nGouverneur Morris Helfenstein\n1965 Lillian Helfenstein\nTo\nMillicent Childs Investment Inc.\nDeed August 2, 1965, recorded August 6, 1965 in\nLiber 12458 folio 235\n2. Date of erection: Between 1810 and 1811. The Deed of\nPartition September 23, 1811, recorded November 7, 1811\nin Liber AB folio 240, mentions the five houses and build-\nings erected by Andrew Ross.\n3. Architect: Unknown.\n4. Original plans, construction, etc.: None known.\n5. Alterations and additions: Since purchasing the house in\n1965, Mrs. Chatel has attempted to restore the house to its\noriginal state. The front entry was relocated to its present\ncenter position and both the main gable roof and back shed\nroofs were raised. The present second floor mantel was\nbrought up from the first floor and the first floor fireplace\nwas restored to its original condition with the addition of\na new mantel shelf. The corner dining room fireplace was\n36\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC- 175 (Page 5)\nalso reconstructed. The present floors are a combination\nof original and reclaimed boards. The stairs are all of\noriginal materials with the exception of the first four at\nthe ground level.\n6. Important old views: None known.\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington Directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1855\nSamuel Fearson, carpenter\n1863-80\nEzekiel Hughes, printer\n1914\nMrs. Elize Riker\n1915\nDavid Vavine\n1916\nSamuel Miller\n1918-28\nAndrew J. Coleback\n1929-33\nCharles H. Westbrook\n1934\nVacant\n1935\nRoy Wood\n1936\nLawrence R. Patterson\n1938\nVacant\n1939\nGeorge Mullign\n1940-43\nWise W. Hurt\n1948\nVacant\n1954-65\nMrs. Lillian Helfenstein\n1966\nMrs. Millicent Chatel\n2. The Georgetown Assessments of 1813-1818 (National Archives\nMicrocopy 605, Group 351, roll 9) sho W an assessment to\nAndrew Ross, July 9, 1817 for the three story brick houses\non Washington Street at $10,500. The following assessment\nin 1818-1819 (roll 11) gives an assessment for the entire\ngroup of 5 three story brick houses on both Washington and\nBridge Streets at $22,500. Ezekiel Hughes was assessed $300\non the land and $1,000 on the three story brick house in\n1865-70 (roll 12).\n3. Ezekiel Hughes was the editor and printer of the Georgetown\nAdvocate. Since the city directories do not list a different\naddress, it is quite likely that he had his office on the\nfirst floor.\n37\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC- 175 (Page 6)\n4. For additional information on the early owners of the\nproperty see the following:\nThomas Sim Lee\nHABS No. DC-168\nRoss and Getty\nHABS No. DC-113\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1210 30th Street is a good example\nof a Federal house which is modest in elaboration but\nample in size. Its simple well proportioned facade and\nits plain interiors - ornamented only by mantelpieces and\nfine furnishings - are typical of the merchant class homes\nof the period.\n2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exteriors\nare in good-excellent condition. The entire house has\nbeen restored by Carroll Curtice, architect, in 1967.\nMost of the features of the interior however are early\n19th century originals and all of these elements of trim\nand mantelpieces are said by the owner to have been\npresent in the house at the time of restoration.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This 3 1/2 story brick row type\nfaces East onto 30th Street between M and Olive Streets,\nand its North wall is approximately 155' south of the\ncenterline of Olive Street. The three bay front is\napproximately 18'6'' wide and the depth is approximately\n36' (42' including kitchen addition).\n2. Foundations: The foundations are generally of brick but\nthere are remains of a rubble stone foundation wall at the\nSouth basement wall. The chimney at the North wall of the\nfront (East) section is supported by brick walls and a\nsegmental arch.\n38\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175\n(Page 7)\n3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has\nthe North and South elevations faced with red brick laid\nin common bond with header courses every 6 courses. The\nfront (East) elevation has face brick laid in Flemish\nbond.\n4. Framing: The roof framing is with 3\" X 4\" rafters. Other\nframing of the house is not visible.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: None\n6. Chimneys: There are two three-flue chimneys for the house;\none at the center of the North wall of the East gabled\nsection and one at the Northwest corner of the rear shed-\nroofed section. At the North wall the chimney is approx-\nimately 4'-4\" X 1'-8\" and the other at the Northwest is\napproximately 5' X 2'-4\".\n7. Openings:\na.\nDoorways and doors: The front door at present is a\n20th century 3' six panel wood door, with a three\nlight transom. It is set in a simply trimmed masonry\nopening at the center bay of the first floor and its\nthreshold is a granite step supporting a gray sand-\nstone sill.\nb.\nWindows and shutters: The East elevation is fitted\nwith 6/6 light double-hung wood sash on the third\nfloor and 9/6 light double-hung sash for the first\ntwo floors. The center bay window on the second and\nthird floors is without sash and is simply a recess\nto receive closed pairs of shutters.\nMasonry window openings have wood sills but have\nneither wood nor masonry arched lintels. Support\nof the brick over the openings has not been suffi-\ncient as evidenced by sagging; thus over some of the\nwindows steel lintels have been installed. All\nEast elevation windows have wood two panel fixed\nhorizontal louver shutters painted black and simple\nmetal shutter stops painted black. Both stops and\nshutters appear to be 20th century.\n39\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175 - (Page 8)\n8. Roof:\na.\nShape, covering: The roof over the main (East)\nsection of the house is gabled with the ridge\nrunning parallel to the street. The rear section\nis narrower and has a shed roof running up South\nto North. The covering of the gabled roof is of\nslate while the rear section is covered with\nstanding seam metal.\nb.\nCornice, eaves: The 30th Street facade has a single\nthree course brick cornice with the center course a\nsawtooth header band.\nC.\nCupolas, dormers, towers: The one dormer at the\ncenter of the East slope of the gabled roof is\nsided with slate, has a simple pedimental cornice,\nand is fitted with mid-20th century 6/6 light double-\nhung wood sash.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The basic floor plan of the house is an \"L\"\nwith a large front room on each floor and a narrower rear\nroom separated from the front by à North - South stairway.\nAt the time of the restoration of the house two years ago,\na three story addition was made at the West wall of the\nrear section entered from the West wall of rear rooms at\neach floor.\nAt present the first floor (with 8'-10\" ceilings) has a\nfront parlor, a rear dining room, and a kitchen in the\nrear addition. At the time of the restoration, however,\nthere was a stair at the South wall of the front room.\nIt rose from East to West and a partition separated it\nfrom the remainder of the present parlor. A door at the\nWest end of this hall gave access to the rear yard. As\npart of this arrangement the doorway to the house was\nat the South end of the East elevation and there was a\ndoorway in the hall partition to the parlor.\nThe second floor (also with 8'-10\" ceilings) contains a\nfront parlor, a rear bedroom and a laundry room in the\n20th century addition.\n40\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175 (Page 9)\nThe third floor (with 8'-1\" ceilings) includes a front\nbedroom, a rear bedroom and a bath in the addition.\nAbove, the attic has a front and a rear storage room.\n2. Stairways: The 2'-3\" wide half-turn stairway is located\nbetween the front and rear blocks and runs up from South\nto North to South. From the first floor there are ten\n8 1/4\" risers to a landing and four back to the second\nfloor. From the second it runs up eight and back six\nrisers, and from the third floor it rises eight and then\nback five risers. The basement is reached by a straight\nrun of twelve risers enclosed under the main stair.\nDetails of the stairway are very simple with a 3/4 round\nrail, two 1\" X 1/2\" balusters per tread and a 2 1/4\"\nsquare newel post.\n3. Flooring: Attic flooring is with large 19th century\nrandom width pine flooring 8\" to 12\" wide. The other\nfloors have a combination of original and replacement\npine flooring random widths of 6\" to 8\".\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of un-\npainted plaster throughout.\n5. Doorways and doors: Simple six panel wood doors are used\nthroughout.\n6. Decorative features and trim: Door trim is typically 5\"\nwide simple trim with a molded edge. Window trim is\ntypically 2\" wide simple trim board. A 7\" molded top\nbaseboard apparently 19th century in date is used through-\nout. No wainscot, chair rail or cornice mold is used.\n7. Notable hardware: Hardware consists of 20th century\nreproductions of 19th century devices.\n8. Lighting: There is nothing of 19th century date or special\nnote.\n9. Heating: The only major ornamental architectural features\nof the structure are the mantelpieces of the second and\nthird floors. There are six fireplaces in the house,\nthree on each chimney and two per floor.\n41\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC-175 (Page 10)\nThe first floor mantelpiece at the North wall of the\nfront room is a quite simple 5'-6\" x 4'-10\" high\nwood enframement with a 9\" wide mantel shelf, and\nwith a brick hearth. It is painted a medium tan.\nIn the dining room the reconstruction has placed a\ncorner fireplace at the Northwest. It has no mantel-\npiece and the 5'-3\" X 3'-6\" high opening is bridged\nby a new oak lintel.\nThe front room of the second floor has an ornate\nwood mantelpiece 5'-1\" wide and 5'-0\" high. The\nmantel shelf front edge has a convex central bay\ndiscountinuous with two concave end sections. This\nfront edge is carved with bands of beads and ribbons.\nThe area below the mantel shelf is divided into five\npanels with a rinceau ornament in the central panel,\nfloral medallions in the semicircular edged inter-\nmediary units and paired dolphins in pointed arch\ncut-outs in the end blocks. These features are\nexecuted in English putty. Supporting this band\nand framing the sides of the fireplace are a pair\nof reeded pilasters. The mantelpiece is painted a\nmedium-deep blue.\nThe back bedroom of the second floor has a fireplace\nat the West wall with a simple wood 5'-2\" x 4'-8\"\nhigh mantelpiece with fluted pilasters, a simple\nfive block undermantel band and a straight line\nmantel shelf.\nAt the third floor the front bedroom fireplace has\nan ornamental wood 5'-5\" x 4'-10\" high mantelpiece.\nIt has a 9 1/2\" x 6'-8\" mantel shelf with a front\nedge having a central convex curve and straight\nends. The area under the mantel shelf is divided\ninto five panels and decorated with English putty.\nA central semicircular unit is decorated with\ngarlands, the intermediary ones have horizontal\novals with swags and flowers, and the vertical oval\nend blocks each has a flower feature. The vertical\nenframement is with two reeded 1/8 round column\nsegmental carved as a panel within the pilaster.\nThe entire mantelpieces is painted a blue-green.\n42\nANDREW ROSS TENANT HOUSE II\nHABS No. DC- 175\n(Page 11)\nThe back bedroom fireplace of the third floor has a\nvery simple wood mantelpiece 4'-4\" X 4'-4\" high with\na 7\" wide mantel shelf and with no ornamental features.\nThe modern central heating system has radiators in\neach room.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: The structure is one of a\ngroup of Federal and Victorian houses on this busy\nresidential street near a major commercial street of\nGeorgetown.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yards is enclosed by a brick wall\napproximately 7' in height.\n3. Outbuildings: None\n4. Walks: The house faces directly onto a brick public side-\nwalk. The rear yard is completely paved with brick. To\nthe North of the house there is an alley approximately 10'\nwide extending from 30th Street beyond the back line of\nthe lot.\n5. Landscaping: At the public sidewalk the facade is shaded\nby a 1'-0\" diameter tree.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJuly, 1968\n43\nAndrew Ross Tenant House II\nfireplace, third floor\nphotos: J. Alexander\nliving room, second floor\n44\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\n3017 O Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nCrawford-Cassin House\nHABS No. DC-184\nu\nkitchen\ndining rm.\n19'x19'\nd\npantry\nsewing rm.\nlibrary\n16'x17'\n19'x19'\na\nd\nstair hall\ndrawing rm.\nporch\n19'x33'\nstudy\n11'x20\n0\n10\nN\n0 Street\n46\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 184\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nLocation:\n3017 0 Street, N.W. (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the north side of 0 Street\n(formerly Beall) between 30th and 31st Street, the\nwest wall being approximately 175' from 30th Street.\nPresent Owner:\nMrs. Ray Atherton\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nSignificance:\n3017 0 Street is a handsome example of a large free-\nstanding Federal house. Documents as early as 1818\nrefer to the house as a \"mansion.\" It is one of the\nfew houses in Georgetown that still retains the two\nstory side porch. Architectural evidence indicates\nthe original entry may possibly have been on the east\n(porch) side. At one time the gardens of the property\nextended to 30th Street to the east and to P Street\non the north. The house is still accessible from P\nStreet by a private driveway. Early in the 20th\ncentury the building was altered and enlarged to be\nused as a private school. Today it is again a pri-\nvate residence.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1257, lot 840 (formerly Square 87 and parts of\nold lots 95, 96 and part of lot 200 forming the alley to\nP Street. The following is an incomplete chain of title\nto the property. The references are to the Recorder of\nDeeds, Washington, D.C.\nAt the time of the cession of the District of Columbia\nlot 95 is supposed to have been owned by William\nRobertson, lot 96 by Samuel Thomas, and lot 200 by\nThomas Beall.\n47\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-184 (Page 2)\n1793 Deed August 30, 1793, recorded February 18, 1794 in\nLiber A, folio 483\nWilliam Robertson\nTo\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\nIncludes lot 95\n1794 Deed March 20, 1794, recorded July 12, 1794 in\nLiber B, folio 51\nSamuel Thomas\nTo\nSamuel Davidson\nWilliam Craik\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\nConveys lots 96 and 97 to hold as tenants in\ncommon without the benefit of survivorship\n1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded September 12, 1797 in\nLiber c, folio 152\nSamuel Davidson\nWilliam H. Dorsey\nTo\nWilliam Craik\nLot 96\n1812 Deed April 8, 1812, recorded October 15, 1812 in\nLiber AD, folio 338\nEdmund Jennings Lee,\nExecutor of the last Will and Testament of William Craik\nTo\nGeorge French\nLot 96\n1814 Deed March 16, 1814, recorded September 13, 1814 in\nLiber AH, folio 200\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\nTo\nGeorge French\nLot 95\nDeed May 13, 1814, recorded November 12, 1814 in\nLiber AH, folio 292\nGeorge French\nTo\nRichard Smith\nLots 96 and 97\nConsideration: $1,353.00\n48\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-184 (Page 3)\n1819 Deed April 22, 1819, recorded October 22, 1819 in\nLiber AW, folio 160\nRichard Smith\nTo\nSarah Crawford\nLots 95, 96 and 97\nConsideration: $12,500.00\n1833 Deed December 17, 1833, recorded December 20, 1833 in\nLiber WB 64, folio 1\nRichard Smith\nTo\nStephen Cassin\n\"Conveys the dwelling house, garden and premises\nsituated on the corner formed by the intersection\nof Washington and Beall Streets and contracted\nin writing further to convey to said Sarah Crawford,\ndec'd\n10'\nground\nfor an alley to said dwelling\nhouse, garden and premises. The said Sarah Crawford\nhath devised the house, gardens and premises to\nRichard R. and Lorman Crawford who have since sold\nsaid premises to Stephen Cassin.\"\n1861 Deed September 11, 1861, recorded February 4, 1862 in\nLiber JAS 215, folio 284\nJoseph R. Cassin, Trustee\nTo\nJoseph Libbey\nLots 96 and 97\nDeed August 6, 1861, recorded January 8, 1862 in\nLiber JAS 216, folio 139\nJoseph R. Cassin, Trustee\nTo\nIsabella Davis\nLot 95 and the alley in lot 200 connecting\nwith West Street\nConsideration: $6,500.00\nDeed October 3, 1861, recorded January 8, 1862 in\nLiber JAS 216, folio 114\nJoseph Libbey\nTo\nIsabella Davis\n\"Part of lot 96 (west 22') from corner of\nCharles W. Amy's house.\"\n49\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-184 (Page 4)\n1884 Deed April 7, 1884, recorded April 17, 1884 in\nLiber 1082, folio 49\nFrancis R. R. Bromwell\nIsabella Hagner, Executors of the Will of Isabella Davis\nTo\nI. Thomas Davis\nLot 95, part of lot 96 and the alley\n1890 Deed November 15, 1890, recorded November 15, 1890 in\nLiber 1540, folio 259\nI. Thomas Davis et ux Anna\nTo\nHarry W. Blunt\n1896 Deed January 7, 1896, recorded January 4, 1896 in\nLiber 2096, folio 20\nHarry W. Blunt\nTo\nEdmund C. Blunt\nHarriet W. Blunt\nVirginia Blunt\nHarry W. Blunt, Jr.\nWilliam Laird Blunt\n1902 Deed June 9, 1902, recorded June 17, 1902 in\nLiber 2637, folio 412\nWilliam A. Gordon\nMaurice J. Adler, Trustees\nTo\nCharles H. Cragin\nSold for default under trust from Harry W. Blunt,\nNovember 15, 1890, recorded in Liber 1534, folio\n382.\n1903 Deed February 14, 1903, recorded March 5, 1903 in\nLiber 2707, folio 251\nCharles H. Cragin et ux Elizabeth\nTo\nEliza C. Smith\nSarah Elizabeth Edwards\n50\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 184 (Page 5)\n1935 Deed March 28, 1935, recorded March 29, 1935 in\nLiber 6875, folio 330\nSarah Elizabeth Edwards,\nsurviving joint tenant of\nElizabeth C. Smith, dec'd\nTo\nSarah W. S. Miller\nConsideration Stamp: $25.00\n1937 Deed March 30, 1937, recorded April 6, 1937 in\nLiber 7095, folio 19\nSarah W. S. Miller\nTo\nRachel C. Hale\n1942 Deed August 7, 1942, recorded August 11, 1942 in\nLiber 7781, folio 519\nRachel C. Hale\nTo\nRay Atherton\n2. Date of erection: The Georgetown Assesment Records of\n1815 (National Archives, Microcopy 605, Group 351, roll\n10) give the following information:\nNovember 30, 1816:\nRichard Smith\nLarge 2 Story new B. H. Kitchen [?] $6,000\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The house has undergone\nmajor changes, the most important being the possible\nshifting of the entry from the east to the south side as\nwell as the possibility of a change in the site of the\npresent south main entry. The rear portion consists of\n19th century additions. The interior presents many\nVictorian alterations.\n6. Important old views: None found.\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington city directories provide the following\ntenant information:\n51\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-184 (Page 6)\n1830\nSarah Crawford. Beall Street, near Washington\n1853\nCom. Cassin. N.W. corner Beall and Washington\n1855\nCom. Cassin, USN. 112 Beall\n1858-82\nIsabella Davis and members of her family.\n[The address varies from 114 and 94 Beall to\n3015 and 3017 0 Street]\n1888\nMr. and Mrs. Francis Leupp\n1893\nBeverly Randolph Mason, Professor\n1911-18\nSt. Agnes School for Girls (Episcopal)\n1919-35\nEpiphany School, Sister of the Epiphany\n1936\nVacant\n1938-42\nMrs. Rachel Hale\n1943\nRay Atherton\n1948\nMrs. Shevlin\n1956-68\nMrs. Ray Atherton\n2. The Georgetown Assessments give the following additional\ntax information:\nRoll 11 (1818-19)\nRichard Smith\nLot 95 Bealls 60 Beall\n$800\nLot 95 Bealls\n60 Beall\n$900\nLot 97 Bealls\n60 Beall, 120 Washington\n$1100\nMansion Brick\nPart 93 Bealls\n20 Washington\n$300\nRoll 12 (1865-70)\nIsabella Davis\nLot 95 and 96\n82' N.S. Beall Street\n120' deep\n145 $2,450\nImprovements large three-story brick\ndwelling and stable\n145 $7,500\nN. part lot 200. 10' S. side West\nStreet\n120' deep.\nUsed as an alley\n350\n$300\n3. Commander Stephen Cassin, the second known occupant of the\nhouse, was an important naval officer. He was born in\nPhiladelphia in 1783 and entered the Navy in 1800. For\nhis brave action in the battle of Lake Champlain in the\nwar of 1812, he was awarded a gold medal by Congress in\n1814. Later he became the master-commandant of an 18-\ngun sloop-of-war, Peacock, and captured five pirate ships\n52\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-184 (Page 7)\nthe West Indies. Commander Cassin was married to the\ndaughter of an English army officer, Captain Abernethy.\nHe died in Georgetown, August 29, 1857. (The National\nCyclopedia of American Biography, vol. XII, p. 263.)\n4. Beverly Mason was the first occupant to use the house as\na school. In 1893 she opened her school, Gunston Hall,\nin this house, but moved elsewhere after only one year.\nFrom 1911 to 1918 the St. Agnes School for Girls was in\nthe house. Then in 1919 two Episcopal sisters opened the\nSchool of the Epiphany. A report on the school at the\nBishop's office of the Washington National Cathedral\ndated May 31, 1920, gives the following as the purpose\nof the school: to meet the needs of persons of\nmoderate means and reports that there were four\nteachers and thirty-two female pupils. The school was\nrun \"by the hard labor of the Sisters of the Epiphany.\"\n5. Mr. Ray Atherton who purchased the house in 1942 was\na member of the U.S. Foreign Service. He was the acting\nchief of the European Division of the Department of\nState, 1940-1943, then first American Ambassador to Canada.\nAfter retiring from the Foreign Service in 1948, he was\nappointed an alternate delegate to the United States\ndelegation to the United Nations General Assembly Meeting,\nParis, 1948. Mr. Atherton died in 1960; his wife still\noccupies the house. (Who Was Who in America, vol. 3, p.\n952.)\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nOctober, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: This Federal brick mansion\npresents a very ordered facade to 0 Street, which gives\nlittle hint of the various renovations and alterations\n53\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-184 (Page 8)\nthe building has suffered. In fact, the disposition of\nthe bearing walls in the basement, the bricked up open-\nings in the west wall, the floor patches where partitions\nhave been relocated, the original position of the drawing\nroom, fireplace, etc., seem to indicate that the east was\npossibly the original entrance front of the house, though\nthe stucco at the two-story porch there would have to be\nremoved for further study to support this theory. Basically\na much-remodeled early nineteenth century house, its mid-\nVictorian additions set the character and provide an\nelegant background for the present owner's collection of\nfine antiques.\n2. Condition of fabric: The building is in good condition\nthroughout, considering the many alterations and additions\nover the years.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This three story brick residence faces\nsouth onto O Street, between 30th and 31st Streets, with\nits east wall approximately 170' to the west of the center-\nline of 30th Street. The main block of the house is\napproximately 34' deep and the three-story northwest wing\nis approximately 18' 6\" by 38'. The 0 Street facade is\nfour bays wide and is 37' in length.\n2. Foundations: The brick foundation is exposed approximately\n4' across the front (south) elevation, sloping along the\nsides to approximately 2' across the rear (north) eleva-\ntion.\n3. Wall construction: The brick bearing walls of the main\nblock are of Flemish bond face brick on the south elevation;\nrunning bond with header courses every sixth course on\nthe west and north elevations; and Flemish bond, with\nstucco covering the back walls of the porches on the east\nelevation. The brick bearing walls of both one-story and\nthree-story wings are running bond with header courses every\nsixth course.\n4. Framing: Interior partitions are of stud wall construction\nwith the exception of the east wall of the entry hall, the\nnorth wall of the southwest first floor room, and the north\nand east walls of the southwest second floor room, which\nare plastered masonry.\n54\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 184 (Page 9)\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the main entrance on\nthe south front are five red sandstone steps leading up\nto a sandstone stoop with simple wrought-iron railings on\neach side. On the east end of the main block is a two-\nstory frame porch 8' by 32'. It has five full-height\nsquare columns with chamfered corners, simple wood rail-\nings, and a modillioned cornice. The first floor ceiling\nis of flat boards while the second floor ceiling is of\nbeaded boards. Five wood steps lead down to the garden\nlevel at the east.\n6. Chimneys: There are chimneys on the east and west sides\nof the main block, and one in the center of the north-\nwest wing.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The front (south) door has six\nraised panels, sidelights, and an elliptical transom\nlight. This is all of recent manufacture and there\nare traces of a taller earlier entranceway at the same\nlocation. The north door into the northeast wing\n(dining room) is a modern flush door. This doorway\nhas a small hood over it. There is also a five-panel\ndoor at the northwest corner into the kitchen wing.\nb. Windows and shutters: First floor windows of the main\nblock are generally six over six, 12\" by 20\" light,\ndouble-hung wood sash. Second floor windows of the\nmain block are generally six over six, 12\" by 18\"\nlight, double-hung wood sash. Third floor windows of\nthe main block are six over six 12\" by 14\" light,\ndouble-hung wood sash. Windows in the north-east wing\nare six over six, 10\" by 14\" wood sash. The small\nenclosed porch at the north end of the northwest wing\nhas a single leaf casement window with six 10\" by 12\"\nlights. The northeast window from the drawing room\nto the porch has two hinged panels below permitting\nits use as a door and appears to be of 19th century\ndate. Several original basement sash windows remain,\nwhich are two light casements. There are shutters on\nthe third floor of the northwest wing and the upper\ntwo floors of the main block although most of the other\nwindows show traces of having had them. The three\nfirst floor windows of the south elevation, have been\noutfitted with mid-19th century iron balcony railings.\n55\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 184 (Page 10)\n8. Roof:\na. Shape and covering: The roof of the main block is\ngabled with the ridge running east-west; the roof of\nthe northwest wing is gabled with the ridge running\nnorth-south; and the roof of the north-east wing is\na shed roof pitched down toward the east. All roofs\nare metal covered and painted.\nb. Cornice, eaves: The main block has a wood box cornice\nwith modillions across the south elevation, two\nprojected brick courses along the rakes of the east\nand west ends and along the north elevation. The\nnorthwest additions also have two projected brick\ncourses as a cornice on the east, west, and north.\nC. Cupolas, dormers towers: None\nC. Description of the Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The basement of the main block is divided\ninto four unequal areas: the southwest contains the\nheating plant, the northeast has a brick herringbone\nfloor, while the other three have concrete floors. The\noriginal masonry partition between the northwest and\nsouthwest spaces has been removed and replaced with a\nheavy steel lintel. The first floor of the main block\n(12' in floor to ceiling height) has a drawing room across\nthe east end, a small study in the southwest corner, and\nan entry hall between the drawing room and study leading\nto the stair hall in the northwest corner. A small powder\nroom has been added to the north of the small study. The\nnortheast wing (8' 10\" floor to ceiling) has its floor 7\"\nbelow that of the main block and contains a library open-\ning off the large drawing room, leading into the dining\nroom in the northeast corner. The northwest wing contains\na sewing room opening off the stair hall, a pantry, and\nthe kitchen. The second floor of the main block (11' 5\"\nin floor to ceiling height) has bedrooms in the southeast\nand south-west corners, a bath in the northeast corner\n(with its floor raised 7\"), and the stairhall in the north-\nwest corner. The second floor of the northwest wing\n(8' 9\" in floor to ceiling height) has its floor 7\" below\nthat of the main block and has a room across the north\n56\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 184 (Page 11)\nend, a hall along the west side with a stair down to the\nkitchen, a bedroom in the center of the east elevation,\nanother bedroom south of that, and a bath against the\nmain block. The third floor of the main block (10' 5\"\nin floor to ceiling height) has bedrooms in the northeast,\nsoutheast, and southwest corners, each with an adjoining\nbath, and a stairhall in the northwest corner. The third\nfloor of the northwest wing has a bedroom across the rear\nwith a bath to the south, a hall along the west side, and\na store room adjoining the main block.\n2. Stairways: The main stair ascends from the south seven\nwinders to the east and a straight run of eight risers\nalong the north wall to a landing across the west end of\nthe stair hall, from which seven more risers lead west to\neast to the second floor. From the second floor eleven\nrisers run along the north wall to a landing at the west\nend, from which ten more risers lead to the third floor.\nThis stair has a very heavy Victorian turned newel, heavy\nturned balusters, a broad handrail, and jigsawed scroll\nbrackets at the tread ends. The lower run has a board-\nand-batten enclosure for the simple wood utility stair to\nthe basement.\nThere is an enclosed wood stair from the kitchen to the\nsecond floor of the northwest wing ascending from north to\nsouth along the west wall, and a similar run beneath it\nfrom the kitchen to the laundry room below.\n3. Flooring: In the main block and the first two floors of\nthe northwest wing, there are 5\" wide pine boards; the\nnortheast wing and the top floor of the northwest wing\nhave 3 1/4\" oak strip flooring.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of\npainted plaster throughout.\n5. Doorways and doors: There are several varieties of wood\npanelled doors throughout the house. The main block has\ntypically six-panel doors with flat panels and wide quirked\ncyma sticking on the first and second floors, and six-panel\ndoors with raised panels and ovolo sticking on the third\nfloor. There are also a few modern stock six-panel doors\nand a few copies of early six-panel doors scattered through-\nout. The northeast wing has modern copies of the living\n57\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 184 (Page 12)\nroom doors throughout, and the first and second floors of\nthe northwest wing have a variety of both molded and un-\nmolded four and five-panel mid-nineteenth century doors.\nThe third floor has modern stock six-panel doors through-\nout. Pairs of doors occur at the entrance to the drawing\nroom from the hall and between the library and dining\nroom.\n6. Decorative features and trim: First floor trim in the main\nblock is typically 10\" wide with a deep backband, second\nfloor trim in the main block is the same molded trim 7\"\nwide without the backband, and third floor trim in the\nmain block is a 3\" wide quirked cyma molding. Picture\nmolding occurs frequently throughout, though cornices do\nnot. The library in the northeast wing has built in\nbookcases with small corinthian pilasters, a molded chair\nrail, and a cornice with picture molding, all of mid-\ntwentieth century manufacture. The first and second\nfloors of the northwest wing have the same 3\" quirked cyma\nmolding as the third floor of the main block, while the\nthird floor of the north-west wing has 3 1/2\" wide stock\nmodern trim.\n7. Notable hardware: There is a variety of nineteenth and\ntwentieth century hardware throughout, that on the first\nfloor of the main block being particularly fine though\nnot original to the doors bearing it.\n8. Lighting: There are no notable fixtures.\n9. Heating: There is a boiler in the southwest corner of\nthe basement, with radiators throughout the house.\nThe drawing room mantelpiece, while not original, is\nparticularly fine. It is of white marble with an arched\nopening having grape carvings in the spandrels and a bunch\nof grapes in the keyblock. It has been converted to a\nwood burning fireplace by reducing the height of the\nopening. The southwest study has a wood mantelpiece\nwith a simple Tudor arch supported on flat pilasters. A\nsimilar mantelpiece occurs in the southeast bedroom on\nthe second floor and the southeast bedroom on the third\nfloor. The southwest second floor bedroom mantel has full-\nround Tuscan columns at each side supporting square impost\nblocks with a broad Greek ovolo bedmould under the shelf.\nThe 10\" entablature is horizontally reeded.\n58\nCRAWFORD-CASSIN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-1.84 (Page 13)\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: Situated well back from\nand above 0 Street, the house appears somewhat aloof from\nits younger neighbors on each side: though the neighborhood\nis composed of row houses and semi-detached larger houses,\nthis is the only free-standing house in the block. The\nfront (south) elevation has at the 0 Street walk a 3' high\nbrick retaining wall supporting an embankment topped by a\n2 1/2' hedgerow.\n2. Enclosures: There is a chain link fence along the west\nside of the lot, a wood lattice fence on the east side of\nthe driveway, and a wrought-and-cast-iron fence from the\nsouthwest corner to the 0 Street sidewalk.\n3. Outbuildings: There is a modern two-car red brick garage\nat the rear of the property.\n4. Walks: Walks are of concrete, flagstone, and brick.\n5. Landscapting: There is miscellaneous shrubbery across the\nsouth front, and a formal garden with some large boxwoods\non the east end. The rear court is paved.\nPrepared by The Office of\nWalter G. Peter, Jr., AIA\nArchitect\nApril, 1969\n59\nCrawford-Cassin House\nphoto: J. Alexander\n60\nCrawford-Cassin House\nmain staircase\nV\nphotos: J. Alexander\nfireplace, living room\n61\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\n3034 P Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nSmith-Morton Row House\nHABS No. DC-185\nkitchen\noriginal\nkitchen\n15'x16'\nu\nlav.\nd\nd\nsouth parlor\n16'x18'\nU\narch\narch\nnorth parlor\nhall\n17'x18'\nvest.\n0\n10\nN\nP Street\n64\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 185\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nLocation:\n3034 P Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nis located on the south side of P Street (formerly\nWest) midway between 30th and 31st Streets. The\nhouse is the westernmost of a row.\nPresent Owner:\nMr. and Mrs. Donald Edgar\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\n3034 P Street is a good example of a brick federal\nSignificance:\nrow house. It is well preserved; the interior is\nlargely intact and the original kitchen outbuilding\nis still extant.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1257, lot 824 (formerly Square 87, lots 197\nand 198). The following is an incomplete chain of title\nto the property. The references are to the Recorder of\nDeeds, Washington, D.C.\nAt the time of the cession of the District, lots 197 and\n198 appear to be owned by Thomas Beall of Georgetown.\n1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded June 9, 1797 in\nLiber c folio 55\nThomas Beall et ux Nancy\nTo\nSamuel Davidson\n1806 Will of Samuel Davidson, December 9, 1806, recorded\nNovember 13, 1810\nWill Book 1 folio 178\n\"residue of Estate to nephew Lewis Grant provided\nhe shall by lawful authority assume forever after\nthe surname of Davidson.\"\n1811 Act of Congress, February 6, 1811\nStatutes at Large 6-97\nChanges the name of Lewis Grant to Lewis Grant\nDavidson.\n65\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 185 (Page 2)\n1814 Lease April 12, 1814, recorded May 16, 1814 in\nLiber AG folio 398\nE. 20' of lot 197 and W. 20' of 198\nThomas B. Beall\nElisha Lanham\nLease for 99 years at yearly rent of $40.00\n1816 Deed August 21, 1816, recorded September 13, 1816 in\nLiber AM folio 158\nThomas B. Beall\nTo\nElisha Lanham\nDeed August 31, 1816 recorded December 26, 1816 in\nLiber AM folio 474\nElisha Lanham\nTo\nJames Belt\nE. 18'6\" of 197 and W. 5' of 198\nAt this time the land is appropriated to form the\nalley.\n1817 Deed April 7, recorded April 7, 1817 in\nLiber AN folio 273\nElisha Lanham\nTo\nAnthony Smith\nEast 15' of lot 198 adjoining the west 5' conveyed\nto James Belt\nConsideration: $180.50\n1820 Deed March 24, 1820, recorded April 1, 1820 in\nLiber AY folio 17\nAnthony Smith\nTo\nJames Belt\n5'9\" of lot 198\nConsideration: $172.50\n1823 Deed January 23, 1823, recorded April 17, 1823 in\nLiber WB 5 folio 274\nJames Belt\nTo\nJohn Pickerell\n66\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 185 (Page 3)\n\"2' from the north east corner of the brick dwelling\nhouse at present belonging to William Waters and\nrunning Easterly 28' with the line of West Street.\"\nDeed May 13, 1823, recorded June 11, 1823 in\nLiber WB 10 folio 64\nJohn Pickerell\nTo\nJames Kincaid\nConsideration: $2075\n1827 Deed November 10, 1827, recorded December 14, 1827 in\nLiber WB 20 folio 104\nJohn Kincaid and George Kincaid\nTo\nWilliam Mackey\nA description from a Quit Claim Deed of the same\ndate and located in Liber WB 20 folio 107 is as\nfollows: \" whereas the said James Belt by his\nother deed dated 1-23-23 conveyed onto John\nPickerell and his heirs land as in WB 5 folio 327.\nWhereupon a three story brick dwelling house has\nbeen erected.\nConsideration: $2600\n1839 Death of William Mackey. He leaves as heirs Ann I.\nCruikshank, Alexander Mackey, Sarah C. Mackey, and\nMary Seawell, his children, and John W. Seawell and\nJames M. Seawell, the children of Martha M. Seawell,\nhis daughter who died in his lifetime.\n1840 Chancery Cause 158, Rules 14, October 15, 1840.\nRichard Cruikshank\nAnn I. Cruikshank\nAlexander Mackey\nSarah C. Mackey\nvs,\nJohn W. Seawell\nJames M. Seawell\nFrancis T. Seawell\nMary E. Seawell\nJohn W. and James M. Seawell were infants at the\ntime and assigned guardianship. On December 20,\n1841 Mary E. Seawell was found by the jury to be\na lunatic. John Marbury was declared to be quali-\nfied to be the holder of the property on January 11,\n1842.\n67\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 4)\n1844 Deed November 8, 1844, recorded March 3, 1858 in\nLiber JAS 151 folio 53\nJohn Marbury, Trustee\nTo\nWilliam Morton\n\"the three story dwelling house beginning 2' from\nthe n.e. corner of the brick house belonging to\nWilliam Waters on 10-10-27 being the easternmost\nof the two houses and running easterly with the\nline of West St. 28'.\"\n1920 Deed May 28, 1920, recorded June 7, 1920 in\nLiber 4381 folio 79\nAlice E. Morton\nTo\nMartha Breen\nAlso in her will, Alice Morton devises the premises\nof 3034 P Street to \"her faithful nurse, Martha\nBreen.\"\n1929 Deed December 1, 1929, recorded December 2, 1929 in\nLiber 5354 folio 175\nMartha D. Breen\nTo\nEudora Clover\n1934 Deed August 3, 1934, recorded August 8, 1934 in\nLiber 6817 folio 3\nEudora M. Clover\nTo\nFranklin Roudybush\n1959 Deed April 3, 1959, recorded April 15, 1959 in\nLiber 11222 folio 163\nFranklin Roudybush\nTo\nDonald D. Edgar and Janet C. Edgar\n2. Date of erection: 1818-19. The Georgetown Assessments\n(National Archives, Microcopy 605, group 351, roll 11)\nshow an assessment of $4,000 for each of the three story\nbrick houses comprising the row.\n3. Architect: Unknown\n68\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 5)\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: Few significant structural\nalterations have been made. A central hot air heating\nsystem was installed with the ducts imbedded in the\nwalls. In 1959 the passageway to the outbuilding was\nenclosed, the original kitchen was converted to a\ndining room and the present kitchen was added. The\nbasement was further excavated and a concrete floor\nadded in the middle of the 20th century.\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington city directories provide the following list\nof tenants:\n1834\nFrancis T. Seawell, Clerk Branch Bank,\nWest Street, North side\n1855\nJames A. Magruder, Commer., 117 Water,\ndw. 117 West\n1865\nIsabella Morton\n1886-1921\nMiss Alice Morton\n1922-25\nMartha Breen\n1926-32\nAngus Crawford\n1933-39\nRoudybush Foreign Service School\n1940-41\nWashington College of Foreign Service\nRoudybush Foreign Service School\n1942-43\nRoudybush Foreign Service School\n1948\nSarah Pare\n1954\nVacant\n1960\nDonald Edgar\n2. Angus Crawford, the occupant of the house from 1926-\n1932, ran a school to prepare candidates for the\nforeign service exam. Franklin Roudybush, a student\nof Crawford's, took over the school after Crawford's\ndeath and changed the name to the Roudybush Foreign\nService School. The house was not basically changed\nto accomade the school. The second and third floor\nrooms were used for lectures. About 30 students\nattented sessions of three months to prepare for the\nwritten exam, and an additional one month for the\norals. After the State Department converted to\nstandardized exams, the school was no longer\nnecessary.\n69\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 6)\nRoudybush then converted the third floor into\ntwo apartments, the second floor into a single\napartment, and he himself lived in the area\nover the present dining room. He built a shed\nonto the dining room which housed a bath and\nkitchen. The shed was removed by the Edgars\nwhen they remodelled the original kitchen area.\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nThe Commission of Fine Arts\nSeptember, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 3034 P Street is a well pre-\nserved example of an unpretentious merchant class row\nhouse of the turn of the 19th century. Both interiors\nand exterior depend for their effect not upon a series\nof ornamental features, but rather upon simple forms\nand detailed items informed by studied proportion. On\nthe entry facade the only focus is the semicircular\nheaded fan light over the entry door reflecting the use\nof arched openings on the main floor interiors. These\nrather austere interiors are enlivened mainly by the wood\nmantelpieces which are present at the east wall of each\nmajor room. They are modulated slightly in both size and\ndetail to lend that variety within a basic consistency\nthat marks the entire design.\n2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exterior\nare in good-excellent condition. The home is quite well\npreserved and generally free from extensive later intru-\nsions, renovations or subtractions.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: 3034 P Street faces north onto P\nStreet between 30th and 31st Streets with the east party\nwall approximately 355' along P Street from the centerline\nof 30th Street. The three bay three story brick main\nblock has a facade 22' wide and a depth of 40',\n70\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 7)\n2. Foundations: The brick bearing wall is carried down as\na foundation and is exposed 1' 6\" below the first floor\nat the north elevation and 2' 6\" at the south elevation.\n3. Wall construction: At the south and west elevations\nthe brickwork is of common bond with header rows every\n6 courses, while at the front (north) elevation the\nbrick is in Flemish bond with fine beaded joints.\n4. Framing: Roof framing is visible and consists of\n3\" X 6\" wood rafters which are probably 19th century and\n2\" X 10\" tie boards which are probably later additions.\nOther framing of the house is not visible.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the east side of the\nsouth elevation a wood framed enclosed link gives access\nat 1 1/2' below the first floor level to the kitchen\nout building to the south.\nAt the south elevation at the center bay an areaway\ngives access to the basement via a pair of 6 sight center\nclosing doors. There are however, no stairs down to these\ndoors at present.\n6. Chimneys: The two chimneys for the house are located at\nthe east party wall at approximately the first and third\nquarter points of the wall. They are each 3' X 4' 8\"\nand have a truncated pyramidal upper portion created by\nseveral inward corbelling brick courses.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The main entry door at the west\nend of the north facade is an approximate 4' wide\nsemicircular headed opening. The head is bridged\nwithout the use of facing voussoirs by corbelling\nout the courses and sawing the edge of each end brick\nto conform to the semicircle. The threshold and a\nlarge 5' 6\" entry step and platform are of gray-\nbrown sandstone. The door itself is a heavy wood six\npanel type with a five light fan transom above. The\njambs of the doorway are treated with a series of\nvertical wood panels painted white.\nb. Windows and shutters: Upper floor windows are 6/3\nlight double-hung sash while the first and second\nfloors have 6/6 light double-hung units. At the\n71\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 8)\nnorth elevation there are in addition two basement\nwindows each with a small areaway. The masonry\nwindow openings are bridged without the aid of an\nexposed brick lintel simply by running the brick\ncourses directly over the window head. Window sills\nare of white painted wood.\nAt the north elevation some of the 19th century\npintel hardware and shutter stops remain in place,\nbut the present shutters are of aluminum and are nailed\nto the facade.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The simple gabled roof with ridge\nrunning east-west is slate covered.\nb. Cornice, eaves: The north elevation cornice is a\nsimple brick outward corbel band. Gutters and down-\nspouts are of metal.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers, ect.: None.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The simple row house plan contains a full\ndepth west side hall and one major and front and rear\nroom on each floor. The first floor has a front (north)\nparlor or living room connected by a large wooden trimmed\nand panelled archway about 9' wide to a south dining\nroom (currently another living room). The stair hall is\nalso divided by two archways into three segments; a\nvestibule, a central hall and a south stairway.\nSecond and third floor plans include a front and rear\nroom at each level and each has a bathroom added at the\nnorthwest corner.\nThe house has a full basement used as a storage area.\n2. Stairways: The simple half-turn 2' 10\" wide stairway is\nlocated at the southwest corner of the house. It ascends\n12 risers from north to south to a 3' platform and back\nsouth to north 7 risers to the second floor. The run\n72\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 9)\nto the third floor (of one less riser) has 10 up to the\nlanding and 8 coming back. The fruitwood railing curves\nupward at the end of each run and makes an angular change\nof direction at each landing and floor level. Other\ndetails of the stairway include wave pattern stringer\nappliqués, rectangular balusters and turned newel posts.\nA stairway to the basement makes a straight run up from\nnorth to south under the main flight. These stairs are\nenclosed at the first floor level by wood panelling under\nthe east end of the run to the first floor platform.\n3. Flooring: 8\" to 10\" wide board flooring of pine is present\nat the third floor level.\nUntil recently the present concrete basement floor was\nstill of earth.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Both walls and ceilings are of\npainted plaster.\n5. Doorways and doors: Doors appear to be early 19th cen-\ntury types of simple 6 panel 3' X 6' 10\" doors. The entry\nand the vestibule doors however are 3' 6\" x 7' 4\" six\npanel wood doors. As in the case of the entry doorway\nthe vestibule doorway has a semicircular 5 light fan\ntransom above.\n6. Decorative features and trim: Other than the three simply\ntrimmed wood arches of the first floor there are no\nsignificant 19th century special features of decoration.\nGeneral interior trim varies in size and form throughout\nthe house yet is of 19th century stock. Door and window\ntrim on the second and third floors is 1 3/4\" wide wood\nmolded trim with mitered corners and without doorway\nplinth blocks. On the first floor however, window and\ndoor trim is 5 1/2\" wide with a 2\" raised molded edge\nwith mitered corners and with doorways having 6\" high\nplinth blocks.\nMolded top edge baseboards are all similar in design but\nare 6 1/2\" in height at the first and second floors and\n6\" at the third level.\nThere is no 19th century chair rail or wainscot in the\nhouse. The chair rail and picture molding in the entry\nhall is a 20th century addition.\n73\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 10)\nA final trim of apparently 19th century date is a cornice\nceiling molding with dentil band in the first floor\nvestibule.\n7. Notable hardware: There are several pieces of 19th\ncentury hardware present in the house. At the third level\nthere are two 5\" X 8\" door lock boxes with large keyhole,\nlock, brass knob, and slide bolt. At the second floor\nthere are similar 19th century lock boxes and at the\nfirst floor entry and vestibule doors there are similar\n5\" X 10\" lock boxes.\n8. Lighting: There appears to be nothing that is original\nto the 19th century state of the house.\n9. Heating: The mantelpieces, one for each of the six\nfireplaces, indicate the slight variances in form and\nsize that help give to each floor and each room a\nslightly individual note. At the third floor south\nbedroom the 5' 3\" X 4' 9\" high mantel with 7\" wide\nmantel shelf has three under shelf cut-out decorative\nblocks. The central motif is a horizontal rectangle\nwith a semicircular projection from each end. The mantel\nshelf is visually supported by reeded pilasters which\nframe the fireplace.\nAt the north bedroom of the third floor the mantelpiece\nis 1\" narrower but 2\" taller than its neighbor at the\nsouth and has a 6\" mantel shelf. The undermantel area\nhas a central block containing a cut-out in the shape\nof a rectangle which has had the corners filled by\nquadrants of a circle. The end blocks under the mantel\nshelf have the same cut-out pattern at a smaller scale\nand are set in a vertical rather than a horizontal position.\nThe fireplace is enframed and the mantel shelf visually\nsupported by 2 wood pilasters each having a three-step\nindented full height vertical panel.\nThe second floor wood mantelpieces are 5' 3\" X 4' 10\" at\nthe south and 5' 6\" X 5' 3\" at the north. Both have\nmantel shelves which have a projecting section at the\nends of the front edge reflecting the pilasters and\nentablature directly below. The body of the south mantel\nshelf is 9\" wide while its companion to the north is 10\".\nThe shelf is visually supported by two flat pilasters\n74\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 11)\nwith 4 vertical slots in the case of the south mantel and\nwith reeded half-columns in the case of the north mantel-\npiece. In both cases there are pseudo-entablatures over\nthese verticals formed by several layers of moldings\nunder the mantel shelf. Both mantelpieces have the same\npatterns for their under shelf block. The larger central\ncut-out consists of a horizontal rectangle with a semi-\ncircular projection from each end. The smaller end\nfeature blocks have a vertical rectangle cut-out with a\nsemicircular projection at the top and each bottom\ncorner filled by a quadrant of a circle.\nThe first floor south parlor mantelpiece is very similar\nin detail to those at the second level except that it is\n5' 7\" x 5' 1\" high with a 10\" mantel shelf and has two\none-eighth reeded columns as in inset in the two pilasters\nthat frame the fireplace.\nThe front (north) parlor on the first floor has the lar-\ngest mantelpiece at 5' x 5' 2\" with an 11\" shelf. The\nunder shelf area is of five bays as in the other mantel-\npieces with the central cut-out block taking the form of\na horizontal rectangle with a semicircular projection at\neach end. The two end blocks have cut-out patterns\nconsisting of a pair of vertical rectangles with semi-\ncircular top projections above a regular pattern of tri-\nangular cut-outs.\nModern heating is central hot air with wall ducts to\nevery room.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: 3034 P Street is the\nwestern most of a group of three Federal row houses and\nat the west is separated by a passage from a group of\n20th century 3 story brick row facades.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard to the south of the main block\nis enclosed by a 6' high brick wall at the west and\nthe south and by a 5' wood vertical board fence at the\nwest.\n75\nSMITH-MORTON ROW HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-185 (Page 12)\n3. Outbuildings: To the south of the main house is a two\nstory brick gabled roof building shared by 3032 and\n3034 and split into two halves by a north-south party\nwall under the ridge. That portion at the rear of 3034\nis connected to the main house by a short 20th century\nwood framed passage about 2' in elevation below the\nfirst floor level. It is probably that the first floor\nof the outbuilding was the kitchen in the 19th century\nas there is a large fireplace opening 5' 1\" X 3' 5\" at\nthe chimney at the southeast corner of the building.\nThe second floor is reached by a 20th century \"L\" shaped\nstair at the northwest ascending from west to east along\nthe north wall. The structure is of brick laid in common\nbond with header courses every 6 rows. There are no\nexposed brick arches as lintels but simply a course of\nbricks running across the top of the window frame.\nWindows themselves are simple 6/3 lights double-hung sash\nas seen at the second level.\n4. Walks: At the west side of the house thereis a 4' 6\"\npassage from the rear yard to the street. A large wooden\ngate located at the facade appears to have had a 19th\ncentury predecessor as indicated by two large pintels\nlet into the wall and a 4' 6\" X 8' X 2\" deep recess in the\nwest wall at that point.\n5. Landscaping: At the south of the outbuilding along the\neast property line is a grape arbor shading a flagstone\npatio. The yard itself is surrounded by a shrub border\ngarden along the brick walls and wooden fence.\nAt the north elevation by the curb (at approximately the\ncenter of the facade) is a small maple tree, about 12'\nhigh.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\n76\nSmith-Morton Row House\nphotos: J. Alexander\nmain staircase\n77\nSmith-Morton Row House\nfront parlor fireplace\nphotos: J. Alexander\nview from front parlor\nto rear parlor and kitchen\n78\nMETHODIST-EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\n1221 28th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nMethodist Episcopal Parsonage House\nHABS No. DC-176\ndining rm.\nll'x13'\nporch\nkit.\nd\nliving rm.\n17'x17'\nhall\n0\n10\nN\n28th Street\n80\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-176\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nLocation:\n1221 28th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the East side of 28th Street\n(formerly Montgomery) 26' from Olive Street.\nPresent Owner:\nMr. John H. Aiken\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThe two story front portion of this house is a good\nSignificance:\nexample of an early 19th century modest frame\ndwelling. It is one of the few surviving of this\ntype in the northeast section of Georgetown.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in\nSquare 1214, lot 26 (formerly Square 44, lot 21 out of lot\n18). The following is an incomplete chain of title to the\nproperty. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,\nWashington, D.C.\n1801 Deed November 23, 1801, recorded November 31, 1801 in\nLiber H folio 18\nAnthony Holmead Sr. et ux Susanah\nTo\nJohn G. Jones\nLots 18, 19, and 20 of Square 44\n1811 Deed August 27, 1811, recorded August 31, 1811 in\nLiber AB folio 88\nJohn G. Jones and wife Mary\nTo\nHenry Foxall\nConveys lot 18 which is 56'10\" on Montgomery Street\n(now 28th) and 120' on Olive\nConsideration: $600.00\n81\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 176\n(Page 2)\n1851 Deed January 1, 1851, recorded April 21, 1851 in\nLiber JAS 23 folio 370\nJohn Pickrell\nJohn Davidson\nRobert White\nThomas Brown\nSamuel McKennney\nSamuel Wardell\nWilliam H. Edes\nSampson Simms\n(Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church)\nTo\nRebecca Cartwright\n\"Part of lot 18 adjoining the Methodist Episcopal\nChurch having 30' on Montgomery Street and back\n120', being the same devised by Henry Foxall to\nthe Trustees of the church for a parsonage\n\"\n1909 Deed July 15, 1909, recorded July 15, 1909 in\nLiber 3235 folio 447\nFrederick Fenning,\nGuardian of William E. and Ruth Cartwright\nTo\nCharles E. Tribby\n1932 Deed April 26, 1932, recorded April 28, 1932 in\nLiber 6653 folio 141\nCharles Tribby\nTo\nHerbert D. Tribby\n1942 Deed March 26, 1942, recorded April 1, 1942 in\nLiber 7738 folio 534\nHerbert D. Tribby\nTo\nHelen M. Early\nDeed March 26, 1942, recorded April 1, 1942 in\nLiber 7738 folio 539\nHelen M. Early\nTo\nHenrietta W. Weitz, et al\nDeed April 10, 1942, recorded April 13, 1942 in\nLiber 7742 folio 358\nHenrietta W. Weitz\nTo\nI. L. Morley\n82\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 176\n(Page 3)\n1943 Deed May 10, 1943, recorded May 22, 1943 in\nLiber 7858 folio 389\nI. L. Morley\nTo\nJosephine Lambert\n1944 Deed November 30, 1944, recorded December 6, 1944 in\nLiber 8044 folio 161\nJosephine Lambert\nTo\nRobert S. Sackett\n1947 Deed August 15, 1947, recorded August 15, 1947 in\nLiber 8555 folio 148\nRobert G. Sackett\nTo\nCloris B. Sackett\n1948 Deed June 22, 1948, recorded June 28, 1948 in\nLiber 8777 folio 90\nCloris B. Sackett\nTo\nCharles J. Ribar\n1953 Deed September 25, 1953, recorded September 30, 1953 in\nLiber 10060 folio 357\nCharles J. Ribar\nTo\nJohn H. Aiken\n2. Date of erection: By 1818-19. The Georgetown Assessments\n(National Archives, Microcopy 605, group 351) give the\nfollowing information:\n1815\n(Roll 10)\nHenry Foxall\nLot 18 Holmead 120' Olive 56'10\" Montgomery\nvacant\n$200\n1818-19\n(Roll 11)\nLot 18 Holmead Montgomery 56', 120' Olive\ntwo story frame\n$2,000\n3. Architect: Unknown\n83\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 176\n(Page 4)\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The basement has been completely\nrefinished and remodelled into a one bedroom apartment with\na private entry. The kitchen and back porch were added to\nthe first floor in the 20th century. Attic space has been\nrefinished and remodelled into an additional bedroom.\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1834\nRev. M. Hanson, Methodist precher, Montgomery\nStreet, east side\n1858-63\nCartwright, laborer, h. 30 Montgomery\n1865-80\nWilliam Cartwright, clerk and Rebecca Cartwright\n1881-1909\nMembers of Cartwright family\n1911-41\nThomas West\n1942-43\nMrs. May E. West\n1948\nCloris B. Sackett\n1949-53\nCharles Ribar\n1958-68\nJohn H. Aiken\n2. The early history of this house is closely related to the\nhistory of the Methodist Episcopal Church which was located\nto the south of the house (now the Corcoran School).\nHenry Foxall, who purchased lot 18 in 1811 and built the\ntwo story frame house between 1818 and 1819, was one of\nthe founders of the church. (Complete biographical infor-\nmation on Henry Foxall is recorded in HABS No. DC-145).\nThe records of the church, February 11, 1824 describe the\ncommemoration of Foxall's death:\n\"After singing and prayers the object for which the\nmeeting was called was stated by the Chairman, where-\nupon it was on motion of Bro: Collins Resolved, That\nthe Steward of the M.E. Church of this town, be requested\nto hang black cloth or cassimere around the pulpit of\nsaid church, and cover the Bible and Hymn book in like\n84\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 176\n(Page 5)\nmanner, on account of the lamented death of the late\nexcellent and esteemed Henry Foxall.\"\nThe minutes of the Trustees of the Church, March 24, 1824\nreveal that Foxall bequeathed the house on lot 18 to the\nchurch.\n\"It was determined by the Trustees to go into an\nelection to fell the by the death of the Reverend\nHenry Foxall and a...and resignation of Joel Bovin[?].\nSeveral personages were nominated by the Preacher,\nwhen in counting the ballot it approved that John\nMClean [?] and John Pickerell had a majority of the\nvotes and were declared duly elected. The Trustees\nthen considered doing certain repairs to the House\nbequeathed to them by the Reverend Henry Foxall for\nthe use of the stationed Methodist preacher for the\ntime being; and it was unanimously determined that\nthe necessary repairs should be done under the\ndirection of John Pickerell, together with such Com-\nmittee as may be appointed by the Leaders Meeting.\"\nThe records of the Leaders Meeting of March 25, 1824 tell\nthe committee of two was appointed to confer with the\nCommittee of the Trustees.\n\"George Town 5 April 1824 - Leaders Meeting\nWilliam C. Lipscomb from the Committee appointed by\nthe meeting of 25 March, to make the necessary repairs\nto the Parsonage House, reported that proposals had\nbeen received and the contract as far as necessary\nhad been made for the execution of the work, the\nreport was in part agreed to and the meeting recom-\nmended that a frame priser [sic] be erected instead\nof a brick one as reported by the committee.\"\nThe house seems to have been occupied by various preachers.\nThe minutes of the Leaders Meeting of April 21, 1834 reveal\nthat $350 was allowed to Reverend Hanson for \"Table expenses\nand fuel for the present conference year.\"\nThe Methodist Episcopal Church moved from 28th Street and\nbecame the Dumbarton Avenue Methodist Church. A financial\n85\nMATHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-176 (Page 6)\nreport to the Trustees of the new Dumbarton Avenue Church,\n11 February 1857 reports that $2.00 in cash was paid for\nadvertising the Parsonage and that $37.33 was spent in\nrent of the old Parsonage. This would indicate that\nalthough the Church no longer owned the house (see the\ndeed of 1851 recorded in Liber JAS 23 folio 370) they\ncontinued to rent it until 1858 when the city directory\nlists the occupants as the Cartwrights. (All records of\nthe Methodist Episcopal Church are now found in the\nLibrary of the Dumbarton Avenue Methodist Church,\nGeorgetown.)\n3. Mr. John Aiken, the present owner of the house, discovered\nan old scrap of yellow paper about 4 1/2\" X 2\" which though\npractically illegible, appears to be notation of payment of\nsome sort. It reads as follows:\n\"Samule Cartwright property sold\nGeorge H. Morton to one set carpenter's tools\nJohn A. Billingsley bought on fa----\nnoat\n8.00\nOswell Dyson to waving approach noat\n15.00\n$53.7-\"\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nSeptember, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1221 28th Street is a good\nexample of a simple wood frame Federal house. Its 2 1/2\nstory facade retains the unadorned modesty it always must\nhave had. It is one of the few surviving side hall plan\nframe dwellings in northeast Georgetown.\n86\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-176 (Page 7)\n2. Condition of fabric: Both interior and exterior are in\ngood-excellent condition. The interior has been exten-\nsively remodelled but the basic floor plan and the five\nwood mantelpieces remain in place and intact.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This frame dwelling faces west onto\n20th Street between M and Olive Streets with its north\nwall approximately 40' south of the centerline of Olive\nStreet. The 2 1/2 story three bay facade is 25' wide and\nthe full depth of the house including the rear ell is\napproximately 43'.\n2. Foundations: Foundations are of brick with an exposure\nabove street level of l' at the west elevation and\napproximately 9' at the east elevation of the main block\nof the house.\n3. Wall construction: The main west gabled portion is of\nwood frame construction covered by painted clapboard.\nThe narrower rear sections of unpainted red brick laid\nin common bond.\n4. Framing: The framing is not visible.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the west elevation\nan areaway 3' 3\" wide and 7' deep extends across the\nsouthern two-thirds of the elevation. Across the 6'\nalley at the south side is a flight of wood steps with\nopen risers.\nA 9' 6\" deep enclosed porch is located at the first floor\nalong the north half of the east side of the main block.\nThe wood frame porch is probably of 20th century date\nand is enclosed on the east by sliding glass doors.\n6. Chimneys: The dwelling has two brick chimneys; one at\nthe center of the south wall of the main block and the\nother at the center of the east wall of the rear (brick)\nsection. Each is approximately 4' by 2' in size and each\nhas a simple brick cap,\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The present west front doorway\nhas a modern six panel door in a simply trimmed\n87\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-176 (Page 8)\nrectangular opening. The door is topped by a single\nlight rectangular transom.\nb. Windows and shutters: Wood sash windows of the house\nvary considerably from floor to floor and from front\nto rear. The west facade has 9/6 light double-hung\nsash on the second floor and 9/9 light sash on the\nfirst floor. Most of these have had their early 19th\ncentury sash replaced. Other windows of the west\nsection include 2/2 light double-hung sash at the east\nelevation of the second floor and a 9/9 light double-\nhung sash at each side of the fireplace at the first\nfloor. All of these appear to be later 19th century\nor 20th century replacements. In the rear portion\nof the house the pairs of windows at the north and\nsouth sides of the dining room are 6/6 light double-\nhung sash. The upper sash of the two north windows\nappear to be 19th century.\nIn the brick rear section the openings are bridged by\nflat brick arches with single brick voussiors.\nAll of the five windows of the west elevation are\nfitted with simple wood fixed louver shutters painted\nwhite.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The roof over the 2 1/2 story west\nblock is a simple gabled one with the ridge running\nparallel to the street (north-south). The rear section\nhas a shed roof pitching up from north to south. Both\nroofs are covered with painted standing seam metal.\nb. Cornice, eaves: The west elevation has a simple wood\nboxed cornice painted white.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: The attic level is lighted\nby four dormers. The two on the west roof slope and\nthe southeast dormer have 6/6 light double-hung sash.\nThe 20th century dormer at the northeast has two 6/6\nlight sash.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The basic \"L\" plan shows a frame west\nsection with a north side hall and a nearly square room\n88\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-176 (Page 9)\nat the south. A two story (first floor and basement)\nell adjoins to the east of the southern half of the\nwestern block. The first floor has a front living room,\na kitchen and a dining room in the east ell, and a porch\nat the east end of the stairhall. The second and the\nattic floors of the west section each contains a bedroom.\nA bathroom of modern date is located at the northwest\ncorner of the second floor. There is a full basement\nunder both the east and west portions and this has been\nrecently renovated as a one bedroom apartment.\n2. Stairways: The main half turn wood staircase from the\nfirst to the second floor is 2' 8\" wide. Ten 8\" risers\nextend from west to east to the landing and five back to\nthe second floor. The continuation of this stair to the\nthird floor is l' 9\" wide with seven 8 1/2\" risers up from\nthe west to east to the landing, and a five riser return\nto the attic (third floor). Details of the stair include\na simple rounded wood railing, rectangular wood balusters\nand 2 1/2\" square newel posts. The posts are topped by\ncap features in the form of a square beveled edge capping\nblock and a four piece cove-like molding under the block\naround the post.\nA straight run stair to the basement descends from east\nto west under the main stair. The area under the south\nedge of the main flight to the second floor has 20th\ncentury diagonal boarding with access to the basement\nstairs provided by a door at the east end of this\npartition.\n3. Flooring: Fine 19th century wide board pine flooring\nrunning north-south is present in the first and third\nfloors. The second floor has 6-8\" random width pine\nflooring.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of plas-\nter and covered with paint or wall paper. The basement\nwall finishes have been installed in the mid-20th century\nas part of the extensive renovation of this level.\n5. Doorways and doors: There appear to be two 19th century\ndoors remaining in the house. One is a six panel door\nat the basement level to the rear bedroom and the other\nis a six panel door from the stairhall to the porch.\n89\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-176 (Page 10)\n6. Decorative features and trim: Interior features including\ndoor trim, window trim, and baseboards are of 20th\ncentury date with the exception of the baseboard at the\neast wall of the second floor. This does appear to be of\n19th century date and is a simple wood 5\" baseboard.\n7. Notable hardware: The one notable piece of hardware is\na nineteenth century lock box with brass knob, keyhole,\nand slide lock, It is located at the door to the second\nfloor bedroom but has been relocated to this position from\nanother building.\n8. Lighting: There is nothing of 19th century date or special\nnote.\n9. Heating: The house possesses three handsome 19th century\nmantelpieces. The fireplace at the second floor bedroom\nhas a brick hearth and fireback and a 20th century molded\nwood trim surround. At the first floor the living room\nfireplace has a brick hearth and fireback. It is surround-\ned by simple wood mantelpiece 4' 6\" X 4' 8\" high with a\n6' 5\" x 3\" rectangular mantel shelf. There are no features\nor pilasters other than a three piece raised wood trim\nstrip framing the fireplace opening. At the east wall\nof the east brick section of the house the first floor\nfireplace has a simple brick hearth and fireback. It is\nsurrounded by a simple Federal unpainted wood mantelpiece\n4' 6\" x 4' 4\" high. The 5' 4\" X 9\" rectangular mantel\nshelf is supported by wood molding strips. As in the front\nliving room fireplace there are no other special features\nexcept a three piece raised wood molding framing the\nfireplace opening.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: 1221 28th Street is\nlocated at the eastern edge of Georgetown on a street\nof small row type houses.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard to the east and to the north of\nthe brick ell is edged by a wood fence about 7' in height.\nAt 3' 3\" from the west facade a retaining wall about 7'\nhigh provides an areaway for the basement windows.\nAnother brick retaining wall at 6' from the south wall\nallows a passageway to the side doorway to the basement\nfloor and to the rear yard to the east.\n90\nMETHODIST EPISCOPAL PARSONAGE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-176 (Page 11)\n3. Outbuildings: None\n4. Walks: The west facade adjoins a brick street sidewalk.\n5. Landscaping: The facade is bracketed by a pair of\nmedium sized walnut trees.\nPrepared by: William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nApril, 1969\n91\nMethodist-Episcopal\nParsonage House\nphoto: J. Alexander\n92\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\n3015 Dumbarton\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nFederal/Victorian Frame House\nHABS No. DC-183\nkitchen\nd\n15'x16'\ndining rm.\n14'x15'\nstair hall\nparlor\n14'x15'\nd\n+\nliving rm.\n16'x17'\nshrubs\n0\n10\nN\nDumbarton Avenue\n94\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 183\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nLocation:\n3015 Dumbarton Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the north side of the Street\nmidway between 30th and 31st Street.\nPresent Owner:\nEdgar K. Thompson\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThis two story house exhibits a unique combination of a\nSignificance:\nVictorian front block added to an earlier wooden build-\ning. Although there is no secure dating for this\nearlier section, stylistic evidence indicates the late\nFederal period.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in\nSquare 1242, lot 804 (formerly Square 72, the west half of\nlot 79 in Beall's addition to Georgetown). The following\nis an incomplete chain of title to the property. The\nreferences are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.\n1794 Deed April 30, 1794, recorded July 12, 1794 in\nLiber B folio 52\nRichard Johns et ux Susannah\nTo\nSamuel Davidson\nWilliam Craik\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\n(tenants in common)\nAll of lot 79\n1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded September 12, 1797 in\nLiber c folio 151\nWilliam Craik\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\nSamuel Davidson\nTo\nSamuel Brooke\n95\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-183\n(Page 2)\n1814 Deed January 25, 1814, recorded May 5, 1814 in\nLiber AG folio 362\nSamuel Brooke\nTo\nJoseph Brewer\n1842 Deed September 7, 1842, recorded September 20, 1842 in\nLiber WB 95 folio 122\nJohn Marbury\nTo\nFarmers and Mechanics Bank of Georgetown\nJoseph Brewer by Deed of Trust, March 28, 1826 in\nLiber WB 15 folio 368 was indebted to said bank\nfor $2650 and in order to secure payment for debt,\nconveyed the property to John Marbury. After twice\noffering lots 87 and 88 on Beall Street and lot 79\non Dumbarton, Marbury sold the said lots in a\nprivate sale to said Bank for $1482.83.\n1846 Deed July 18, 1846, recorded August 4, 1846 in\nLiber WB 127 folio 88\nPresident and Trustees of the Farmers and Mechanics\nBank\nTo\nWalter Godey\nWest half of lot 79\nConsideration: $200.00\nDeed in Trust July 25, 1846, recorded August 4, 1846 in\nLiber WB 127 folio 116\nWalter Godey\nTo\nFrancis Dodge\nWest half of lot 79 on N. side of Dumbarton.\n\"...with all and singular the buildings, improve-\nments and appurtenances\"\n1868 Deed June 15, 1868, recorded June 16, 1868 in\nLiber 560 folio 379\nWalter Godey et ux Jane\nTo\nGeorge Casilear\nConsideration: $3100\n96\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 183 (Page 3)\n1870 Deed June 4, 1870, recorded June 9, 1870 in\nLiber 618 folio 2\nGeorge W. Casilear\nTo\nMalcolm Seaton\nConsideration: $6500\n1871 Deed June 19, 1871, recorded June 21, 1871 in\nLiber 651 folio 8\nWatkins Addison, Trustee\nTo\nGeorge W. Casilear\nSold for default under trust from Malcolm Seaton\nConsideration: $5100\n1872 Deed December 20, 1872, recorded December 23, 1872 in\nLiber 706 folio 133\nGeorge W. Casilear\nTo\nDavid M. Cooper\n1891 Deed November 13, 1891, recorded November 13, 1891 in\nLiber 1628 folio 338\nDavid M. Cooper, widower\nTo\nJohn P. Taylor\nConsideration: $4000\n1918 Deed April 25, 1918, recorded April 30, 1918 in\nLiber 4064 folio 276\nAlice M. Taylor, widow\nIsabelle P. Taylor\nWilliam H. Taylor\nTo\nMary E. Graham\n1922 Deed August 4, 1922, recorded August 15, 1922 in\nLiber 4781 folio 279\nMary E. Graham\nTo\nWilliam W. C. Howard and wife May Mary\n1929 Deed April 4, 1929, recorded April 3, 1929 in\nLiber 6305 folio 244\nWilliam W. C. Howard\nTo\nGrace C. Taylor\n97\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 183\n(Page 4)\n1942 Deed January 10, 1942, recorded February 12, 1942 in\nLiber 7723 folio 137\nNeill E. Bailey\nTo\nMargaret H. Shire\n1944 Deed January 21, 1944, recorded January 22, 1944 in\nLiber 7932 folio 352\nAlbert C. Shire\nTo\nSylvia Miller\nDeed January 24, 1944, recorded January 25, 1944 in\nLiber 7933 folio 115\nSylvia Miller\nTo\nMargaret Hatfield\n1946 Deed November 10, 1946, recorded November 25, 1946 in\nLiber 8361 folio 56\nMargaret Hatfield\nTo\nCaptain Edgar K. Thompson, USN\n2. Date of erection: The earliest mention of a building occurs\nin the Deed in Trust of July 25, 1846 (see page 2), although\nportions of the house appear to be slightly earlier.\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The 2 story kitchen addition is\nmid-20th Century\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following list of\ntenants:\n1870\nMalcolm Seaton, asst. examiner, Pat. Office, 90\nDumbarton\n1872-92\nDavid M. Cooper, engraver\n98\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 183\n(Page 5)\n1872-92\nDavid M. Cooper, engraver\n1893-1914\nJohn P. Taylor, clerk\n1915-16\nvacant\n1919-24\nDana H. Graham\n1925-29\nWm. W. Howard\n1930\nvacant\n1932\nHenry Bell\n1933-36\nEdgar E. Hume\n1937-40\nHoward R. Tolley\n1941-43\nAlbert Shire\n1948\nCaptain Edgar K. Thompson, USN\n1949\nH. R. La Motte\n1951-56\nWalter S. Gabler\n1956-58\nAmbassador Paz\n1958-\npresent\nCaptain Edgar K. Thompson, USN\n2. The Georgetown Assessments (National Archives, Microcopy\n605, Group 351) provide the following information:\nRoll 8 (1808-1812)\nSamuel Brooke, Montgomery Co.\nMay 31, 1809 Daniel Bussard lot 79 Beall's\n$300\nRoll 9 (1815)\nJoseph Brewer\nJuly 1, 1815 Samuel Brooke lot 79 Beall's add.\n60 Dumb. vacant\n$500\nRoll 11 (1818-1819)\nJoseph Brewer\nLot 79 Beall's\n60 Dumb. vacant\n$1,000\nRoll 12 (1865-70)\nWalter Godey\nW. part lot 79 30' n. side Dumbarton 120' deep\n$750\nImprovements\nTwo story frame dwelling\n$1,000\nBecause of the significant doubling of the assessment in 1818-\n1819 and the continuing of the same amount ($1,000) through\n1865-1870, it may be possible that some type of building did\nactually exist in 1818-1819. This could be the original\nstructure to which the Victorian front was added.\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\n99\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-183\n(Page 6)\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 3015 Dumbarton Avenue exhibits\na unique blend of elements of Federal and Victorian\narchitecture. The elevation reveals components such as\nwood quoins and modillioned cornice which recall the\nearly 19th century in close juxtaposition with Victorian\nfeatures such as the bracketed cornice doorway or the\nlarge scaled 2/2 light sash. Even more fundamentally,\nplan development indicates that a Victorian street front\n(South) block was added to an existing early 19th century\nstructure. In these ways the house is an atypical\nexample of the direct physical fusion of early and mid-\n19th century concepts of domestic design.\n2. Condition of fabric: Both the interior and the exterior\nof the dwelling are in good-excellent condition.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This two story frame with basement\nfaces South onto Dumbarton Avenue between 30th and 31st\nStreets with its West wall approximately 215' West of the\ncenterline of 30th Street. The three bay facade is 23'6\"\nin width and the depth of the house is approximately 65'.\n2. Foundations: The Southern mid-19th century block of the\nhouse has a brick foundation wall exposed approximately\n6' at the South elevation. The early 19th century\nportion has an uncoursed granite block foundation, and\nthe foundation for the 20th century kitchen addition to\nthe North is of brick.\n3. Wall construction: The South elevation is covered with\nship-lap siding painted gray; the corners of the facade\nare edged with wood quoins painted white. At the North\nand the East elevations siding is with wood clapboarding.\n4. Framing: As visible in the basement, the wood framing\nof the central section of the first floor consists of\n3\" x 8\" joists with one side rough hewn and the other\n100\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-183\n(Page 7)\nsawn. These joists run in an East - West direction, those\nunder the stairway walls are of 3\" X 9\" section. The\nmembers are notched to rest on the foundation wall. Joints\nbetween the joists and a North - South crosspiece under\nthe stairway are slotted and pinned with wood pegs.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the South elevation\nfacade a cast iron stairway of nine risers ends in a\nnarrow platform. The risers are geometric filagree panels\nand the stringers are also lightened with punched circular\nholes. A heavy mid-19th century cast iron tubular railing\nand six floral ornamental posts edge both sides of the\nstair and platform.\nAt the East elevation a long four bay wood porch extends\napproximately 34' to the North from the North wall of the\nfront Victorian block. The porch is two stories in height\nand is fitted with Tuscan piers and simple railings of\nwood. Wood stairs of five risers each are located at the\nNorth end of the porch and at the North wall of the\nVictorian front block. This porch is probably of mid-19th\ncentury date.\nSmall ornamental mid-19th century iron balcony railings\nare placed at each of the two lower floor windows of the\nSouth facade.\n6. Chimneys: The older central portion of the house has one\nchimney approximately 1'-8\" x 3'-0\" at the middle of the\nNorth wall and one approximately 1'-8\" x 3'-0\" in size at\nthe center of the West wall of the parlor to the South of\nthe stair hall. The Victorian block has one approximately\n1'-8\" X 3'-0\" at the center of the West wall of the block.\nAll have simple brick caps.\n7. Openings:\na.\nDoorways and doors: The front (South) elevation\nentry is fitted with a pair of 2' three panel doors\nwith the top panel having a semicircular head.\nAbove the doors is a single light rectangular\ntransom.\nThe doorway is framed by vertical wood lesenes and\ntopped by a projecting flat wood cornice supported\nby a modillioned band and a pair of finely detailed\nconsoles.\n101\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 183\n(Page 8)\nThe doorway to the basement at the West end of the\nSouth elevation is a mid-20th century alteration\nreplacing an opening to a basement level garage\nof early 20th century date.\nThe East wall early 19th centurv entry doorway\nfrom the porch at the first floor of the central\nportion of the house has a simple framed opening\nwith a 3'-0\" wood four panel mid-19th century\ndoor with a two light transom above.\nb.\nWindows and shutters: In the Victorian South\nblock the first floor windows are 2/4 light double-\nhung of standard height. Both sets of windows have\nwood sills and wood convex curve eared cornices\nwith dentil band and small keystone block. At the\nSouth elevation the attic level is marked by three\noval attic vents surrounded by a simple white\npainted wood band and with a grill consisting of\na floral pattern wood cut-out. At both the first\nand second floors of the South elevation the windows\nhave two panel horizontal louvered shutter painted\ndeep royal blue. At the North elevation of the\nVictorian block there are three rectangular attic\nvents with horizontal louvers.\nWindows in the Federal central portion are quite\ndifferent from those in the front section and con-\nsist of 6/6 light double-hung sash at the East\nelevation of both first and second floors. These\nwindows are fitted with wood one panel horizontal\nlouvered shutters with 19th century metal shutter\nstops in place at the first floor level.\n8. Roof:\na.\nShape, covering: At present the roof over the\ncentral and rear portions of the house pitches up\nfrom East to West to the party wall. The front\nblock has a shed roof pitching up from North to\nthe South facade in a gradual slope. The covering\nof both roofs is standing seam metal.\nb.\nCornice, eaves: The Victorian block terminates in\na rich modillioned wood cornice with a cyma-recta\n102\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-183\n(Page 9)\ncorona. All downspouts and gutters are at the East\nside of the house and are of metal.\nC.\nCupolas, dormers, towers: None\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The plan consists of three basic units: a\nfront (Southern) block with one large room on each floor\nand an East side stair hall; a central unit with East - -\nWest stair hall between front (Southern) and rear (North-\nern) rooms; and thirdly, a 20th century two story addition\nat the North of the central block. In addition, a two\nstory porch extends along the East side of the central\nblock from the North wall of the front block.\nOn the first floor the front unit contains a living room\nconnected to the front parlor of the central block by a\nwide opening. The rear (North) room of the central block\nis a dining room and a kitchen occupies the North addition.\nThe second floor contains a series of bedrooms; one at\neach side of the central stairway, one at the South block\nat three steps above the level of the central unit, and\none in North end of the North addition. There are also\ntwo bathrooms; one at the Southest corner of the front\nblock, and one in the North addition at the North wall of\nthe central block.\nThe basement consists of a large room under the central\nblock, a room of the same floor elevation under the East\nhalf of the front block, and a room which had formerly\nbeen a garage at a 1'-8\" lower floor level under the\nWest half of the front block.\n2. Stairways: The Victorian era stairway at the East side\nof the front block is an important sculptural feature of\nthe house. The half turn 3'-1\" wide stair ascends thir-\nteen risers from South to North and back from the landing\nfive risers to the second level. Curving elements of\nvarious scales dominate the details of the stair with the\nsingle sweep of the rounded fruitwood railing, turned\nbalusters, a newel post with ring moldings, and stringer\n103\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-183\n(Page 10)\nappliqués in a floral curving pattern. Even the plan of\nthe opening at the second level shows rounded corners.\nThe Federal era North - South stairway at the middle of\nthe house is a major feature of the central block. It\nis also a half-turn stairway but is 2'-8\" wide and\nascends ten risers from East to West and back five risers\nfrom the landing to the second floor. The wood rail\ncurves up to vertical at the beginning of the landing and\nthen makes an angular direction turn to horizontal, to\nNorth and to East to the upper section of the rail. De-\ntails of the stair include simple rectangular balusters,\nsculptured wood newel posts with exaggerated entasis\nbulge, and simple curved wood angle appliqués under each\ntread at the stringer board.\nA stairway to the basement is located under the main\nstaircase in the South block and is a straight run of ten\nrisers.\n3. Flooring: Painted wood flooring is used on the first and\nsecond floors and the basement has a concrete floor.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Plaster walls are painted or\nwallpaper covered. Ceilings are plaster.\n5. Doorways and doors: Doors in the Victorian (South) sec-\ntion of the house are heavy wood four and six panel types\nwith a heavy wood projecting molding around each panel.\nDoors in the central block are of simple four panel type\nwith no molded edge around each panel.\nAlthough they are now removed there were formerly two 4\"\nfour panel wood sliding doors between the front and middle\nrooms of the first floor. These are stored in the base-\nment.\n6. Decorative features and trim: For the South portion of\nthe house the second floor 19th century trim consists of\na 4 1/2\" wood molded door and window trim and an 8\"\nmolded top baseboard. The living room below contains 19th\ncentury trim including a 6\" rounded edge door and window\ntrim and a 9\" molded cap baseboard.\n104\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-183\n(Page 11)\nTrim in the central portion of the house includes 2 1/2\"\ndoor and window trim and a 4\" baseboard with no molded\ncap. On the first floor what appears to be early 19th\ncentury trim includes a 6\" wide window trim with upper\ncorner 3\" square wood blocks and a 3\" deep three step\nunder trim below the window stool. A simple molded\ntop baseboard of probably 19th century date is 7\" in\nheight.\n7. Notable hardware: Many of the doors have porcelain door-\nknobs of probably 19th century date and several of the\nwindows in the central portion of the house have 19th\ncentury strap weight hangers.\n8. Lighting: There are a variety of 20th century fixtures.\n9. Heating: In the Victorian era South section of the house\nthere are two fireplaces at the West wall of this block.\nThe one at the second floor has a 5'-4\" wood mantelpiece\nframed by 8\" wide pilasters, has an 11' wide mantel shelf,\nand has an ogee arch over the fireplace opening.\nThe 5'-8\" x 4\"-0\" high white marble mantelpiece in the\nliving room below features a semicircular headed fireplace\nopening, and ornamental scroll keystone and a curving 10\n1/2\" mantel shelf. There are no pilasters at the sides\nbut rather chamfered vertical corners.\nThe central section of the house has two fireplaces open\non the first floor; one at the West wall of the South\nroom and one at the North wall of the North room. Both\nhave had their mantelpieces extensively altered in the\n20th century. On the second floor both fireplaces above\nthose on the first level have been blocked up.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: 3015 Dumbarton Avenue\nis in a residential area with single family homes, town\nhouses and apartment buildings. It is abutted directly\non the West by a three story brick structure but on the\nEast there is an alleyway approximately 9' wide to the\nrear yard.\n105\nFEDERAL/VICTORIAN FRAME HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 183 (Page 12)\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed by a 4' stockade\nfence at the East and by brick walls 4' in height at the\nNorth and approximately 7' at the West.\n3. Outbuildings: While there are at present no remains of\nan outbuilding to be seen, it is said by the current\nowner that remains of an outbuilding were uncovered in\n1946. A brick foundation for a building approximately\n20' in the East - West direction and approximately 8'\nwide was discovered along the North end of the lot.\n4. Walks: There is a brick walk approximately 6' wide from\nthe street to the rear yard along the East side of the\nhouse. The South elevation faces directly onto a brick\npublic walk approximately 6' from the facade.\n5. Landscaping: At the facade a fir tree stands West of the\nentry stairs.\nThe rear yard is edged at the North by a planting border\nof ivy and low shrubs.\nPrepared by: William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJuly, 1968\n106\nFederal/Victorian Frame House\nsouth facade\nphotos: J. Alexander\neast porch\n107\nFederal/Victorian\nFrame House\nliving room\nphoto: J. Alexander\n108\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\n1228 30th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nWilliam Knowles House\nHABS No. DC-163\nrear yard\nkitchen\ndining rm.\n14'x19'\nliving rm\n13'x27'\nhall\n0\n10\nN\n30th Street\n110\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-163\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nLocation:\n1228 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the West side of 30th Street\n(formerly Washington) at the intersection of Olive\nStreet.\nPresent Owner:\nMrs. Gordon Gray\nPresent Occupant: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Steiner\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThe house is generally of the Federal plan and\nSignificance:\ncharacter but demonstrates the assimilation of certain\nfeatures of the Greek Revival. Although the back\nsection has been extensively remodelled, there is\nindication that part of this was originally a separate\ntwo story frame building with a single chimney. This\nis further supported by the fact that the first known\nresident was listed with his carpentry shop at this\naddress.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The buildings is located\nin Square 1209, lot 843 of old lot 15. The following is\nan incomplete chain of title to the property. The\nreferences are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.\n1802 Deed December 20, 1802, recorded April 23, 1803 in\nLiber I folio 292\nThomas Beall et ux Nancy\nTo\nNicholas Hedges\nPart of lot 15\n1827 Deed May 23, 1827, recorded May 26, 1827 in\nLiber WB 19 folio 459\nTench Ringgold, Marshall\nTo\nBank of the United States\n111\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-163 (Page 2)\nParts of lots 14 and 15 were purchased October 13,\n1824 by Daniel Bussard in behalf of the Bank of\nColumbia for $1095 to apply towards a debt of\n$3302.92 owed by Nicholas Hedges to the President\nand Directors of the Bank of Columbia. The bank\nrequested the conveyance to the Bank of the United\nStates.\n1828 Deed December 15, 1828, recorded December 27, 1828 in\nLiber WB folio 174\nBank of the United States\nTo\nJohn Laird\n1849 Deed April 25, 1849, recorded May 25, 1849 in\nLiber JAS 4 folio 215\nRobert Leslie, Trustee\nTo\nRichard W. Redin\nConsideration: $229.50\n1852 Deed November 5, 1852, recorded January 29, 1853 in\nLiber JAS 56 folio 444\nWilliam Redin, 1st party\nJames Goddard, 2nd party\nTo\nWilliam Knowles, Jr.\nThis deed recites that Robert Leslie conveyed the\npremises to Richard W. Redin who died unmarried\nand intestate. His sisters and heirs at law\nconveyed the premises to the first party above.\nFurther, the second party sold all his interest\nin the premises to the third party having con-\ntracted with the first party for the purchase of\nthe land.\nConsideration: $200.00\n1905 Deed August 3, 1905, recorded August 4, 1905 in\nLiber 2875 folio 56\nHeirs of William Knowles\nTo\nJohn A. Neuhaus\n112\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 163 (Page 3)\n1940 Deed January 12, 1940, recorded January 15, 1940 in\nLiber 7431 folio 436\nJohn A. Neuhaus\nTo\nAugust William Neuhaus\nLouis William Neuhaus\nDeed March 23, 1940, recorded March 27, 1940 in\nLiber 7454 folio 491\nAugust William Neuhaus\nLouis William Neuhaus\nTo\nLee R. Baker\n1958 Deed November 25, 1958, recorded November 28, 1958 in\nLiber 11152 folio 377\nLee R. Baker\nCharles R. Baker\nTo\nNancy Maguire Gray\n2. Date of erection: Probably after 1852 and before 1858. It\nwould seem that William Knowles first established his car-\npentry shop in the back part of the premises and then his\nresidence in front. (see list of tenants)\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known.\n5. Alterations and additions: In 1964 the front stairs were\nchanged from wood to brick and the side porch was removed\nwhen the kitchen was remodelled. The original chimney in\nthe back part was removed on the second floor.\n6. Important old views: None known.\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington city directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1858\nWilliam Knowles, carpenter. 123 Wash. dw. 35\nGreen (This indicates his carpentry shop at\nthe present site with his dwelling at 35 Green,\nnow 29th Street.)\n113\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-163 (Page 4)\n1860\nWilliam Knowles, carpenter. 75 Wash. h. 123 do.\n(The carpentry shop was located at 75 Washington\nStreet which was south of M Street and his\nResidence was at 123 Washington, the present\nbuilding.)\n1882\nWilliam Knowles, Jr.\n1228 Washington\n1907-40\nJohn Neuhaus, baker\n1941-42\nJames Macgill\n1943-54\nCharles Baker\n1956\nEllsworth Bunker\n1962\nAndre Van Compenhout\n1964\nvacant\n1965\nDaniel Steiner\n2. The Georgetown Assessment records (National Archives Micro-\noopy 605, Group 351, roll 12) list the following for\n1865-70 for William Knowles, Jr:\nPart lot 15 25' Washington Street 120' deep 500\nImprovements 2 story and attic frame house 1600\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1228 30th Street is a good example\nof a transitional, Federal-Greek Revival building of the\nmiddle of the 19th Century. The house is modest in size\nand restrained in detail both internally and externally.\nThe major \"experience\" of the dwelling is that of entry,\nbeginning with the two column potico and ending with a\nview up the finely detailed staircase.\n2. Condition of fabric: The house has been renovated and\nrestored. Both the interior and the exterior are in\nexcellent general condition.\n114\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-163 (Page 5)\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: 1228 30th Street is a 2 1/2 story frame\nfacing East onto 30th Street between M and N Streets and\nwith the South wall located on the extended center line of\nOlive Street.\n2. Foundations: The brick foundation wall is exposed below\nthe wood siding 3'1\" on the East elevation and is approx-\nimately 6\" above grade at the West elevation of the main\nsection. Perpendicular to the South wall there are two\npairs of brick walls which support the chimneys above.\nThese walls are spanned at the first floor level with wood\nlintels to support the hearth.\n3. Wall construction: The house is a wood frame, with clap-\nboard siding painted gray covering most of the surface.\nOne notable exception is that the attic story at the East\nelevation is sided with flush horizontal boarding painted\ngray.\n4. Framing: As visible from the basement, framing of the\nfirst floor is with 3\" X 8\" joists hand hewn on one side\nand spanning East - West. A wood girder now supported at\nthird points by two steel pipe columns spans from North -\nSouth foundation walls at approximately 13' from the\nEast basement wall.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc: A wooden frame 2 column\nporch fronts the East elevation entry. The 7'-4\" x 4'-5\"\nbrick platform with its six risers running North. - South\nis a mid-20th Century renovation replacing the former\nwooden steps and platform. The columns and porch roof,\nhowever, appear to be 19th Century.\nThe two 10\" diameter and 7'-10\" high fluted Tuscan Doric\ncolumns have echinus projections but not abacus blocks.\nThe porch roof has a simple flat cornice board and eaves\nsupported by a modillioned band. The wood porch railings\nand balusters are of simple section.\nAt the narrower rear section of the house an \"L\" shaped\n115\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-163 (Page 6)\nroof deck and railing is located over the first floor\nkitchen area and extends along the South and West sides\nof the second floor elevations. This replaced a 19th\nCentury cantilevered second floor porch along the South\nside.\n6. Chimneys: Two brick chimneys are at the South gable end\nwall at approximately the first and third quarter points\nof the wall length. They are approximately 3'-4\" X 1'-9\"\nin section with a simple two course brick caps. An item\nof special note is an attached brick buttress at the West\nchimney extending from approximately the second floor\nline down to grade.\nDuring renovations of 1963 the chimney at the center of\nthe West wall of the dining room was removed.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The entry door is a four panel\n2'-10\" wood door of 20th Century date. It is framed\nby five fixed sidelights and a three light transom.\nCrowning the interior trim of the doorway is a\nmodillioned cornice of wood.\nAt the West wall of the living room a pair of center\nclosing 20th Century twelve light metal frame doors\ngive access to the rear yard.\nb. Windows and shutters: Typical windows at both the\nfront (East) elevation at the first two floors and\nat the South elevation are 6/6 light double-hung\nsash. At the attic level of the East elevation,\nhowever, pairs of two light center closing sash are\nused for each 3'-0\" X 2'-5\" opening.\nEach of the five windows on the first two floors of\nthe East elevation is crowned by a molded ogee\nstraight line cornice board supported by a dentil\nband. The attic casements have no projecting trim\nor cornice features.\nA window of special note is at the Northwest corner\nof the rear section at the second floor level. It\n116\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 163 (Page 7)\nis a 4/4 light double-hung sash window of 1'-10\" X\n4'-6\" size and appears to be of early 19th century\ndate. It is simply trimmed and set in a wall\ncovered by 19th century clapboarding.\nShutters at the second floor East elevation are\nsingle panel fixed horizontal louver units painted\nblack. On the first floor are two panel shutters\npainted black;the upper panel is fixed louver, the\nlower a plain panel. The shutters at the lower\nfloor may be 19th century and the shutter stops at\nboth floors are 19th century cart metal.\n8. Roof:\na.\nShape, covering: The main East section of the house\nhas a gabled roof with its ridge running North -\nSouth. The West narrower section has a shed roof\npitching up from South to North and the two are linked\nby a flat roofed unit with skylight. Roof covering\nis standing seam metal.\nb.\nCornice and eaves: At the East elevation the roof\ncornice has an under eaves band of dentil scale but\nconsisting of small brackets. Eaves are of wood but\ndownspouts and gutters are of metal.\nAt the sill level of the casement windows a simple\nmolded cornice band separates the attic story from\nthe first two clapboard sheathed floors.\nC.\nCupolas, dormers, towers: None\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The basic plan shows a main block with front\nand back rooms and a North side stairway. Attached to this\nis a narrower two story section to the West rear.\nThe first floor Eastern section has a side stair and\nentry hall full depth and a large living room full depth\nat the South. Evidence suggests that this room was\noriginally separated by a North-South cross wall at approx-\nimately the mid-point into two rooms. The extensively\nremodelled rear section contains a dining room, kitchen\nand lavatory.\n117\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 163 (Page 8)\n2. Stairways: The main stairway is of the half-turn type\nwith landings at the Northwest corner of the main section.\nFrom the first floor the 2'-8\" wide stair ascends twelve\n7\" risers from East to West to the landing and back four\nrisers to the second level. To the third floor the run\nis nine risers from East to West and then back up six\nrisers.\nThis stairway also gives access to the second floor of\nthe rear section. Because of the difference in floor\nlevels there is only one riser from the first floor\nlanding to the second floor level of the rear block.\nMajor features of the stair are the various turned newel\nposts at each level. To support the railing as it curves\nup at each floor and makes an angular turn at each\nlanding and floor level there are nine newels;one at the\nbeginning at the first floor, paired newels at each\nlanding and at the second floor, and one each at the\ntop of the flight at the second and third floors. All\nof these are approximately 3 1/2\" in diameter except for\nthe first floor newel which is approximately 4 1/2\".\nThere are two rectangular balusters for each tread and\nthe stringers are adorned with wave pattern wood appli-\nques at the end of each tread. The under stair area at\nthe first floor is completely enclosed with 10\" wide\nvertical panelling.\nA second stairway occupies the Northwest corner of the\nrear section beginning at the West wall of the main gabled\nblock. It is a half-turn stair with corner winders at\nboth the beginning and the end of the run. The stair\nopening to the second floor is now blocked but the 2'-0\"\nwide stair is twelve 8\" risers from the East to the West\nalong the North wall. The newel posts and the balusters\nof this stair appear to be replacement of original wood\nmembers. The stringer features here are also of a wave\npattern wood appliqué differing from that of the main\nstaircase.\nThe straight run stair to the basement has an ascent from\nEast to West of 13 risers directly under the main stair.\n118\nWILLIAM INOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 163 (Page 9)\n3. Flooring: Floors are of pine throughout. Some of these\nespecially in the upper floors of the main (East) block\nappear to contain 19th century boarding.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Wall and ceiling finish through-\nout the East section is painted plaster.\n5. Doorways and doors: Doors throughout the house are four\npanel and most appear to be 20th century in date. How-\never the four panel door from the dining room to the hall\nand the pair of two panel center closing door from the\nliving room to the dining room all appear to be 19th\ncentury.\n6. Decorative features and trim: The two upper floors of the\nmain gabled block and the present dining room have 2 1/2\"\nwide door and window trim that appears to be early 19th\ncentury. Both the window and door trim have upper corner\nsquare blocks. Those in the dining room and on the third\nfloor front bedroom have hollowed out bull's-eye ring\npatterns, while the others are plain solid blocks.\nWindows have simple stools while doorways use 6\" high\ncoved edge plinth blocks.\nThe 6\" baseboard in the third floor appears to be 20th\ncentury but the 8\" molded top baseboard on the first and\nsecond floors is probably 19th century.\n7. Notable hardware: There are several fine pieces of 19th\ncentury hardware present. Among these is a 6\" X 4\" lock\nbox on the living room side of the pair of doors to the\ndining room. This lock has a brass knob and a brass key-\nhole on the dining room side. At both the door from the\nhall to the dining room and at the second floor East\nbedroom door there are 3 1/2\" X 5\" high lock boxes with\naplayed edges. At the front door there is a fine large\n7\" X 5\" lock box with a brass knob and brass vertical\nedge of the catch box.\n8. Lighting: The house has a variety of mid-20th century\nfixtures.\n9. Heating: Ornamental mantelpieces are found in several\nrooms in the present living room both of the mantelpieces\n119\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 163 (Page 10)\nhave the fireplace opening surrounded by a simple wood\nmolding above which are paired vertical fluted feature\nblocks under an 8\" mantel shelf.\nIn the dining room the mantelpiece has been relocated\nfrom 1224 30th Street against a chimney at the West wall.\nIt is an early 19th Century 4'-3\" x 3'-9\" high enframe-\nment with an 8 1/2\" mantel shelf. Under the mantel shelf\nthere are two vertically gouged reeded blocks and two end\nblocks with urn-flower and swag features of ornamental\nputty.\nOn the upper floors the only 19th Century mantelpiece is\nat the front bedroom of the main block's second floor.\nIt is a wood enframement 4'-1\" by 4'-2\" high with a 7\"\nwide mantel shelf. The under shelf area has a central\nfluted band and end sunburst features of carved wood.\nModern central heating has radiators in every room.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: The residence lies on a\nbusy residential street near a major commercial street of\nGeorgetown. It stands next to a frame structure to the\nsouth renovated in Greek Revival style in the 1920's and\nis directly abutted by a brick Victorian apartment house\non the North.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard is surrounded by various fences\nand walls. On the South and the West there are brick walls\nwhile on the North there is a metal grid fence and a wooden\nvertical board fence near the kitchen.\n3. Outbuildings: none\n4. Walks: Extending directly from the East elevation wall to\nthe curb is a brick paved public sidewalk.\n5. Landscaping: The rear yard slopes up several feet toward\nthe West and is formed into a series of terraces. Up 2'\nfrom the flagstone paved area at the South of the rear\n120\nWILLIAM KNOWLES HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 163 (Page 11)\nporch is a brick paved patio directly abutting the West\nend of the porch and the kitchen wall. A brick 2'\ncurving retaining wall and four brick risers mark the\nedge of a second terrace of pebbled paving. Surrounding\nthis terrace on the West and the North and marking the\nNorth edge of the lower brick is a 3\" rubble stone\nretaining wall. The final terrace above this wall is a\nsmall garden area reached by a flight of flagstone steps\nat the Southwest corner of the yard.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJuly, 1968\n121\nWilliam Knowles House\nphoto: J. Alexander\n122\nWilliam Knowles House\nliving room\nphotos: J. Alexander,\nmain staircase\n123\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\n3043 N Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nWheatley Town House\nHABS No. DC-186\nrear yard\n1d\ndeck\nkit\nporch\ndining rm.\n15'x16'\nhall\nliving rm.\n15'x16'\n0\n10\nN\nN Street\n126\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-186\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nLocation:\n3043 N Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is the westernmost of a pair of houses\non the north side of N Street (formerly Gay Street)\ndescribed as follows: beginning at a point on\nthe north side of Gay Street 40' East running\n120' to the rear line of lot 59; thence East 57'8\"\nthen South and thence West on said street subject\nas to 1 1/2' front on Gay Street by 52'5 1/2\" deep\nbinding on the East side of above described land to\nright of way as an alleyway for the use of said land\nand the lot next East thereof..\nPresent Owner:\nMr. and Mrs. Gordon Roth\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\n3043 N Street is a fine example of a large Victorian\nSignificance:\ntown house of the third quarter of the 19th Century.\nIt possesses the grand living spaces, the lushness\nof ornament and the variety of fine details charac-\nteristic of the best work of the period.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1233, lot 827 (formerly Square 63, lot 60). The\nfollowing is an incomplete chain of title to the property.\nThe references are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington,\nD. C.\nAt the time of the cession of the District of Columbia\nlot 60 appears to have been owned by Samuel Davidson.\n1796 Deed January 4, 1796, recorded February 10, 1796 in\nLiber B folio 403\nSamuel Davidson\nTo\nWalter S. Chandler\n127\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 186 (Page 2)\n1801 Deed August 27, 1801, recorded September 1, 1801 in\nLiber G folio 261\nWalter S. Chandler\nTo\nJohn Weems\n1815 Deed November 4, 1815, recorded November 20, 1815 in\nLiber AK folio 203\nElizabeth Weems\nTo\nThomas Turner\n1846 Deed March 10, 1846, recorded March 26, 1846 in\nLiber WB 125 folio 340\nSamuel Turner et ux Amanda M.\nTo\nThomas Turner, Jr.\n1855 Deed November 11, 1855, recorded March 29, 1856 in\nLiber JAS 1113 folio 350\nJohn Marbury, Trustee\nTo\nRichard Cruikshanks\nEast part of lot 60\n1859 Deed March 14, 1859, recorded April 2, 1859 in\nLiber JAS 172 folio 54\nRichard Cruikshanks et ux Anna Jane\nTo\nFrancis Wheatley\n1884 Deed September 11, 1884, recorded September 11, 1884 in\nLiber 1098 folio 80\nWilliam A. Gordon, Trustee\nTo\nMarion McCullough\n\"forming an alley 3' wide and 52' 5 1/2\" deep, and\nof the height as at present covered by portions of\nthe houses on said lot and that on lot next East\nthereof...'\n1905 Deed May 9, 1905, recorded May 18, 1905 in\nLiber 2870 folio 79\nMarion W. McCullough\nTo\nAlice Virginia Winship\n128\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-186 (Page 3)\n1918 Deed May 7, 1918, recorded May 16, 1918 in\nLiber 4073 folio 169\nKatherine Virginia Winship\nTo\nKendrick Scofield\n1921 Deed April 29, 1921, recorded May 4, 1921 in\nLiber 4527 folio 74\nKendrick Scofield and wife Violetta Sprigg\nTo\nAileen M. Callaghan\nDeed July 8, 1921, recorded July 15, 1921 in\nLiber 4557 folio 381\nAileen M. Callaghan\nTo\nJames R. M. Ash\n1922 Deed February 17, 1922, recorded February 21, 1922 in\nLiber 4669 folio 252\nJames R. M. Ash and wife Fannie B.\nTo\nTheodore W. Wilkinson\n1948 Deed August 24, 1948, recorded August 26, 1948 in\nLiber 817 folio 338\nCatherine H. Wilkinson, widow\nTo\nAmerican Security and Trust Company\n1964 Deed January 9, 1964, recorded January 27, 1964 in\nLiber 12143 folio 484\nAmerican Security and Trust Company\nTo\nGordon L. Roth and Kathryn Carson Roth\n2. Date of Erection: The Georgetown column of the Washington\nEvening Star, April 14, 1859 reports the following:\n\"...and Messrs. Berret and Miem have the contract for\nconstructing two large brick dwellings on Gay Street\nfor F. Wheatley, Esq. The excavations for the\nfoundations of each of these buildings are now being\nmade.\"\n129\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-186 (Page 4)\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The original kitchen was\nlocated in the back section of the basement; the present\nfirst floor kitchen is a mid-20th century addition. The\nsmall study at the first floor stair landing was also\nadded.\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. In The Recollections of J. Holdsworth Gordon, unpublished\nmanuscript, 1910 Mr. Gordon states that his family moved\ninto the house in 1860 and remained there until 1877,\nwhen they moved into a villa at Cooke's row. The\nWashington Elite List: A Compilation of Selected Names\nof Residents of Washington City, D. C. and Ladies Shopping\nGuide (The Elite Publishing Company of Washington, D. C.\n[copy of the directory located in the Washingtoniana Room\nof the Central branch of the D. C. Public Library]) gives\nthe following information:\n1888\nMrs. L. E. Cammack and drs.\nMrs. Ann K. Thompson\nWilliam T. Harris\n1889\nDr. and Mrs. Carl H. A. Kleinschmidt\n1890\nDr. and Mrs. Carl H. A. Kleinschmidt\nMiss Adele Kleinschmidt\nWashington City Directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1886\nAnnie K. Thompson, wid. Wm. E.\n1887\nWilliam T. Harris (Beale and Harris)\nAnnie K. Thompson\n1891-94\nBrooke B. Williams, broker\n1914-16\nMrs. Margaret Meinikheim\n1917-21\nKendrick Scofield\n1923-25\nTheodore Wilderson\n1930\nErnest Wilkinson\n1931\nvacant\n1932-38\nRobert W. Horton\n130\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 186 (Page 5)\n1938-41\nMrs. Leonora Fuller\n1942\nvacant\n1943-48\nMrs. Katherine Wilkinson\n1954-56\nJohn I. Thompson\n1960\nvacant\n1962\nBenjamin F. Kronfeld\n1965\nGordon Roth\n2. The Georgetown Assessments of 1865-70 (National Archives\nMicrocopy 605, Group 351, roll 12) show the following\nassessments to Francis Wheatley:\nLot 60\n50' W. Gay Street 120' deep\n$1,800\nImprovements: Two 3 story and finished brick $ 10,000\ndwellings\n3. The Evening Star of Thursday July 14, 1859 in its George-\ntown column gives a contemporary appraisal of the houses.\n\"Among all the multitude of fine private improvements\nerected in our city this season, none shows to more\nadvantage nor is more of a real ornament to the town than\nthe two first-class brick dwellings by Alderman F. Wheatley,\non Gay Street, adjoining his own property.\"\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: With its twin to the East, 3043 N\nStreet is one of the finest examples in Georgetown of an\nupper class Middle Victorian row house. A general open-\nness characterizes the interior arrangement as the high\nceilinged rooms are connected by large scale openings and\nthe first floor gives views to both the street and to the\nrear yard through wide floor-ceiling windows. The facade\npresents the customary solidity and richness to the street.\n2. Condition of fabric: Having been repaired and cleaned\nwithin the last five years, the house is in excellent\ncondition on both the interior and exterior.\n131\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 186 (Page 6)\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This three story brick row house\nfaces South onto N Street between 30th and 31st Streets;\nits West wall is approximately 105' along N Street from\nthe centerline of 31st Street. The three bay front is\n22'-8\" wide and the depth of the house is approximately\n35'.\n2. Foundations: The brick foundation walls of the basement\nare revealed approximately 6'-8\" on the front (South)\nelevation and approximately 7'-6\" on the rear (North)\nelevation. At the South elevation a red-gray sandstone\nwater table occurs at the sill level of the basement\nwindows.\n3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has\na rear (North) elevation faced with rough textured red\nbrick laid in common bond with header courses every six\nrows. The first two stories are painted white while\nthe third remains its unpainted red-orange color.\nThe front elevation differs by using a dense smooth\nunpainted face brick in common bond but with no bonding\nheader courses and with very thin mortar joints.\n4. Framing: Not visible\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the South elevation\nthe brick entry stairway and stoop is 5'-8\" wide. The\nten treads to the entry platform are of red-gray sandstone\nnow refaced with a layer of red bricks. A fine pair of\niron railingsedge both the stair and the stoop and end\nin a three quarter turn around the street level metal\nnewel posts.\nAs an additional feature of the South elevation a 2'-6\"\niron black balcony extends across the facade at the first\nfloor level.\nAt the rear there is a simple two story framed three post\nporch 7'-6\" deep. The porch is screened at the second\nfloor level and open to a newly constructed wood deck\nextension at the first floor.\n132\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-186 (Page 7)\n6. Chimneys: There are two large brick chimneys approximately\n3' X 3' at the East party wall located at approximately the\nfirst and third quarter points of the wall. Both have\nsimple two coursed brick caps.\n7. Openings:\na.\nDoorways and doors: The handsome entry ensemble of\nthe house includes two rich door frames, a large entry\ndoor and a pair of vestibule doors. The sequence\nbegins with a 3'-3\" wide wood six panel entry door\nsurmounted by a single light transom window. The\nrounded edge panels of the door contrast with the rich\npedimental cornice supported by lush floral brackets.\nIn the vestibule, doors with semicircular headed tall\nsingle pane lights above a circular molded edge panel\ngive access to the stair hall. This vestibule door-\nway is topped by a flat entablature supported by six\nsmall brackets between two larger end consoles.\nb.\nWindows and shutters: The front (South) elevation\nhas 2/2 light double-hung sash for the upper two\nfloor windows and 2/4 light double-hung wood sash\nfor the first floor's floor to ceiling windows.\nThe window openings have stone sills painted white\nand are crowned by segmental cast iron heads with\na central medallion and end drip brackets.\nAll major windows have internal folding wood shut-\nters; each as an upper and a lower pair of three-\npart folding vertical panels with adjustable\nvertical louvered portions. The units fold back\ninto jamb pockets at each side of the window.\nAt the North elevation the windows are without orna-\nmental trim and simply have the opening bridged by\nflat, arches of brick.\n8. Roof:\na.\nShape, covering: The gabled roof with ridge parallel\nto the street has a standing seam metal covering.\nb.\nCornice, eaves: The South elevation has a rich\nbracketed cornice band painted white, capping the\nfacade. At the North elevation however there is\n133\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-186 (Page 8)\nsimply a two course corbelled brick cornice band.\nC.\nCupolas, dormers, towers: None\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The typical 19th century town house plan has\na major front and rear room on each floor with an entry\nand stair hall running the full length of the house at\nthe West party wall.\nThe first floor plan has a front living room and a rear\ndining room. A modern kitchen has been added at the North\nend of the stair hall.\nThe second and third floors have two bedrooms each with a\nbath at the Southwest corner of each floor. An unusual\nfeature of the second floor plan is a sitting room at the\nNorthwest corner entered up three steps from the stair\nlanding.\nThe original kitchen was probably in the front room of\nthe full basement. The rear room at present houses the\nheating equipment. Two special basement features are a\nlarge coal storage room under the South sidewalk and\nentered by stairs under the entry stairs and a 3'\nservice passage from the street to the rear under the\nporch. The latter occurs along the East foundation wall.\n2. Stairways: Because of its monumental carved newel post,\nits fine turned balusters and curvilinear stringer\nfeatures the main staircase is an important sculptural\nfeature of the interior. From the entry hall the half-\nturn stair rises up from South to North a full sixteen\nrisers to the landing and then back five risers to the\nsecond floor. At the second level, in a similar manner,\nthe stair ascends twelve risers and back six to the\nthird level. The fruitwood railing is continuous from\nthe newel to the top floor and is made of sections up\nto 5' long.\nThe stairs to the basement are directly under the main\nstairs in a steep straight run thirteen risers from a\nplatform and door under the North end of the eastern\nstair stringer.\n134\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 186 (Page 9)\n3. Flooring: The original yellow pine floors have been\ncleaned and refinished in the last five years. The\nbasement level has a concrete floor.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of\nplaster throughout. The hall has had new wallpaper\nwithin the last five years over older paper. All other\nrooms are painted over plaster or over old wallpaper.\n5. Doorways and doors: Wooden six panel doors appear to be\nin most cases original and are approximately 3' X 7'.\nThe frames are trimmed with a wood molding are topped by\na straight molded wood cornice. On the first floor a\n7'-1\" opening between the front and the rear room is\nfitted with two large eight panel doors which slide into\nwall pockets.\n6. Decorative features and trim: As major decorative\nfeatures there are on the first floor molded ceiling\nornaments in the stair hall and in the front and rear\nparlors. All are of the heavy Victorian floral type\nformerly acting as gas lighting fixture bases. In\nkeeping with the large scale of the rooms, the ornaments\nin the center of both the parlor and dining room ceilings\nhave a large 3'-6\" spread.\nTrim forms and sizes vary considerably throughout the\nhouse from floor to floor. The third floor has a 8\"\nbaseboard with simple molded top and simple 5\" window\nand door trim. Doorways are crowned by a 3\" architrave\nboard and a 2 1/2\" corona. Plinth blocks are used at\nthe baseboard.\nAt the second level a 10\" molded top baseboard is used\nalong with 6\" door and window trim. Doorways are without\ncrown molding but do rest on plinth blocks as above.\nAt the main floor a baseboard of the same type as the\nsecond floor is employed but in this case is 11\" in height.\nDoor trim is similar to that used in the second floor but\nwith a 3/4 round edge and a 7 1/2\" width. Doorways have\nno crown mold but do rest on plinth blocks.\nAdditional trim on the first floor includes a picture\nmolding at approximately 2' from the ceiling in both the\ndining room and living room and a cornice ceiling mold in\nall rooms.\n135\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-186 (Page 10)\n7. Notable hardware: The house retains much of its 19th\ncentury hardware and this includes brass doorknob rings,\nbrass keyholes, and porcelain doorknobs. Especially\nnotable items of hardware are on the first floor sliding\ndoors. Geometric floral ornaments are cut out in low\nrelief on the plates for the door pulls, lock plates and\ncatch plates.\n8. Lighting: There are a variety of 20th century fixtures.\n9. Heating: There are several handsome fireplace mantel-\npieces which act as principal features of the major rooms.\nOn the third floor both fireplaces have been closed but\nthe simple wood mantelpieces remain. These have unfluted\nbut chamfered edge pilasters supporting a 7 1/2\" deep\nmantel shelf.\nThe second floor fireplaces are both open and are also of\nbrick with wood mantelpieces which are only slightly more\nelaborate than those above. The front room has a seg-\nmental arched opening and a 7 1/2\" deep curving plan\nmantel shelf.\nThe two major first floor rooms have 6'-0\" X 4'-0\" high\nmantelpieces and hearths of white silver-veined marble.\nBoth have semicircular topped fireplace openings 2'-9\"\nX 2'-9\" with a decorative floral featured keystone which\nsupports an 11\" deep curving mantel shelf. The opening\nin the dining room is set with a 19th century metal\nheating ventilator. The metal facing is edged with a\nstamped floral band and the floral patterned heating grill\nis backed by adjustable metal vertical louvers. A 2'-9\"\nX 9\" metal fender projects from the lower edge of the\nmetal facing and rests on the marble hearth.\nThe basement has the 20th century addition of a 19th\ncentury black marble fireplace mantelpiece.\nModern central hot air heating was introduced into the\nhouse according to the owners in the late 1920's. Metal\nductwork carries air to rooms on all floors.\n136\nWHEATLEY TOWN HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 186 (Page 11)\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: This house is the center\nunit of a group of three Victorian row houses set on this\nresidential street not far from the shopping area of\nGeorgetown.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed by a wooden stockade\nfence approximately 5' to 6' high.\n3. Outbuildings: At the Northeast corner of the lot is a\nsmall outbuilding shared by 3041 and 3043 and divided at\nthe center by a North-South party wall. The brick building\nis approximately 12' square is 9' high to the roof cornice\nline and is topped by a wood framed pyramidal roof. There\nare two 2'-10\" doors on both the East and West elevations\nand a pair of windows at the South side. Walls are con-\nstructed of common bond and openings are bridged by flat\narched brick lintels. The 3041 side of the buildings still\nserves as a storage facility while that of 3043 has been\nrecently renovated as a \"tea house\".\n4. Walks: At the front (South) elevation there is red brick\npaving from the elevation to the curb. Within the last\nfive years three paved brick circles strung out and linked\nalong the centerline of the lot have been added in the\nrear yard. The first begins near the end of the rear wood\ndeck and the last ends near the North edge of the lot.\n5. Lanscaping: The rear yard has been handsomely landscaped\nduring the last five years with various shrubs and plants\naround the periphery. A black metal fountain has been\nplaced in the center of the second brick circle. From\nthe center of the West side of the rear yard a large black\nwalnut shades the yard. (The cast iron fountain dates from\n1856).\nPrepared by: William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJuly, 1968\n137\nWheatley Town House\nphotos: J. Alexander\nliving room\n138\nWheatley Town House\nentry and stair hall\nphoto: J. Alexander\n139\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\n1320 30th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nDe La Roche-Jewell Tenant House\nHABS No. DC-179\nliving rm\n13'x19'\nkitchen\n8'x13'\nparlor\nhall\nDumbarton Avenue\n13'x13'\nshrubs\n0\n10\nN\n30th Street\n142\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 179\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nLocation:\n1320 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nis located in the Northwest corner of 30th Street for-\nmerly Washington) and Dumbarton. It is the southern-\nmost of a three unit row.\nPresent Owner:\nJames L. Manogue\nPresent Occupant: Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Nichols, Jr.\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\n1320 30th Street along with the two adjoining houses\nSignificance:\nto the North is typical of simple rental housing of\nmid-19th century. While the interior is quite unpre-\ntentious, the exterior with the cast iron detailing\nand projecting entry porch forms a pleasant and humanly\nscaled streetscape.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located in\nSquare 1242, lot 30 (formerly Square 72, lots 80 and 81).\nThe following is an incomplete chain of title to the property.\nThe references are to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.\nLot 81\n1804 Deed July 16, 1804, recorded January 5, 1805 in\nLiber M folio 61\nThomas Beall\nTo\nThomas Sim Lee\nLot 81, being a corner lot 120' on west side of\nWashington Street and 60' on north side of Dumbarton\nStreet\n1813 Deed November 13, 1813, recorded November 15, 1813 in\nLiber AF folio 431\nThomas Sim Lee\nTo\nJohn Lee\nLot 81\nConsideration: $550.00\n143\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-179\n(Page 2)\nDeed December 23, 1813, recorded December 24, 1813 in\nLiber AF folio 303\nJohn Lee\nTo\nJoseph Milligan\nConsideration: $650.00\n1814 Deed April 1, 1814, recorded April 12, 1814 in\nLiber AG folio 267\nJoseph Milligan\nTo\nAnna Reinagle\nConsideration: $1000.00\n1815 Deed November 21, 1815, recorded December 1, 1815 in\nLiber AK folio 259\nAnna Reinagle\nTo\nGeorge Peter\nLot 81\nConsideration: $2000.00\n1835 Deed May 27, 1835 recorded June 12, 1835 in\nLiber WB 53 folio 265\nGeorge W. Peter\nTo\nWilliam S. Nichols\nLot 81\nConsideration: $750.00\n1840 Deed July 9, 1840, recorded August 6, 1840 in\nLiber WB 81 folio 298\nWilliam S. Nichols\nTo\nDaniel Kurtz\nConsideration: $1000.00\nLot 80\n1794 Deed July 11, 1794, recorded July 12, 1794 in\nLiber B folio 54\nThomas Beall, son of George\nTo\nSamuel Davidson\nWilliam Craik\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\n144\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 179\n(Page 3)\n1797 Deed April 24, 1797, recorded September 12, 1797 in\nLiber c folio 151\nWilliam Craik\nWilliam Hammond Dorsey\nSamuel Davidson\nTo\nSamuel Brooke\nLots 79, 80, 87 and 88\n1814 Deed January 25, 1814, recorded May 5, 1814 in\nLiber AG folio 362\nSamuel Brooke\nTo\nJoseph Brewer\n1830 Deed September 28, 1830, recorded February 14, 1831 in\nLiber WB 35 folio 1\nJohn Marbury\nJoseph Brewer\nTo\nJohn Kurtz\nJoseph Brewer by deed heretofore made and recorded\nconveyed among other property in Georgetown lot 80 in\nThos. Beall's addition to Georgetown to said John\nMarbury in trust to secure a certain debt due the\nFarmers and Mechanics Bank of Georgetown and hath\nrecently sold the said lot of ground to John Kurtz\nat private sale for the sum of $800...Lot 80...\ngranting 60' on Dumbarton Street and running back N\nof same breadth 120'\"\n1842 Deed October 12, 1842, recorded November 29, 1842 in\nLiber WB 96 folio 454\nJohn Kurtz\nTo\nDaniel Kurtz\nDaniel Kurtz now owns both lots 80 and 81\n1851 Deed August 1, 1851, recorded January 8, 1852 in\nLiber JAS 34 folio 244\nMary C. Kurtz\nand children, and heirs of Daniel Kurtz\nTo\nGeorge F. de la Roche\nLots 80 and 81\nConsideration: $2800\n145\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-179\n(Page 4)\n1863 Deed November 6, 1863, recorded January 25, 1864 in\nLiber NCT 25 folio 71\nJane I. de la Roche\nTo\nClaudius B. Jewell\nConsideration: $2400\n1889 Deed March 18, 1889, recorded March 10, 1881 in\nLiber 1370 folio 490\nClaudius B. Jewell\nTo\nJames Manogue\nConsideration: $16,000\n1916 Deed January 31, 1916, recorded February 18, 1916 in\nLiber 3859 folio 472\nMary J. Manogue\nWilliam H. Manogue\nTo\nGeorge W. Manogue\nParts of lots 80 and 81 in Square 1242 beginning at\nthe southeast corner of lot 81 and running north on\n30th Street 20' to the middle of the dividing wall\nbetween premises 1320-1322 30th Street, and running\nwest through said dividing wall 80' to an alley in\nrear...\n2. Date of erection: The houses were taxed in the Georgetown\nAssessments of 1865-70 (National Archives, Microcopy 605,\nGroup 351, roll 12) as follows:\nClaudius B. Jewell\nSouth part lots 80 and 81\n120' Dumbarton Street 60' Washington\n$ 1,800\nImprovements Five Brick Houses, two stories\nand back buildings\n$7,600\nGeorge de la Roche heirs\nNorth part lots 80 and 81\n60' Washington 120' deep\n$1,500\nImprovements Two Story Frame Dwelling and\nback buildings\n$ 2,500\nThe five houses (three on Washington and two on Dumbarton)\nare not shown on the Boschke map published in 1861.\n146\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-179\n(Page 5)\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The house has been extensively\nremodelled, the major addition being the living room block\nwith its projecting bay window in the rear.\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1870-71\nHenry Solmes [c] Beall corner Washington\n1875\nWilliam G. Tanner, Beall corner Washington\nh. 41 Montgomery\n(These tenants possibly occupied 1320 30th Street. The\ndirectories show no listing for a Washington Street\naddress.) The following are definite occupants:\n1914\nJulius H. Holtzberg\n1915-19\nFrederick Stahl\n1920\nGrace Burtis\n1921-24\nLaura V. Warner\n1925\nLaura V. Warner and John H. Thompson\n1926-27\nMrs. Alice Peters\n1928\nJames B. Darcey\n1929-33\nMrs. Alice Moxley\n1934\nvacant\n1935\nHenry Klumb\n1936\nHenry K. Arneson\n1937-38\nJohn P. Cowan\n1939-40\nGeorge Roper\n1941\nMrs. Esther Stonestreet\n1942-43\nJohn H. Vincent\n1948\nA. H. Alexander\n1954\nvacant\n1954\nWoodward Wiley\n1960\nWilliam McE. Fleming\n1962\nCharles A. Nichols\n147\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 179\n(Page 6)\n2. George F. de la Roche who owned the property between 1851\nand 1863 lived in the frame house on the north part of lots\n80 and 81. He was the architect of Oak Hill Cemetary and\nSt. John's Church.\n3. For information on early owners of the land see the following:\nThe Beall Family\nHABS No. DC-154\nThomas Sim Lee\nHABS No. DC-168\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1320 30th Street with its\nneighbors to the north forms a pleasant row of mid-19th\ncentury tenant houses. The details are typical of other\nless diminutively scaled Victorian row houses in George-\ntown, but the addition of Greek Revival type front stoops\nand small front gardens make this group distinctive.\n2. Condition of fabric: The row is in good condition on the\nexterior. 1320 30th Street is in good condition on the\ninterior. The house has been modernized for 20th century\nliving, the major alteration being the extensive remodel-\ning of the first floor living room (in the rear ell).\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This two story brick row faces east\nonto 30th Street with its south wall 25' north of the\ncenterline of Dumbarton Avenue. Its three bay east facade\nis 19' long and its depth, including the rear ell, is about\n40'.\n2. Foundations: The brick foundations are exposed about 2'\nat the east facade.\n3. Wall construction: The structure is of brick bearing walls\nwith header courses every eight rows. Number 1320 remains\nunpainted red brick while numbers 1322 and 1324 have had\ntheir facades painted white.\n148\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-179 (Page 7)\n4. Framing: Interior partitions are of stud-wall construc-\ntion.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: The main facade of each\nof the three houses has a small wooden stoop. This is\nabout 4' X 3' in size and is reached by three wooden steps.\nThe stoop is canopied by a wooden roof attached to the\nfacade below the second floor window sill and supported\nby a pair of wooden columns. These columns are tapering\neight sided champion columns with pseudo-tuscan simple\nwood capitals. At the side to the doorway each canopy\nroof is supported by slightly projecting wood pilaster\nboards. The roof is built with projecting wood boxed\ngutters supported by a modillion band.\n6. Chimneys: Two chimneys are present: one at the center\nof the south wall of the front parlor and one at the north\nwall of the rear living room.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The entry door at the east\nelevation is a 3' 2\" four panel wood door which has been\nmuch altered and repaired. This door is surrounded\nwith nine glass lights beginning at 3' from the floor.\nAt each side are three lights and above is a four\nlight fixed transom.\nb. Windows and shutters: Windows (three in number)\nthroughout the eastern portion of the first floor are\n6/9 light double-hung wood sash 2' 10\" wide. At the\nsecond floor all windows are 6/6 light double-hung\nwood sash. At the facade of all three units in the\nrow windows at both floors are crowned by cast iron\nornamental lintels.\nAt the facade all three houses in the row are fitted\nwith two panel wood shutters (painted black) at both\nfirst and second floor windows.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The main portion of the house is\nroofed by a gable with its ridge running parallel to\n30th Street while the rear section has a shed roof\npitching down to the south. Both roofs are metal\ncovered.\n149\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-179 (Page 8)\nb. Cornice, eaves: The facade is capped by a wood\nmodillioned cornice. The projecting wood boxed rain\ngutter is supported by wood brackets approximately\nl' high and spaced between each window. There are no\ndownspouts at the east facade.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There are none.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: This simple side hall plan row house has\ntwo rooms per floor in the gabled front portion and one\nroom per floor in the shed roofed rear ell. The first\nfloor contains a front parlor, a kitchen and a rear living\nroom. The second floor has three bedrooms and two baths.\nA basement is constructed under the rear portion of the\nhouse, but the eastern section has only a crawl space.\n2. Stairways: The half-turn sidehall staircase presents to\nthe entry hall a run of 14 7 1/2\" risers from east to\nwest to a landing and a 3 riser return to the second floor.\nThe fruitwood railing is continuous from the hardwood\nVictorian newel post to the north wall at the second\nfloor and is supported by two turned balusters per tred.\nThe basement is reached by an exterior stair at the south\nside of the rear portion of the house. It descends 10\nbrick risers from west to east.\n3. Flooring: Pine floors of 19th century date remain.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of\nplaster throughout.\n5. Doorways and doors: Four panel 19th century wood interior\ndoors which remain vary from 2' 6\" to 2' 10\" in width.\n6. Decorative features and trim: First floor trim consists of\n5\" door and window moldings and an 8\" molded top baseboard.\nCorners of the trim are mitered and doors do not have\nplinth blocks. At the second floor, door and window trim\nare reduced to 3\" in width with those windows at the east\nbeing trimmed instead with 3 3/4\" moldings. The baseboard\nat the second floor is 7 1/2\" high. Neither floor has a\ncornice or chair rail. There are no other distinctive\ndecorative features of 19th century date.\n150\nDE LA ROCHE-JEWELL TENANT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-179 (Page 9)\n7. Notable hardware: Door knobs and hinges in the front\nsection of the house are mainly of 19th century date but\nnone are of special note.\n8. Lighting: There is nothing of special note.\n9. Heating: The major decorative feature of the house\nother than the stairway is the front parlor mantelpiece.\nThe brick hearth and fireback are enclosed by a 4' 5\" x\n3' 11\" high white marble mantelpiece with an 8\" wide and\n5' long mantel shelf. The under shelf lintel has its\nlower edge cut away forming a very shallow pointed arch\nover the fireplace opening.\nThe other mantelpiece extant in the house in the living\nroom is an early 20th century neoclassic design in wood.\nThe other fireplace at the second floor at the southeast\nbedroom has been walled-up and the mantelpiece removed.\nHeating of the house at present is by radiator units in\neach room.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: This house is the\nsouthernmost of a group of three row houses of iden-\ntical design. The row is set in the midst of residential\nnortheast Georgetown.\n2. Enclosures: The diminutive front yard is enclosed by\na handsome black painted metal fence and gate about\n2 1/2' in height. The rear yard is fenced at the\nwest, south and north by a 6' high stockade fence.\n3. Outbuildings: There are none.\n4. Walks: The house is fronted by brick sidewalks at both\nthe east and the south.\n5. Landscaping: The front yards of all three row houses are\nplanted with ivy and small shrubs. The rear yard of\nnumber 1320 is brick paved and edged with shrubs. A\nsmall pine tree stands at the northwest corner and the\nrear yard is shaded by a medium sized maple tree of the\nhouse to the north.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nSeptember, 1968\n151\nDe La Roche-Jewell\nTenant House\nphotos: J. Alexander\nsimilar type at\n1521 29th street\n152\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\n1400 29th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nJames I. Barrett House\nHABS No. DC-180\nrear yard\npatio\nd\nkitchen\ndining rm.\n14'x15'\nliving rm\n14'x31'\nO Street\nlav\nlibrary\nhall\n14'x15'\n0\n10\nN\n29th Street\n154\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 180\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nLocation:\n1400 29th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the northwest corner of 29th\n(formerly Greene) and 0 (formerly Beall) Streets.\nPresent Owner:\nMrs. Philip Thayer\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThis house is an example of a restrained and formal\nSignificance:\nVictorian dwelling. The exterior is a simple brick\ncube adorned only by a roof cornice band and cap-\nping features for each element of fenestration. A\ncentral hall divides the interior into four cubical\nspaces per floor. The only exception is the living\nroom which runs the full depth of the house.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1258, lot 207 (formerly parts of lots 100-101).\nThe house itself is actually only on part of lot 101.\nThe following is an incomplete chain of title to the\nproperty. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,\nWashington, D.C.\n1795 Deed September 30, 1795, recorded October 3, 1795 in\nLiber B folio 354\nThomas Beall\nTo\nHenry Lucas\nLot 101\n1807 Deed March 12, 1807, recorded March 20, 1807 in\nLiber R folio 143\nHenry Lucas\nTo\nJesse Smith\n155\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 2)\n1813 Deed March 15, 1813, recorded June 8, 1813 in\nLiber AE folio 454\nJesse Smith\nTo\nVicent King\n1816 Deed August 10, 1816, recorded August 27, 1816 in\nLiber AM folio 88\nVincent King\nTo\nCaleb Peckam\n1851 Deed July 30, 1851, recorded January 5, 1852 in\nLiber JAS 34 folio 147\nElizabeth Peckam\nTo\nGeorge F. de la Roche\nConsideration: $300.00\n1854 Deed May 19, 1854, recorded October 30, 1855 in\nLiber JAS 103 folio 329\nGeorge de la Roche\nTo\nJames Isaac Barrett\nConsideration: $1000.00\n1887 Deed December 12, 1877, recorded December 13, 1887 in\nLiber 1288 folio 391\nWilliam C. Barrett\nTo\nEleanor A. Walker, formerly Barrett\nPart lot 101, 40' on Green Street\n60' Beall Street\nDeed December 14, 1887, recorded December 16, 1887 in\nLiber 1295 folio 300\nWilliam C. Barrett\nTo\nEleanor A. Walter\nPart lot 101\n1889 Deed March 28, 1889, recorded March 30, 1889 in\nLiber 1377 folio 400\nEleanor A. Walter\nTo\nWilliam H. Manogue\nAll lot 100 and 101\nConsideration $14,000\n156\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 180 (Page 3)\n1890 Deed May 20, 1890, recorded May 27, 1890 in\nLiber 1502 folio 91\nWilliam H. Manogue\nTo\nJames D. Rowe\nConsideration: $5500 for lot 207 (Parts of old\nlots 100 and 101)\n1898 Deed of Trust February 18, 1898, recorded\nFebruary 19, 1898 in\nLiber 2291 folio 174\nJames D. Rowe\nTo\nRawlings and Luckett, Trustees\n1899 Trustees Deed January 24, 1899, recorded\nFebruary 1, 1899 in\nLiber 2378 folio 122\nRawlings and Luckett, Trustees\nTo\nThomas J. Stanton\nSold for default from above trust\n1922 Deed May 23, 1922 recorded June 2, 1922 in\nLiber 4733 folio 209\nThomas J. Stanton\nTo\nMargaret Hartigan\n1939 Deed November 27, 1939, recorded November 29, 1939 in\nLiber 7417 folio 5\nMargaret Hatigan\nTo\nRoberto G. de Mendoza\n1945 Deed June 15, 1945 recorded July 2, 1945 in\nLiber 8126 folio 137\nRoberto G. de Mendoza\nTo\nRussell Skinner et ux Sina Steenrod\n1945 Deed June 27, 1945, recorded July 2, 1945 in\nLiber 8126 folio 138\nRussell Skinner\nTo\nJohn M. Creighton\nFrances Skinner Creighton\nVirginia Hughes Skinner\n157\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 180 (Page 4)\n1952 Deed April 4, 1952, recorded April 10, 1952 in\nLiber 9689 folio 302\nJohn M. Creighton\nFrances Skinner Creighton\nVirginia Hughes Skinner\nTo\nJames Marshall McHugh\nMaxine Davis, his wife\nDeed September 5, 1952, recorded September 11, 1952 in\nLiber 9799 folio 17\nJames Marshall McHugh and wife\nTo\nEllen N. La Motte\n1954 Deed January 15, 1954, recorded January 20, 1954 in\nLiber 10120 folio 524\nEllen N. La Motte\nTo\nPhilip W. Thayer and wife Barbara\n2. Date of erection: City directories show the Barrett family\noccupying the present house in 1867. The Georgetown Assess-\nments for 1871 (National Archives, Microcopy 605, Group 351,\nroll 13) show an assessment to Barrett for $6600 for the\nsame property valued at $1600 in 1865-70 (roll 12). The\n$5000 increase signifies the erection of a large house.\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: The original kitchen was located\nin the basement: the present first floor kitchen and bath\nwere added in the 20th century. Also the second floor\nporch was enclosed, an access was added and a small bath.\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington city directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n158\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180\n(Page 5)\n1867-69\nJames Isaac Barrett, carpenter\n107 Greene\n1870-77\nRobert Barrett, widow\n1888-90\nBrooke B. Williams\n1891-96\nJames D. Rowe, clerk, treasury\nJames G. Rowe, Milk\n1897-98\nJames D. Rowe, clerk\n1900-07\nPaul B. Hinzen, clerk, war\n1909-22\nPaul B. Hinzen\nClara Hinzen\n1923-25\nCharles Hartigan\n1926-27\nvacant\n1928\nCharles B. McVey III\n1929\nCharles Hartigan\n1930\nJohn P. Gregg\n1931\nJohn H. Towers\n1932\nvacant\n1933\nCharles Hartigan\n1934\nvacant\n1935-36\nCharles Hartigan\n1937-38\nDavid Saperstein\n1939-40\nCharles Hartigan\n1941\nRobert G. Mendoza\n1943\nMrs. Rebecca S. Mallorey\n1948\nJulius Krug\n1954\nEllen La Motte\n1956\nPhilip Thayer\n3. In 1888 Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Williams were listed in the\nWashington Elite List: A Compilation of Selected Names\nof Residents of Washington City D.C. and Ladies Shopping\nGuide (copies of this guide located in Washingtoniana\nRoom, Main Branch, D.C. Public Library).\nMr. and Mrs. James D. Rowe were listed in the 1892 edition.\n4. Mr. George Scheele, a long time resident of Georgetown,\nrecalls that a colored family operated a dairy in the back\npart of the basement house. This would coincide with the\ndirectory listing from 1891-96 for \"James G. Rowe, Milk\n107 Greene\".\n5. Thomas Stanton who owned the property between 1899 and\n1922 had a grocery store at 1401 29th according to city\ndirectory listings.\n6. Julius Albert Krug (born 1907) was the chief power engineer\nof TVA from 1938-1941. He joined the Office of Production\nManagement in 1941 and became Chairman of the War Product-\nion Board in 1944. From 1946 to 1949 he was Secretary of\nthe Interior under President Truman.\n159\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 6)\n7. Philip Thayer was a special assistant to the Ambassador\nto Chile, 1942-1944, and Cultural Relations Attache in\nthat Embassy 1944-5. He was Dean of the School of Advanced\nInternational Studies, the Johns Hopkins University, 1948-\n1961. (Who's Who in America, vol. 32, 1962-63). Mrs.\nThayer is the present occupant of the house.\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1400 29th Street is a good\nexample of a substantial Victorian free-standing residence.\nIts scale is not overly grand yet both interior and exterior\nshow an ample spaciousness. Similarly its ornamentation\nis rich but overabundant. In its strongly symmetrical\nplan and its single block massing it partakes of much of\nthe spirit of the earlier 19th century. It is one of\nthe most prominent examples of this conservative Victorian\nvein in Georgetown.\n2. Condition of fabric: This gray painted house is in\nexcellent condition on the exterior and good-excellent\ncondition on the interior. The interior has been modified\nfor 20th century living by the addition of a lavatory at\nthe first floor southeast parlor and the addition of a\ntwo story frame section at the west housing a kitchen at\nthe first floor and a bath at the second floor.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This two story brick free-standing\nhouse faces east onto 29th Street at the northwest corner\nof 29th and 0 Streets. Its south side is approximately\n25' from the centerline of 0 Street. The three bay\nfront (east) elevation is 36' 9\" and the south elevation\nis 32' 8\" long.\n160\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 7)\nAt the west the house is entered by a pair of 15 light\nmodern French doors to the north living room. A\nmodern 3' door gives access to the present kitchen\nfrom the yard. From this same yard a 4 riser stair\nextends down from south to north to the basement under\nthe present kitchen.\nb. Windows and shutters: All windows at the east eleva-\ntion are identical in form. There are five pairs of\n4/4 light double hung wood sash windows with each\nwindow opening having a segmental head and topped by\na cast iron hood. This hood is a single unit over\neash pair of windows and is topped by two acroteria\nand supported by three leaf-ornamented consoles.\nWindow sills are straight line design and are supported\nby three small cast iron brackets. The masonry\nopening for each pair is about 6' while the height\nof those at the first floor is 6' 8\" and those at the\nsecond floor is 6'. Windows at the rear east and\nsouth elevations are 6/6 light double-hung wood sash\nwith flat brick arch lintels and no ornamental trim.\nWindows at the south elevation are fitted with single\npanel fixed louver shutters. These are painted gray.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: This flat roof is covered with sheet\nmetal.\nb. Cornice, eaves: The house is crowned by a simple\nboxed wood projecting cornice and gutter. The eaves\nare underlined by a dentil band and supported by\napproximately 2 1/2' high wood scrolling brackets.\nThese brackets are in 4 pairs at the east elevation\nbut occur singly at the other elevations.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There are none.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The plan is nearly square and is divided\ndown the middle, east to west, by a 6' wide central\nhall. To the west an enclosed porch has been added. The\nfirst floor contains a full length northern living room\n161\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 8)\n2. Foundations: The brick foundation walls of the basement\nare revealed about 2' at the south and east elevations.\n3. Wall construction: This wall bearing brick structure has\nan east facade built in running bond smooth face brick.\nThe other three elevations are in common bond with header\ncourses every six rows and are constructed with lesser\ngrade rougher face bricks. All elevations are now painted\ngray with white painted trim.\n4. Framing: The interior is partitioned into four quadrants\nby 19th century frame walls. Floor framing is said to\nbe wood joists.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads: At the west side of the\ndwelling is a wood-framed two story porch entered from\nthe first floor hallway from the landing to the second\nfloor and from a 5 riser stair from the west yard. Both\nlevels were enclosed in the 1940's and covered with asbestos\nshingles. The first floor serves as a kitchen while a\nsitting room, bath and closet occupy the second floor.\n6. Chimneys: There are three brick chimneys. Two at the south\nelevation and one at the center of the north elevations.\nThat at the north and that at the southwest measure about\n3 1/2' x 1 1/2' while that at the southeast is approximately\n6' x 1 1/2'. All are cement-plaster covered and crowned\nwith simple course brick caps.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The major entry is at the center\nof the east elevation and has a pair of 19th century\n2' 5\" three panel heavy wood doors. These are topped\nby a two light transom set in a segmental headed\nopening. The entry is framed by a pair of 10\"\npilaster boards and topped by a pediment supported by\ntwo 2' high scrolling wood consoles. The doors are\nrecessed about 1' from the west elevation and this\njamb is broken into panels by raised wood moldings. The\nentry is reached by a run of four 20th century brick\nsteps.\n162\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 9)\nA southeast parlor-library, (with 20th century lavatory),\na southwest dining room, and a kitchen in the closed-in\nporch at the west. At the second floor there are four\nnearly square bedrooms, a bath at the east end of the\nstairhall, and a bath at the enclosed west porch. A\nbasement extends under the southern portion of the main\nblock beginning at the south wall of the livingroom above.\nThis contains two large rooms and a furnace room. A wood\nroom extends as a basement under the west porch.\n2. Stairways: The half-turn main staircase located in the\nwest half of the stairhall ascends 13 risers from east to\nwest to a landing, and back 6 risers to the second floor.\nThe stair rail of dark hardwood is supported by two\nVictorian turned balusters per tred. The newel post\nappears to have been replaced by an early 19th century\ntype, a simple wood turned post. Directly under the main\nstair a run of 11 risers extend to the basement.\n3. Flooring: The original pine flooring of random width 4'\n6\" runs east to west on both first and second floors.\nThe basement has a concrete floor for the east half and\na wood floor at the west half, 8\" above the level of the\nconcrete.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of\nplaster and either painted or wall papered.\n5. Doorways and doors: The vestible doors at the east end\nof the stairhall are a pair of 2' 5\" two panel wood doors\nwith the upper panel being a single glass light 1' 3\"\nx 3' 9\". Above these doors appears a two light transom.\nThe standard door used on both first and second floors is\na six panel heavy wood door with a raised molding around\neach panel.\nAs part of the alteration of the second floors the doorway\nbetween the southeast and the southwest bedroom has been\nremoved and walled-up.\n6. Decorative features and trim: The major special feature\nof the decoration is an 8\" coved plaster cornice which\noccurs in the three major rooms of the first floor. Wood\ntrim includes a 10\" baseboard in the first floor main\nrooms, a l' baseboard in the stairhall, and 8 1/2\"\n163\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 10)\nbaseboards on the second floor. Window and door wood\ntrim is 6 1/2\" wide and a torus molded edge. Doors have\n8\" hung plinth blocks and first floor east windows have\nthree small wood console blocks under each pair of\nwindows.\n7. Notable hardware: Hardware includes what could be late\n19th century glass knobs, and brass escutcheons and key\nplates.\n8. Lighting: The one fixture of note is a glass chandelier\nin the first floor stairhall.. This fixture may be of\n19th century date but was installed in the house in the\nmid-20th century by the previous owner.\n9. Heating: Four fireplaces remain open; one at the second\nfloor and three at the first floor. In the living room\nthe north wall fireplace has a 2' 6\" semicircular-headed\nopening, and a white marble hearth and mantelpiece of\n19th century date. The 6' 1\" X 4' mantel is adorned with\na cartouche keystone, simply carved spandrel panels, and\ntorus molded vertical edges. It is topped by a simple\nmantel shelf with double curving leading edge. In the\nparlor-library the fireplace opening is 3' and semicircular\nheaded. Again the hearth and mantelpiece are of white marble\nwith the mantel being 5' 8\" X 3' 11\". It is ornamented\nwith a floral leaf keystone, grove-surrounded spandrel\npanel and chamfered vertical edges. It is topped by a\nmarble mantel shelf.\nThe dining room fireplace is 2' 1\" wide and is surrounded\nby a 5' X 4' 4\" wood mantelpiece. The opening is framed\nby a pair of reeded and chanelled. pilasters 2' 6\" high\nsupporting a shallow ogee arch. A slightly curved wood\nmantel shelf is 9\" in depth.\nThe house at present is heated by a central air system with\nfloor ventilators in each room.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: This house sits\namidst a number of large and small 19th century residen-\ntial structures, both town houses and detached residences.\n164\nJAMES I. BARRETT HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-180 (Page 11)\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard is enclosed at the west by a\ntwo story brick party wall, at the north by a 7' high\nwooden stockade fence, and at the south by a 4 1/2'\nhigh brick wall.\n3. Outbuildings: There are none.\n4. Walks: The residence faces east onto a brick sidewalk.\nAt the south is a 5' wide brick walk and a 10' wide con-\ncrete walk extending to the curb. At the south side\nnear the east corner is located a handsome circular coal\nchute cover plate of cast iron. It bears the name of\nF. & A. Schneider and is embossed with a central rosette\nand peripheral band of overlapping leaves.\n5. Landscaping: The rear yard is paved with brick and edged\nby plants and shrubs. The east front is edged with\nshrubs to window sill height.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJune, 1969\n165\nJames I. Barrett House\nphoto; J. Alexander\n166\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\n3013 Q Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nCooke's Row, Villa No. 3\nHABS No. DC-182\nkitchen\n14'x16\nX\nbutler's pan\n8'x14'\ndining rm.\n14'x23'\nsitting rm.\n15'x15'(orig.s)\nhall parlor\n15'x27'\nshrubs\n0\n10\nN\nQ Street\n168\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-182\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nLocation:\n3013 Q Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThis building is the eastern half of the third\nvilla from the left of Cooke's Row on the north\nside of Q Street (formerly Stoddert). Originally\ncalled villa number 3, Cooke's Place.\nPresent Owner:\nCol. and Mrs. Robert Evans\nPresent Occupant:\nSame\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nIn its park-like setting, Cooke's Row forms an\nSignificance:\nimpressive series of large scale, formal Victorian\nmansions. Of the four double villas, 3013 and 3015\nQ Street specifically represent the Italianate style.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1282, lot 803 (formerly Square 112, lot 3 of\nBeall's addition to Georgetown). The following is an\nincomplete chain of title to the property. The references\nare to the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.\n1792 Deed June 13, 1792, recorded June 16, 1792 in\nLiber A folio 117\nGeorge Beall and wife\nTo\nThomas Beall\n\"all that part of a tract of land known as the\n'Rock of Dumbarton' adjoining Georgetown, divided\nby the first branch north of Georgetown thence\ndown with said branch to Rock Creek; thence down\nthe West side of said Creek and all that part\nthat layeth south of the beginning of the before\nmentioned branch and the West side of Rock\nCreek...\"\n1798 Deed June 12, 1798, recorded August 24, 1798 in\nLiber D folio 67\nThomas Beall\nTo\nWilliam Craik\n169\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC- 182 (Page 2)\nPart of the Rock of Dumbarton containing 10 and\n5/8 acres, including land from the north side of\nBack St. (Stoddert, now \"Q\") north to Road Street\n(now \"R\") next to part of the Rock of Dumbarton\nsold to Brook Beall.\n1808 Deed March 10, 1808, recorded June 22, 1808 in\nLiber U folio 76\nEdmund J. Lee, Executor of the will of William Craik\nTo\nDavid Peter\n1836 Deed March 10, 1836, recorded April 21, 1836 in\nLiber WB 61 folio 82\nWilliam Ramsey and wife\nJames Peter and wife\nGeorge H. Peter and wife\nJames Beverly and wife\nTo\nJohn Marbury\nConveys 8 acres of land lying in Georgetown\nfronting on Stoddert, Washington and Road Streets\nknown as Peter's Grove, the residence of David\nPeter and his family after his death\n1844 Deed June 6, 1844, recorded June 8, 1844 in\nLiber WB 109 folio 193\nJohn Marbury, Trustee\nTo\nJohn Carter\n1867 Deed in Trust June 13, 1867, recorded July 9, 1867 in\nLiber ECE 10 folio 419\nJohn Carter O'Neil\nTo\nWilliam G. Moorhead\n\"In trust to secure payment of four promisory\nnotes given by said Moorehead to said O'Neil dated\nMay 15, 1867, for $9,375 for deferred purchase and\non payment of said sum, to hold in trust for the\nsale and separate use of Laura S. Cooke, wife of\nHenry D. Cooke\n170\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC- 182 (Page 3)\n1869 Deed February 2, 1869, recorded February 24, 1869 in\nLiber D 6 folio 360\nWilliam G. Moorhead, Trustee\nLaura S. Cooke\nTo\nCharles M. Keyser\nRecites that Charles M. Keyser and his heirs \"shall\nnot erect nor suffer to be erected on said premises\nany out building or out buildings whatsoever except\na stable to be built in blocks of two upon the\ndividing line of said premises, said stable to be\nnot higher than 12' to the square and to be of the\nsame style of architecture as the house now\nerected on said lot.\"\nDeed July 10, 1869, recorded July 29, 1869 in\nLiber D 11 folio 458\nCharles M. Keyser\nTo\nAlexander R. Shepherd\nDeed October 18, 1869, recorded October 19, 1869 in\nLiber D 14 folio 231\nAlexander R. Shepherd\nTo\nCharles M. Keyser\n1870 Deed February 16, 1870, recorded March 9, 1870 in\nLiber TR 6 folio 271\nCharles M. Keyser\nTo\nStephen Flanagan\n1876 Deed November 8, 1876, recorded March 1, 1877 in\nLiber 846 folio 178\nStephen Flanagan et ux Amanda\nTo\nJoshua A. Ellis\nDeed December 27, 1876, recorded February 28, 1877 in\nLiber 844 folio 239\nJoshua A. Ellis\nTo\nWilliam H. Barnard\n171\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC- 182 (Page 4)\n1879 Deed May 1, 1879, recorded May 5, 1879 in\nLiber 909 folio 347\nWilliam H. Barnard\nTo\nHenry D. Cooke and Laura S. Cooke\n1881 Deed May 25, 1881, recorded June 21, 1881 in\nLiber 976 folio 105\nWilliam E. Chandler,\nWilliam M. George, Jr., Trustees\nTo\nVan H. Higgens\nSold for default under trust\n1885 Deed August 22, 1885, recorded September 1, 1885 in\nLiber 1139 folio 325\nVan H. Higgins and wife Lena M.\nTo\nHelen Young Shepperd\nVilla #3 in Cooke's Row\n1909 Deed May 8, 1909, recorded May 11, 1909 in\nLiber 3238 folio 42\nRandolph Clay Murphy\nTo\nAurelia Augusta Murphy\nDevisee under the will of Helen Young Shepperd\n1911 Deed December 8, 1911, recorded January 5, 1912 in\nLiber 3486 folio 322\nJ. Holdsworth Gordon,\nWilliam H. Good, Trustees\nTo\nWatson Clark\nSold under decree passed October 5, 1909 in Equity\nCase 28585\n1912 Deed January 3, 1912, recorded January 7, 1913 in\nLiber 3587 folio 288\nWatson Clark\nTo\nJohn Blake Gordon\nErskine Gordon\n172\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC- 182 (Page 5)\n1914 Deed May 18, 1914, recorded May 18, 1914 in\nLiber 3720 folio 31\nJohn Blake Gordon\nErskine Gordon\nTo\nGeorge L. Nicholson\n1950 Deed October 16, 1950, recorded October 19, 1950 in\nLiber 9322 folio 412\nGeorge L. Nicholson\nTo\nEarl L. Packer and wife Iris\n1958 Deed June 23, 1958, recorded July 18, 1958 in\nLiber 11075 folio 373\nEarl L. Packer and wife Iris\nTo\nRobert F. Evans and Jane R. Evans\n2. Date of erection: The Evening Star, June 30, 1868 gives\nthe following information: \"Messrs. Starkweather and\nPlowman, the accomplished architects, engineers and\nsurveyors of Washington, some months since commenced the\nconstruction of eight first-class cottage villas located\non Stoddert Street on the south side of and adjoining the\nbeautiful grounds of Henry D. Cooke, Esq. on the famed\nHeights of Georgetown.\"\n3. Architect: Starkweather and Plowman.\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known.\n5. Alterations and additions: None.\n6. Important Old Views: None Found\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1878-79\nHenry D. Cooke\n1886-1908\nJohn Shepperd\n1915-48\nGeorge Nicholson\n1954\nGeorge Nicholson\n1958\nColonel Robert Evans, USA, ret.\n173\nCOOKE's ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 6)\n2. Henry David Cooke (1825-1881), after running a newspaper\nin Ohio, came to Washington during the Civil War to manage\nthe office of Jay Cooke and Company. This was one of the\nmost prominent banking firms of the period, and had been\nfound by his brother. Henry Cooke was responsible for\nhaving Congress authorize the construction of the first\nstreet railway in the District and became the president of\nthe Georgetown Street Railway Company in 1862. Shortly\nthereafter he resigned to become president of the First\nNational Bank of Washington. President Grant appointed\nHenry Cooke the first territorial governor of the District\nin 1871; he resigned from this position in 1873 because\nof the failure of the firm of Jay Cooke. Cooke's own\nGeorgetown residence was the Dodge House at 30th and Q\nStreets, which he purchased from Francis Dodge, Jr. in\n1867. According to legend, he built Cooke's row to\nestablished residences for his twelve children. (Diction-\nary of American Biography, vol. IV, pp. 382-383)\n3. The Georgetown Assessments of 1871 (National Archives\nMicrocopy 605, Group 351, roll 13) show an assessment on\nthe land for each of the villas at $1200 and the value of\nthe improvements at $10,000.\n4. The following description of the villas is taken from The\nEvening Star, June 30, 1869.\n\"These beautiful residences are set back from the street\n25 feet upon lots 43' X 140' deep, thus affording beauti-\nful front and side yards, which will be graded two feet\n(three steps) above the sidewalk, and terraced up from a\nlevel, leaving a walk inside the front fence, which fence\nwill be composed of a 2 foot high faced brick wall with a\nneat iron railing.\nThe buildings will be elevated above the terrace four feet\nto the principal floor and are two stories and French attic\nhigh for four of them in the French style of architecture,\nin the Italian style.\nThe houses contain each two parlors, connected with sliding\ndoors, a library, a dining room, butler's closet, servant's\nhall, and stairs, with all modern improvements and appur-\ntenances (besides the spacious hall and stairs opening on\ntasty porches) in the principal stories which are twelve\n174\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC- 182 (Page 7)\nfeet high in the clear. The kitchens which are located in\nthe basement, are ample, and communicate directly with the\nbutler's closet, adjoining the fine diningroom, by means\nof a dumb-waiter. The kitchen and butler's closets have\nevery convenience and are supplied with hot and cold water\nas also are the bathrooms in the second stories.\nThe second story of each house, 11 feet high, contains four\nfine chambers, closets, water closets, bathroom, dressing-\nroom, servants' hall stairs, etc. while the attics have\neach 4-5 good chambers. There is a cellar under each house\nits entire size.\nThese villas are of brick and are to be painted some warm\nmellow tint and sanded. The walls are open, with a 3-inch\nair space from the bottom of the cellar to their tops,\nthus securing a dry house in wet weather, and warm one in\ncold weather and cool one in warm weather. All the exterior\ndecorations, except the main cornices, will be formed of\nfancy moulded bricks, similar to the dressing of the Theo-\nlogical Seminary in Fairfax County, Va., which was designed\nand built by Mr. Starkweather of this firm just before the\nRebellion.\nThe outline of these superb residences is varied and\npicturesque while the details are constructed and arranged\nin a manner displaying great skill and refined taste in\nart of design both as pertains to grace and ease of outline\noriginality, novelty and effective beauty in detail; but\nalso great economy of outlay, a very important item in the\nDistrict. These houses cannot be surrounded and hemmed in\non either side and they adjoin the beautiful and pictur-\nesque grounds of Mr. Henry D. Cooke who is also having\nconstructed by the same gentlemen one of the most spacious\nand elegant mansions this side of Philadelphia.\"\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\n175\nCOOKE's ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 8)\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 3013 - 3015 Q Street are\nnumbers three and four of the eight units of the famous\nCooke's Row. Two units at each end of the row are in the\nFrench Second Empire Sytle while the other four units\nincluding 3013-15 are in the bracketed Italianate Villa\nstyle. As fine examples of this mode 3013-15 are signi-\nficant in Georgetown. As representative of the Victorian\ndesire for convenience and the picturesque this house, and\nthe entire row, are important. The concern for utility\nis evident from circulation features such as the dumb-\nwaiter or the servant stairway or in special appurten-\nances such as indoor plumbing or storage closets. This\nbasic provision for use is matched by romantic desires\nfor a house set in a park amid rich foliage. Variety\nis a key concept of the picturesque and this is evident\nin several ways. Each floor is differentiated by changes\nin floor to ceiling height and differences of detail,\nwhile modulations of scale and shape give to each unit\nof fenesration a specialized form for a particular position\nin the elevations.\nIt is as a whole however that Cooke's Row achieves its\ngreatest importance. The sum here is much greater than\na mere addition of its parts. Few other residential\ngroups of the Victorian period reveal as well the age's\ncultivation of picturesque siting and variations on a\ntheme as well as do these.\n2. Condition of fabric: 3015 is in a good and 3013 in a\ngood-excellent state of repair. Both halves of this\nbuilding however, have been altered somewhat. 3013 has\nhad a kitchen addition at the north and a rectangular\nprojection added to the east side of the sitting room.\nIt also appears that the interior has been altered in\nthe second quarter of the 20th century to include neo-\nclassic wood mantelpieces and a first floor hallway arch.\n3015 has added a garage with patio deck at the first floor\nelevation to the west of the living room in the mid-20th\ncentury. A two story rectangular brick section has been\nadded to the west end of the dining room probably at the\nbeginning of the 20th century, and one story kitchen has\n176\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 9)\nbeen added at the rear (north). The main rooms of the\ninterior are much less changed than 3013 except for the\nremoval of the original 19th century front marble fire-\nplace in the living room and the substitution for it of\na smaller Victorian one.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: 3013 and 3015 Q Street are numbers\nthree and four respectively of Cooke's Row located on the\nnorth side of Q Street between 30th and 31st Street and\nwith the party wall approximately 205' along Q Street\nfrom the center line of 30th Street. The two and one half\nstory brick double house has an 48' street front (south)\nand a depth of the 19th century portion of about 73'.\n2. Foundations: Brick bearing wall of the house is of common\nbond with header rows every six to eight courses. The\nwall is enriched with several 19th century ornamental\nfeatures. The first of these is a bracket supporting belt\ncourse at the sill level of the attic windows. The band\nitself is of standard and molded brick, while the\nchamfered lower edge sills appear to be of stone. At\nthe first floor line a three course water table of molded\nbrick gridles ahe building. Additional features are two\ntypes of window hood molds for the second floor windows.\nThese are 8\" wide segmental arched bands over the paired\nwindows at the south, east and west elevations. At each\npair of windows the bands are terminated by three molded\nbrick hoods. This theme is continued by similar 4\" wide\nbrick bands over the single windows at the second floor\nover the entry doors.\nIt has been reported that these buildings were painted\nwith pastel shades from the beginning. At present 3013-\n15 is a light yellow.\n4. Framing: Framing is not visible but is almost certainly\nof wood. Evidently the main staircases are both cantil-\nevered from a series of single beams running through the\nparty wall.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: The house is approached\nby a flight of brick steps the full width of central south\nfacade recess. The nine risers are topped by 20th\n177\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 10)\ncentury flagstone treds and the steps are provided at\nthe center and each side with 20th century black painted\nrailings.\nTo the north of the dining room of 3015 a set of 7\nrisers descends from west to east to the basement. A\nsimilar arrangement does not exist at the east half of\nthe house.\nAbove the entry at the south elevation at the second\nfloor line is a balcony with four metal brackets and metal\nrailings which appear to be of 20th century date.\n6. Chimneys: Each half of the house has two chimneys; one\ndouble size at the east-west wall between the library\nand the parlor and one single chimney at the south half\nof the outer wall of the parlor. Above the roof line\nthe two chimneys of 3013 appear to be in nearly original\ncondition while those at 3015 have been greatly altered.\nThose at 3013 are approximately 2' X 4' 6\" and 2' x 2'\n8\" respectively. Both have ornamental caps in the form\nof molded brick dentil bands and a standard brick 5\ncourse cap.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The main entry door at the\nsouth elevation has a semicircular headed\nmasonry opening about 5 1/2' wide. The doors them-\nselves are two 2' 7\" x 8' wood two panel center clos-\ning units with one of these panels a large rectangular\nlight. The doors are topped by a semicircular tran-\nsom and a brick arch of 8\" voussoirs. At 3013 the\nfan light appears to be of early 20th century date,\nwhile that of 3015 is a 19th century colored glass\nlunette.\nThresholds of both entry doorways are of cast iron.\nb. Windows and shutters: Fenestration throughout the\nhouse varies considerably in form and scale, Those\nat the first floor are semicircular headed 3/2 lights\ndouble-hung sash. The 3' wide floor-ceiling windows\nwith the stool at 7\" from the floor are paired except\n178\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 11)\nfor the triple windows at the bay in the dining room.\nThe top half of each window has a pair of lancet win-\ndows and a single lunette. The head of these windows\nis bridged by a brick voussoir arch and a sill formed\nby the water table.\nSecond floor windows are low segmental headed 2/2\nlights double hung sash. They are also 3' wide and\nare semi-floor-ceiling height with the stool at\n2' 2\" from the floor. Those at the east and west\nelevations have stone sills supported by molded brick\nbrackets.\nThird floor windows at the south elevation under\nthe projecting gable end consist of 3' semicircular\nheaded 3/2 light double-hung sash flanked by a l' 8\"\nx 3' 8\" 1/1 light semicircular headed double-hung\nsash.\nIn the large cupola over the central portion of the\nhouse are 16 (4 per side) semicircular headed 1' 3\"\nx 5' 2\" 1/1 light double-hung sash.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The basic roof shape is an \"H\"\nwith two low pitched gabled roofs with a north-south\nridge crossed by an east-west gable at the north end\nof the house. To the south of the crossing is a\nlarge cupola approximately 14' square with a low\npitched hipped room. The covering of the roofs is\nstanding seam metal.\nb. Cornice, eaves: As normal appurtenances of the\nItalinate mode there are numerous roof brackets.\nUnder the overhanging gabled roof ends and edges are\npairs of 3 1/2' tall brackets. They are scrolling\nbrackets with turned drips and are attached to the\nbrick belt course at the attic story sill level.\nFor the wooden framed cupola, the widely projecting\nroof is supported by three single 5' 6\" tall and two\n1' tall wood brackets at each side.\n179\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 12)\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: One major feature of the\nhouse is a large centrally located cupola. It is\ndivided by the north-south party wall into two\nspaces. 6' X 12' and is reached by a flight of steps\nfrom each half of the house.\nThe dormer over the doorway bay of 3015 is a 20th\ncentury intrustion.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The basic plan of each half of the \"cottage\nvilla\" is a simple row house type with full depth stairhall\nat the party wall, and along the side a series of rooms\nstaged from more public at the south to less public to the\nnorth. The 12' tall first floor contains a parlor, a\nsitting room, a dining room, a butler's closet and a kitchen\naddition.\nThe second floor of 3015 contains three bedrooms and a\nbath at the southeast corner at the main level and a\nlibrary and a bath on the lower floor level (about 3 1/2'\nlower) over the butler's closet at the north.\nThe third floor of 3015 has four bedrooms and a bath at\nthe southeast at the end of the hall.\nThe full basement contains laundry and storage rooms at\npresent, and probably originally housed a kitchen. This\nwould have been connected to the butler's pantry above by\na dumbwaiter about 1 1/2' square, the shaft of which is\nstill to be seen in 3013.\n2. Stairways: There are three sets of stairs for the house;\na main set at the entry hall, a set of servant stairs, and\na stairway to the cupola. The 3' wide main stair built\nagainst the party wall at the central section of the side\nhall has two straight runs up from south to north to the\nsecond and third floors. That to the second is twenty-\none 7 1/2\" risers and that to the third is eighteen\nrisers.\nAt the wall between the dining room and the hall is a\nset of double corner winder service stairs from the first\nfloor to the second floor and to the basement. Those to\nthe second level are fifteen 8\" risers up from south to\nnorth to the lev 1 of the room over the butler's closet\n180\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 13)\nand back from north to south five risers to major second\nfloor plane. In contrast to the free open aspect of the\nmain staircase this set of stairs is narrow, winding and\ncompletely enclosed.\nThe cupola is reached by a 2' 5\" stairway at the front third\nof the stairhall against the party wall. It is completely\nenclosed and ascends eighteen 9\" risers in a straight\nrun from the third floor.\nDetail features of the main stairway include a continuous\ndark wood railing with extremely long sections up to 14'\nin length, one large carved newel, polygonal and circular\nringed balusters, and floral wood appliqué blocks at\nthe tred ends.\n3. Flooring: The original pine flooring is best preserved\nin 3015. 3013 has had narrow board flooring added in the\nearly 20th century.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings throughout\nare painted plaster.\n5. Doorways and doors: Doors vary in size from 2' 10\" x\n8' four panel heavy wood doors at the first floor, to\n2' 10\" X 7' 5\" four panel heavy wood doors at the second\nfloor, and third floor doors 2' 6\" x 6' 4\" of the four\npanel type.\nIn addition, specialized doorways on the first floor (seen\nnearest to original condition in 3015) include a large\n5' 7\" opening from the hall to the parlor and a pair of\ntwo panel sliding doors in the 3' 10\" opening between the\ndining and sitting rooms.\n6. Decorative features and trim: Wood door and window trim\nvaries considerably from floor to floor. That at the\nfirst floor is 7 1/2\" wide with a torus molded edge, while\nat the second floor it is 7\" wide and is of a different\nflat edged type. At the third floor a simple 4\" trim is\nused.\nMolded top baseboards at the first and second levels are\nof the same type and are 1' 1\" and 10\" in height respectively.\nAdditional first floor trim includes a picture mold in the\nparlor at approximately 1' 8\" from the ceiling and a 6\"\ncornice mold at the ceiling in both the sitting room and\nthe dining room.\n181\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 14)\n7. Notable hardware: Some 19th century porcelain knobs and\nbrass hardware are still in place in both 3013 and 3015.\n8. Lighting: The lighting fixtures are generally of 20th\ncentury date and none appears to have been a part of the\nhouse in the 19th century.\n9. Heating: 19th century mantelpieces which appear to be\noriginal to the house are present in 3015 while those at\n3013 seem to be early 20th century additions. The major\nmantelpiece of 3015 (now removed) is in the parlor at\nthe west wall. It is 5' 8\" X 4' 5\" high of gray-green\nstreaked marble with a 1' 1\" X 6' 3\" mantel shelf. The\nbrick firebacked opening is framed by two free-standing\nmarble columns with Corinthian floral caps and bases\nboth in white marble. The north fireplace in the parlor\nis paint covered stone and is 4' 8\" X 4' high with a 5' 6\"\nX 11\" mantel shelf. The semicircular headed fireplace\nopening has a carved floral keystone and spandrels car-\nved into single panels.\nAt the second floor front bedroom (south) a fireplace at\nthe west wall has a stone mantelpiece 4' 6\" X 3' 9\" high\nwith a 5' 1\" X 1' mantel shelf. The semicircular headed\nfireplace opening has a carved keystone block and the\nmantelpiece is framed by a 1/2 round edge band. The two\nother fireplaces at the second floor are both of wood\nand are located at the north wall of the bedroom over the\ndining room and at the south wall of the bedroom over the\nsitting room.\n20th century central heating has radiators placed in every\nroom.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: 3013-15 Q Street as\nunits three and four of Cooke's Row, share the features\nof siting prescribed for the whole row. They are set\nback approximately 25' from the public walk and are given\nwide side yards at both the east and the west. Because\neach building is placed on an earth platform with a 2'\nretaining wall at the sidewalk and is reached by a\nflight of nine steps above this level, each seems surrounded\nby yet dominating, the surrounding landscape.\n182\nCOOKE'S ROW, VILLA NO. 3\nHABS No. DC-182 (Page 15)\n2. Enclosures: At the north edge of the rear yard is a 4'\nbrick retaining wall. Both rear yards are edged on the\neast and west by 20th century wood fences from 5' - 7'\nin height. There are no traces of the iron fence on the\n2' brick retaining wall at the public sidewalk that was\nreportedly a part of the 19th century structure.\n3, Outbuildings: The only out building is a mid-20th century\nbasement level garage addition and patio deck to the\nsouthwest of 3015.\n4. Walks: The house faces onto a concrete public sidewalk.\nA 7' wide concrete walk connects each set of entry steps\nwith the street. To the east of 3013 at 12' from the\nhouse a concrete walk runs from the rear yard to a\nconcrete paved parking area at the public sidewalk.\n5. Landscaping: The rear and side yards of 3013 are lawn\nareas while that of 3015 has a 20th century flagstone\npaved patio for the rear yard and to the west of the\ndining room.\nAt the south elevation many trees and shrubs fill in the\narea between the sidewalk retaining wall and the facade.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJuly, 1968\n183\nCooke's Row, Villa No. 3\nphotos: J. Alexander\nparlor\n184\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\n1314 30th Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nGrafton Tyler Double House\nHABS No. DC-178\nporch\nunit 20001\nkitchen\nlav.\narch\ndining rm.\n16'x20'\ndouble parlor\n15'x39' arch\nhall\n0\n10\nN\n30th Street\n186\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-178\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nLocation:\n1314 30th Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe residence is located on the west side of 30th\nStreet (formerly Washington Street) midway between\nN Street and Dumbarton Street. This data book concerns\nonly the northern half of a double house.\nPresent Owner:\nMrs. Ronald Osnos\nPresent Occupant: Same\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThis double mansarded residence is an example of a\nSignificance:\nparticularly formal treatment of a mid-Victorian\ndwelling. It is conceived sculpturally with the\nheavy hood molds, cornice and mansard carried around\non each side. The facade is axially symmetrical.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1233, lot 826 (formerly Square 63, lots 4, 72,\nand 73). The following is an incomplete chain of title to\nthe property. The references are to the Recorder of Deeds,\nWashington, D.C.\n1811 Deed April 6, 1811, recorded April 19, 1811 in\nLiber AA folio 36\nHenry Suttle, Trustee\nTo\nGeorge C. Washington\n\"Be it known that said Beall [Thomas] did bargain\nand convey the said lots [part of 72 and all of 73]\nto a certain Peter Cassanave of Georgetown but said\nCassanave has never complied with the contract or\npaid for legal title so that no conveyance was made\nto Cassanave\nThomas Beall brought suit in Chancery\n187\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-178 (Page 2)\nCourt of Washington Co. and D.C. and judgement was\nthat said lots should be sold to the highest bidder\nand Henry Suttle was appointed trustee to sell.\nSale was made 5-19-10. George Washington was the\nhighest bidder paying Beall $316.94. The said sum\nwas held as a lien on the lots.\"\nDeed April 9, 1811, recorded April 19, 1811 in\nLiber AA folio 36\nThomas Beall and wife Nancy\nGeorge C. Washington\nTo\nRobert Beverly\nDeed April 19, 1811, recorded August 8, 1811 in\nLiber AB folio 56\nRobert Beverly et ux Jane\nTo\nGeorge Clarke\n1854 Deed December 29, 1854, recorded January 15, 1855 in\nLiber JAS folio 306\nWilliam B. Clarke\nTo\nMaria Clarke\n1868 Deed April 25, 1868, recorded April 27, 1868 in\nLiber ECE 32 folio 406\nRobert B. Clarke\nRoberta A. Clarke,\nHeirs of Maria Clarke\nTo\nGrafton Tyler\nConsideration: $10,000\nDeed in Trust September 11, 1868, recorded\nSeptember 11, 1968 in\nLiber 568 folio 372\nGrafton Tyler et us Mary\nTo\nWilliam D. Cassin\nFrederick W. Jones\n\"Beginning on West side of Washington Street 122'\nn. of Gay Street thence west parallel to Gay Street\n188\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 3)\n80' to a 10' wide alley, thence north parallel to\nWashington Street 26' thence east parallel to first\nline through the center of the division wall of the\nhouse hereby conveyed and house next adjacent on\nnorth (said houses being now in course of errection)\nto west line of Washington Street. Thence south 26'\nto beginning\n\"\n1875 Deed May 10, 1875, recorded May 10, 1875 in\nLiber 783 folio 283\nGrafton Tyler\nTo\nWilliam Tyler\n\"\nbeginning 148\" north of Gay Street thence\nparallel to Washington Street 26'\n\"\nDeed July 15, 1875, recorded July 16, 1875 in\nLiber 794 folio 83\nWilliam Tyler\nTo\nEdward W. Whitaker\n\" beginning 122' from Gay Street by 52' on\nWashington Street. (both lots)\nDeed July 15, 1875, recorded October 10, 1875 in\nLiber 803 folio 164\nEdward W. Whitaker et ux Theodocia\nTo\nWilliam Tyler\n1876 Trustees Deed January 26, 1876, recorded January 28, 1876\nLiber 807 folio 391\nRobert P. Dodge\nPhilip A. Darneville, Trustees\nTo\nJames R. Young\nWilliam T. Keenan\nSold for default under trust of William Tyler\nbeginning 148' from Gay Street and running 26' on\nWashington Street\n1877 Deed June 26, 1877, recorded June 27, 1877 in\nLiber 859 folio 236\nJames R. Young\nWilliam T. Keenan\nTo\nCharles Wheatley\n189\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 4)\n1884 Deed September 11, 1884, recorded September 11, 1884 in\nLiber 1098 folio 77\nWilliam A. Gordon, Trustee of Charles Wheatley\nTo\nSamuel E. Wheatley\n1903 Tax Sale, April 4, 1903\n1920 Deed May 10, 1920, recorded May 12, 1920 in\nLiber 4346 folio 248\nWilliam J. O'Donnell and wife Mary\nTo\nCharles Lusby and wife Nancy\n1956 Deed May 21, 1956 recorded May 29, 1956 in\nLiber 10666 folio 169\nMary Lusby\nTo\nSamuel Carter\n1959 Deed July 7, 1959, recorded August 9, 1959 in\nLiber 11303 folio 486\nSamuel Carter\nTo\nRonald Osnos\n1968 Deed April 5, 1968, recorded May 28, 1968 in\nLiber 2885 folio 348\nRonald Osnos\nTo\nAlice H. Allen\nDeed April 5, 1968, recorded May 28, 1968 in\nLiber 128885 folio 350\nAlice H. Allen\nTo\nB. L. Osnos\n2. Date of erection: 1868. The construction of the double\nresidence is mentioned in the Trust of September 11, 1868\n(see page 3). In 1871 Grafton Tyler was assessed $5000\nfor the improvements on lots 72 and 73. (Georgetown Assess-\nment Records, National Archives Microcopy 605, Group 351,\nroll 13)\n3. Architect: Unknown\n190\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-178 (Page 5)\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known.\n5. Alterations and additions: The western section of the\nhouse was extensively remodelled in 1960. This block\nis said to have been in existence prior to the eastern\nVictorian section. However, because of the remodelling,\nthis cannot be corroborated. As part of the 1960\nalterations two sets of stairways at the western wall\nof the rear block were removed.\n6. Important old views: None known.\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington city directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1883-1901\nSamuel Wheatley\n1904-18\nWilliam O'Donnell, wholesale and retail druggist\n1922-56\nCharles Lusby\n1960\nBarbara J. Nahigian\nSamuel F. Cortel\n1962\nRonald Osnos\n2. For biographical information on early owners of the property\nsee the following:\nThe Beall Family\nHABS No. DC-154\nPeter Cassanave\nHABS No. DC-168\n3. Dr. Grafton Tyler was a very respected and prominent citizen\nof Georgetown. He was born November 21, 1811 in Prince\nGeorge's Country, Maryland. In 1845 Dr. Tyler moved to\nGeorgetown and according to the 1853 city directory\nestablished his residence at the corner of Gay (now N) and\nWashington (now 30th). In 1846 he was appointed professor\nof Practice of Medicine at the Columbia Medical School. A\nfew years later he became professor of Clinical Medicine at\nthe Washington Infirmary. He resigned from both positions\nin 1859.\nDr. Tyler was president of the Board of Council of George-\ntown, a member of the American Medical Association and\nvice-president of this association in 1855. He was an\nincorporator and director of Childrens' Hospital in\nWashington, and consulting physician to Providence Hospital.\n191\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 6)\nHe was married to Mary M. Bowie in 1836. Their home at\nWashington and Gay Streets also served as his office\nwhere he held office hours from \"8 to 9 1/2 a.m., 1 p.m.,\n4 to 5 1/2 p.m.\" (History of the Medical Society of D. C.,\n1817-1909, p. 237)\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 1312 and 1314 30th Street are\na pair of mid-Victorian town houses which represent the\ncomfortable living standards of the upper middle class.\nBoth the interior and the exterior display a desire for\nrichness of texture and heaviness of detail typical of\nthe period. They are a good example of the Victorian\ndesire to clearly differentiate and discriminate one\nportion or item of the design from another through the\nuse of ornamental features.\n2. Condition of fabric: The building is in good to\nexcellent general condition on both the interior and\nthe exterior. There has been a 1960 renovation of the\ninterior throughout. The major part of this was the\nremoval of two flights of stairs from the kitchen sec-\ntion. At the present time 1312 is having an extensive\ninterior remodelling and therefore all following remarks\nabout the interior refer to 1314 30th Street.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: The structure faces East onto 30th\nStreet between N and Dumbarton Streets with the party\nwall approximately 115' South of the centerline of\nDumbarton Avenue. Each 2 1/2 story unit composed of\nentry and large bay front is 22' wide and approximately\n75' deep.\n192\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 7)\n2. Foundations: The brick foundation is exposed approximately\n5' at the front (East) elevation and approximately 6\" at\nthe rear (West) elevation.\n3. Wall construction: The red brick wall bearing structure\nis of common bond with header rows every eight courses.\n1314 30th Street is now painted yellow with wood trim\npainted black.\n4. Framing: The 19th century interior partitions of the house\nappear to be of stud wall construction.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: At the East elevation\nthere is a cast iron entry stoop of five risers and entry\nplatform supported at the ground by two red-gray sandstone\nsteps. The stair is edged by a pair of cast iron railings\nwith two floral ornamental balusters per tread and termi-\nnated by heavy floral newel posts.\nThe rear elevation has a wood framed porch 9' deep with\ndecks at both the second and third floor. It is screened\nat the second floor but open at the first and third floor\nlevels.\n6. Chimneys: The brick chimneys are a major feature of the\nexterior of the houses. The three that are evenly spaced\nalong the North wall of 1314 and the South wall of 1312\nhave blind arches just above the level of the roof cornice,\nand above this, a dentil band and corbelled brick cap. A\nfourth chimney occurs at the center of the East wall of\nthe smaller western block of the house.\n7. Openings:\na.\nDoorways and doors: The entry doorway has a shallow\n(approximately 3') projecting pedimental hood\nsupported at the party wall by a gigantic sheet\nmetal scrolling bracket approximately 10' high and\non the bay side by a metal pilaster. The entry\ndoors open into a vestibule and consist of a pair\nof 2'-0\" wood doors with large rectangular single\npane lights 1'-0\" x 7'-1\". Over the doors is a\nsegmental headed jeweled glass transom. The five\npanel wood vestibule door matches the scale of the\nparty wall bracket being 4'-0\" wide and 8'-3\" high\nand having a 3'-0\" x 4'-0\" single pane glass light.\nOver this door is a single light rectangular transom.\n193\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 8)\nb.\nWindows and shutters: At the East elevation all\nwindows are 1/1 light double-hung wood sash with\nrounded heads. Those on the third floor are\ndormer windows with the dormer over the entry\ndoor being differentiated by having two narrow\n1/1 windows rather than one larger 1/1. The\nfirst floor windows are floor-ceiling length.\nAt the North elevation of 1314 and the South ele-\nvation of 1312 the windows of the eastern block\nare round headed but with 2/2 light double-hung\nwood sash.\nAll of the major North and East elevation windows\nof 1314 have interior folding shutters. Each has\nan upper and a lower pair of two part folding\nvertical panels with adjustable vertical louvered\nportions. The units fold back against the jamb\nbut do not fit into wall pockets.\nThe masonry window openings at the first and\nsecond floor are bridged by segmental brick arched\nbands projecting from the wall face, punctuated by\na sheet metal keystone, and ending is a molded\nbrick impost block. The second floor window over\nthe entry is distinguished by having a sheet metal\nlintel with end brackets and a center acroterion\nover a flat headed opening. Each window has a\nstone sill and at the first floor there appear\nplinth-like vertical brick bands at the sides of\nthe windows in the projecting bay.\n8. Roof:\na.\nShape, covering: The roof is a mansard with asphalt\nroofing on the upper slopes and with alternating\nbands of hexagonal and triangular slates covering\nthe steep lower slope. The vertical and horizontal\ncorners of the roof are edged with simple moldings.\nb.\nCornice, eaves: The cornice band is supported by\nlarge wood brackets. These are arranged in an\nalterating pattern of paired and single brackets.\nDown the North elevation of 1314 and the South ele-\nvation of 1312 these take the pattern of 2-2-1-2-1-\n2-2.\n194\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page )\nC.\nCupolas, dormers, towers: The East elevation poly-\ngonal bay terminates in a vertically segmented\nbaroque roof tower ending in a finial with polygonal\nring blocks.\nThe several dormer windows on the East, North and\nSouth elevations of the buildings each has an eared\nsegmental arch cornice supported on consoles.\nC. Description of Interior:\n1. Floor plans: 1314 30th Street is made up of two units, a\nwestern (rear) section with one major room per floor and\na wider eastern section with three major rooms per floor\nand with a stair hall and corridor along the South (party)\nwall.\nThe first floor plan has two front parlors separated by a\nlow arch, and a rear dining room in the eastern block and\na kitchen plus a bath in the western block.\nThe second floor has three bedrooms in the eastern block\nand one bedroom plus bath in the western block.\nThe third floor is now rented apartments with two bedrooms\nand a rear kitchen in the eastern block and a single bed-\nroom plus bath in the western block.\nThere is a basement under the western section housing the\nheating equipment and a crawl space under the eastern\nsection.\n2. Stairways: The one stairway at present is the original\nmain staircase opposite the entry door. It presents a\ndirectness characteristic of the Victorian period with a\nstraight run of twenty-one risers running up East to\nWest from the first floor to the second. The upper flight\nis also a straight run from East to West of nineteen\nrisers up to the third floor. Details of this stair\ninclude a carved wood newel post, turned wood balusters,\na wood railing and wood curvilinear stringer appliqués\nunder each tread.\n195\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 10)\nDuring the renovations of the house in 1960 the sets of\nstairs at the West wall of the kitchen that extended to\nthe basement and to the second floor were removed.\nThese stairs rose one above the other .up from South to\nNorth in straight runs to the first and second floors\nrespectively. These were replaced by a trap door in\nthe kitchen floor at about the center of the West wall\nwith a set of simple wood steps descending from North\nto South to the basement.\n3. Flooring: Most of the flooring on the first and second\nfloors is 20th century refinishing with narrow oak strips\nrunning North - South. On the third floor however the\noriginal pine flooring running East - West still remains.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are of painted\nplaster throughout.\nAt the North and South walls of the front vestibule there\nis a glazed tile wainscot of 6\" x 1/2\" tiles capped by a\nred colored wreath band and a green leaf pattern cap band.\nAbove this the plaster is scored to form of a large scale\nfern pattern.\n5. Doorways and doors: There are several varieties of wood\npanel doors throughout the house. The second and third\nfloors have as typical 2'-0\" six panel wood doors with\ntwo light horizontally pivoting wood framed transoms.\nThe first floor hall is differentiated by a 3'-0\" x 8'-3\"\nsix panel wood door between the dining room and the hall.\nIn the dining room on the West wall the door to the kitchen\nis a 2'-8\" X 7'-0\" six panel door.\nThere are in addition three sets of 19th century wood\nsliding doors. On the second floor there is a set of two\nsix panel wood sliding doors in a 7'-5\" opening in the\nNorth - South wall between the front and the middle rooms\nof the eastern block. On the first floor a 8'-1\" opening\nto the hall from the front living room is fitted with two\nsix panel wood sliding doors with two large 1'-0\" x 4'-0\"\nstenciled lights per door. Asimilar set of doors closes\nthe 7'-1\" opening in the North - South wall between the\nliving room and the dining room. Each door has a pair of\n8\" X 4'-0\" stenciled lights.\n196\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 11)\n6. Decorative features and trim: One special feature of the\nfirst floor is a series of over-doorway screens. The\nscreens are typically approximately 2' deep and of three\npanels. The center panel in each case is of turned\nvertical wood members with alterating large and small\ndiameter ring moldings. The side panels are a woven\npattern of twisted horizontal and vertical wood members.\nThese three panel units appear over the two sets of\nsliding doors in the living rooms and also act as a\nvisual stop in the hall between the entry and the stair-\nway. Finally, a transom screen similar to the central\npanel of the screen appears over the hall doorway to\nthe dining room.\nFurther space demarcation devices on the first floor are\ntwo shallow curved plaster arches; one in the living room\nbetween the West and the East portions of the space, and\none in the dining room runing West East between the\nbody of the room and the corridor connecting the hall and\nkitchen doors. The living room arch is supported by two\nlarge heavy floral ornamented brackets, has a repeating\ncircular flower motif on the intrados, and an intaglio\nvine feature in each spandrel. The arch in the dining\nroom is much simpler with no floral ornaments and supported\nby two simple plaster brackets.\nAdditional ornamental notes on the first floor are pro-\nvided by several molded ceiling features. One is in the\nentry hall before the stair, two are in the living room,\nand one is in the dining room. These originally served\nto surround the point of attachment of the hanging gas\nlight fixtures.\nOn the second and third floors there is simple 19th\ncentury wood trim. An 8 1/2\" molded top wood baseboard\nis the major element of wall trim as there is no chair\nrail, cornice or wainscot.\nOn the first floor the living room is trimmed with a\n10 1/2\" molded top baseboard, a large ogee cornice mold\nand a 6\" wide door trim with plinth blocks. The dining\nroom is further differentiated by having a 3'-8\" wood\npanel wainscot, no cornice, but a picture mold at approxi-\nmately 6\" from the ceiling.\n197\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-178 (Page 12)\n7. Notable hardware: There is a variety of 19th century\nhardware present, including both porcelain and brass\ndoorknobs and brass keyhole plates.\n8. Lighting: Three 19th century metal hanging gas lighting\nfixtures remain in the house on the first floor. Two\nfour-armed central stem fixtures remain in the living\nroom and one six outlet tubular fixture remains in the\ndining room.\nAll three of these have etched glass globes. The six in\nthe dining room fixture have patterns of cameo faces,\nmaidens, and flowers with birds. The two fixtures in the\nliving room with four globes each exhibit the following\npatterns: birds, flowers, deer, hunting duck and deer,\nand fishing.\n9. Heating: Several 19th century ornamental mantelpieces\nremain on fireplaces along the North wall. On the second\nfloor, fireplaces in the two front bedrooms have been\nbricked up but an early 20th century mantelpiece and\nheating grill are present in the back (West) room of the\neastern block. A 5' wood mantelpiece with mantel shelf\nand mirror surrounds a glazed tile facing and hearth for\na 10\" x 1'-2\" heating grill. Heat is supplied by a coal\nstove in the dining room fíreplace below.\nOn the first floor two paint covered stone mantelpieces\nare 5'-1\" wide and approximately 4' high. Both are\nfitted with 1'-2\" mantel shelves and both have glazed\ntile facing surrounding a fireplace opening with cast\niron fireback embossed with circles of three sizes. The\nmantel shelf is supported by baroque outline pilasters\ntopped by simple projecting blocks each having four\nvertical grooves. The mantel towards the west has a fire-\nplace opening with a semicircular headed opening and\nprojecting keystone. The vertical outer edges of the\nmantel are chamfered and the spandrels are carved into\nsingle panels.\nAs in the bedroom above, the dining room mantelpiece is of\nwood with a 4'-9\" mantel shelf. The mantel surrounds a\ncoal stove with a facing of colored glazed tiles between\nit and the mantelpiece.\n198\nGRAFTON TYLER DOUBLE HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 178 (Page 13)\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: The structure is located\nin a neighborhood of single family houses and walk-up new\ntype apartment buildings in the heart of residential\nGeorgetown.\n2. Enclosures: The rear yard is surrounded by a brick wall\napproximately 5' high.\n3. Outbuildings: None\n4. Walks: The East elevation fronts on a brick public side-\nwalk while the rear yard is almost completely covered by\na brick patio.\n5. Landscaping: The rear yard is surrounded by a strip of\nsmall trees and shrubs.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nJuly, 1968\n199\nGrafton Tyler Double House,\nphotos: J. Alexander.\nparlor and stair hall\n200\nGrafton Tyler Double House\nliving room chandelier\nphotos: J. Alexander,\ndining room\n201\nALBERT JACKSON HOUSE\n1693 31st Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nAlbert Jackson House\nHABS No. DC-181\ndining rm.\n(orig. kit)\n14'x18'\nstudy\nkitchen\n16'x19'\n12'x19'\n11\nhall\n:I\n:\n.\nporch\nliving rm.\n19'x20'\n17\n0\n10\nN\n31st Street\n204\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC- 181\nALBERT JACKSON HOUSE\nLocation:\n1694 31st Street, N.W. (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is located on the west side of 31st Street\n(formerly Congress) near R Street.\nPresent Occupant: Mr. and Mrs. Martin Millett\nPresent Owners:\nSame\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThis house is the only remaining Georgetown example\nSignificance:\nof a late Victorian bargeboarded cottage.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History:\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1281, lot 812 of original lot 3 from a subdivision\nof Tudor Place. The following is an incomplete chain of\ntitle to the property. The references are to the Recorder\nof Deeds, Washington D.C.\n1869 Deed May 3, 1869, recorded June 12, 1869 in\nLiber 10, folio 53\nGeorge Washington Peter et ux Jane\nTo\nWilliam H. Godey\nLots 2 and 3\n1878 Deed August 5, 1878, recorded August 6, 1878 in\nLiber 898, folio 1\nMary E. Godey\nTo\nAlbert B. Jackson\n1959 Deed april 24, 1959, recorded August 5, 1959 in\nLiber 11235, folio 321\nEdna Jackson Baker\nTo\nSamuel Levy\n205\nALBERT JACKSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 181 (Page 2)\nDeed June 25, 1959, recorded June 25, 1959 in\nLiber 11263, folio 80\nSamuel Levy\nTo\nEluned Millar\n1967 Deed June 28, 1967, recorded July 14, 1967 in\nLiber 12774, folio 121\nEluned McLaren Millar and John Y. Millar\nTo\nMartha Rockwell Millett\n2. Date of Erection: 1878-80. Albert B. Jackson took out\na building permit on September 17, 1878 (Permit #B 1272)\nfor a two story brick dwelling on Congress between Stoddard\nand Road Streets, in the amount of $4,000. He is listed\nin the 1880 City Directory at \"Congress near Road\" (now\n31st Street near R).\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc.: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: All exterior trim is original\nalthough the front porch was removed in 1959. At that time,\nthe original kitchen was converted into the present dining\nroom and the original second parlor was partitioned to form\nthe present library and kitchen. Walk-in closets in the\nsecond floor bedrooms have been converted into baths.\n6. Important old views: The present owners of the house posses\na photograph which seems to have been taken shortly after\nthe completion of the house.\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1880-1920\nAlbert Jackson, and Mrs. Josephine Jackson\n1921-48\nHarry J. Baker\n1952-60\nGuy C. Jones\n1960\nJohn Y. Millar\n1964\nLivingstone Biddle\n1965\nMcNair Pierce\n1966\nJack Valenti\n1967\nStephen Millett\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nOctober, 1968\n206\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: This late Victorian brick house\nwith its elaborate wood decoration has been renovated,\nboth interior and exterior, in the past few years. It is\na fine example of a cottage style detached residence with\nthe appropriate rich but light ornamentations. This includes\nwood brackets, barge boards, gable ends, and lintels\n(heads.) Originally a turned wood porch at the south, and\ncorbelled chimney tops further enriched the exterior.\n2. Condition of fabric: It is in very good condition and is\nwell maintained.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: This 2 1/2 story house faces east\nonto 31st Street between Q and R Streets, and is approxi-\nmately 50' along 31st Street from the centerline of R\nStreet. The house is 46' deep by 28' wide; with a 19'\nby 18' elevation at the rear (west).\n2. Foundations: The brick foundation wall is exposed about\n3' 6\" around the building.\n3. Wall construction: The solid brick bearing walls have\nbeen painted gray with the wood trim a contrasting off-\nwhite.\n't. Framing: There are both plastered masonry and wood stud\npartitions in the house.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads, etc.: Originally there was\na one-story front porch of Victorian \"gingerbread\" along\nthe eastern 22' of the south side of the house, now replaced\nby an open deck. There is a small stoop off the dining\nroom at the west end, and another off the kitchen at the\nnorth side.\n6. Chimneys: There were originally four chimneys: one on\nthe north side of the living room, one on the north side\nof the kitchen, one on the south side of the library, and\none at the west end of the dining room. There were orna-\nmental brickwork caps, greatly simplified in the recent remodell-\ning. The westernmost chimney was removed at this time.\n207\nALBERT JACKSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-181 (Page 4)\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The original front door has\nbeen replaced with a pair of glazed doors in the\noriginal opening which leads directly from the south-\neast porch-deck into the entry hall. There is a\nheavy, elaborate machine-carved wood head over the\ndoorway. Other exterior doors, all modern, open off\nthe dining room and the kitchen.\nb. Windows and shutters: Windows in general are tall\none over one double-hung wood sash, and those on the\neast and south elevations have the same heavy machine-\ncarved wood heads as the front door. There are wood\nlouvered shutters on both the upper and lower win-\ndows. The east end has three windows forming a bay\nat the first floor level. There are also some recent\ncasement windows in new dormers at the rear of the\nthird floor. At the south elevation second floor, a\nbathroom window has been added.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: There are three ridge lines, two\nrunning east-west and one running north-south, forming\ngables on the east end, the south center, the west end,\nthe north center. The roofs are covered with gray-\ngreen slate in two shades, in a geometric pattern.\nb. Cornice, eaves: The most arresting feature of the\nhouse is the profusion of scroll-sawn and lathe-\nturned ornamentation that billows around the roof-\nline like somewhat heavy lace. The barge boards of\nthe gables are elaborately treated, and their off-\nwhite paint sets them off in distinct contrast to the\ngray-green painted brick.\nC. Dormers, cupolas, towers: There is one large 20th\ncentury dormer at the rear of the third floor, a simple\nshed-roofed structure with casement windows.\nC. Description of the Interior:\n1. Floor plans: The first floor has a living room at the\neast end, an entry-stair hall running north-south through\nthe center, a study on the south and a kitchen on the\nnorth, with a dining room in an ell at the rear. The\nstudy and kitchen once formed a double room with a pair\nof sliding doors (now removed). between them, and the\n208\nALBERT JACKSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 181 (Page 5)\npresent dining room was the kitchen. The second floor\nhas a bedroom at the east end, the stair hall west of\nthat with a bathroom above the front door, a center hall\nrunning east-west with a bedroom on each side, and a\nbedroom with bath at the west end. The third floor has\na bedroom with bath at the east end, the stair hall west\nof that, and large playroom-studio across the rear.\nThe basement is divided into three large areas demarcated\nby the masonry bearing walls.\n2. Stairways: The main stair ascends along the east wall\nof the stair-entry hall to a series of winders at the north\nend and returns along the west wall to the second floor.\nThe stair to the third floor repeats this pattern. There\nis also a small enclosed rear stair which ascends from\nwest to east along the north wall of the dining room\n(former kitchen) in a straight run with winders at each\nend to the second floor. The basement stair runs beneath\nthis one, beginning in the present kitchen.\n3. Flooring: Floors in general are oak strip, covered with\ncarpet in many areas; resilient tile in the kitchen,\nbasement, baths, and third floor playroom-studio. The\nentry hall has a slate floor of 20th century date.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: In general walls are plaster,\npainted.\n5. Doorways and doors: Typical doors have four raised\npanels with applied quirked cyma sticking, although some\nof the doors inserted on the upper floors in the recent\nrenovations are louvered or flush hollow-core units.\n6. Decorative features and trim: Both the living room and\nthe entry hall have deeply coved molded plaster cornices\nand heavy foliated medallions in the centers of the ceil-\nings. The original trim, which still exists at most\nopenings, is 6 1/2\" wide and heavily molded. Many\nwindows have white-painted folding louvered shutters\nadded in the mid 20th century.\n7. Notable hardware: Original existing hardware is of very\nsimple late Victorian design: new hardware is unobtrusive.\n209\nALBERT JACKSON HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 181 (Page 6)\n8. Lighting: There are no original fixtures.\n9. Heating: There is a modern furnace in the central por-\ntion of the basement. Fireplace mantels in the dining\nroom (former kitchen), present kitchen, south and east\nbedrooms have been removed: those remaining in the\nliving room and study are heavily molded stone mantels\nwith arched openings, skillfully painted to look like\nvery dark marble.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: Located on the west\nside of 31st Street, the house faces east with its entrance\non the south. The north wall is approximately 2' 6\" from\nits neighbor to the north, while the front side and rear\nyards are quite ample. The neighborhood is typical of\nGeorgetown, combining large detached residences, now\nhouses, and walkup-apartments.\n2. Enclosures: Wood fences enclose the rear yard, while an\nornamental iron fence runs along the sidewalk at the\nfront yard.\n3. Outbuildings: None\nit. Walks: Walks are of concrete, brick, and flagstone.\n5. Landscaping: There is much planned plant material on\nthe property. The general effect is that of a well-\ntended informal landscape. In addition to the planting\naround the house there are also several large architectural\npots containing plants on the front entrance deck.\nPrepared by The Office of\nWalter G. Peter, Jr., AIA\nArchitect\nApril, 1969\n210\nAlbert Jackson House\nnineteenth century view\nTHE\nEDIT I Did\nCourtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Millett\n211\nAlbert Jackson House\nphotos: J. Alexander\nliving room\n212\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\n3099 Q Street\n(Georgetown)\nWashington, D. C.\nMariner-Lewis House\nHABS No. DC-187\nX\npantry\n7'x12'\ndining rm.\n16'x23'\nentry hall\nliving rm.\nporch\nll'x17'\n15'x24'\ncoats\nStreet\nQ\n0\n10.\nN\n31st Street\n214\nHISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY HABS No. DC-187\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nLocation:\n3099 Q Street, N.W., (Georgetown), Washington, D.C.\nThe house is on the northeast corner of Q Street\n(formerly Stoddert) and 31st Street (formerly\nCongress). Although the address is listed on Q\nStreet the house actually faces onto 31st Street.\nPresent Owner:\nMr. and Mrs. Hughes Call\nMr. and Mrs. George Skinner\nPresent Occupant: Mrs. Eleanor Lewis\nPresent Use:\nPrivate Residence\nStatement of\nThis home is a good example of the \"baronial\" type\nSignificance:\nresidence that was so often built by wealthy busi-\nnessmen of the period to proclaim their new status.\nThe heavy fortress-like expression of the exterior\nshelters sculpturally rich and spatially grand major\nliving spaces. The picturesque variety of the\nexterior helps to integrate the buildings with its\nsurroundings and a difficult hill site. This inte-\ngration was formerly enchanced by an unobstructed\nview of Tudor Place and by the existence of a\nbuilding of similar scale and form on the opposite\nsouthwest corner.\nPART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION\nA. Physical History\n1. Original and subsequent owners: The building is located\nin Square 1282, lot 815 (formerly lots 7 and 8 of W. T.\nBirch's subdivision of Square 112 in Beall's addition to\nGeorgetown). The following is an incomplete chain of\ntitle to the property. The references are to the\nRecorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C.\n1805 Deed June 14, 1805, recorded June 15, 1805 in\nLiber G folio 398\nThomas Beall\nTo\nHarriet Williams\n215\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 187 (Page 2)\n\"same sold to Brook Beall, father of Harriet\nWilliams but not conveyed and which fell to her\nin division of her father's estate\n1832 Deed December 17, 1832, recorded January 22, 1833 in\nLiber WB 44 folio 355\nHarriet Williams\nTo\nHarriet Eliza Harry\n1871 Will Book 16 folio 141\nHarriet Eliza Harry wills property\nTo\nHarriet Beall Chesley\n1885 Deed June 17, 1885, recorded June 22, 1885 in\nLiber 1132 folio 173\nHarriet B. Chesley\nTo\nW. Taylor Birch\nConsideration: $3,710.26\nSubdivision June 22, 1885 recorded in\nLiber ARS folio 155, into lots 7, 8, and 9\n1901 Deed November 16, 1901, recorded November 16, 1901 in\nLiber 2590 folio 442\nW. Taylor Birch et ux Ida\nTo\nJohn Mariner\nLot 8 and an undivided 1/2 interest in lot 7\nThe remaining 1/2 interest in lot 7 was sold to\nEdgar Trisby at the same time.\n1903 Deed January 15, 1903, recorded January 16, 1903 in\nLiber 2704 folio 455\nEdgar Trisby et ux Laura\nTo\nJohn Mariner\nDeed January 16, 1903, recorded January 16, 1903 in\nLiber 2704 folio 456\nJohn Mariner\nTo\nElla Truett\nLots 7 and 8\n216\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 187 (Page 3)\n1926 Deed April 14, 1926, recorded April 19, 1926 in\nLiber 5737 folio 255\nElla Truett\nTo\nMary S. Cary\n1928 Deed July 17, 1928, recorded July 19, 1928 in\nLiber 6183 folio 201\nMary S. Cary\nTo\nEleanor C. Lewis\n1953 Deed October 30, 1953, recorded June 10, 1953 in\nLiber 10064 folio 106\nEleanor C. Lewis\nTo\nVolinda and Hughes Call\nPhoebe and George Skinner\n2. Date of erection: Between 1887 and 1890. The house is\nnot shown on the Hopkins Atlas of 1887, but is on the\nAtlas of 1890.\n3. Architect: Unknown\n4. Original plans, construction, etc: None known\n5. Alterations and additions: Garage added C. 1920\n6. Important old views: None known\nB. Historical Events Connected with the Structure:\n1. Washington City directories provide the following tenant\ninformation:\n1903\nJohn Mariner\n1904-24\nGeorge E. Truett\n1925-26\nVacant\n1927-68\nMrs. Eleanor Lewis\n2. In 1926 when the Lewis family moved in, they chose to\nchange the address from 1601 Congress Street to the present\naddress on Q Street. Mr. Ernest Lewis was Commissioner of\nthe Interstate Commerce Commission in 1929 and President of\nthe Georgetown Citizens Association in 1938.\n217\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC- 187 (Page 4)\n3. For additional biographical information on the Beall family\nsee HABS No. DC-154.\nPrepared by Ellen J. Schwartz\nArchitectural Historian\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\nPART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION:\nA. General Statement:\n1. Architectural character: 3099 Q Street, N.W. is a good\nexample of an end of the nineteenth century Victorian\nbaroque mansion. Both on the interior and exterior it\nis a pretender to the title of \"grand residence\". The\nacademic picturesqueness of the exterior is complemented\nby the formal textural richness of the interior. Because\nof the manner in which it dominates a key site in George-\ntown (southeast of Tudor Place) it is a critical node in\nthe architectural structure of the northeast area.\n2. Condition of fabric: The house is in generally good\ncondition. There are, however, at present, several roof\nleakage problems, which threaten the upper floor ceilings.\nBoth the interior and the exterior remain largely of\nlate nineteenth century character.\nB. Description of Exterior:\n1. Overall dimensions: 3099 Q Street is located at the\nnorthwest corner of 31st and Q Streets with its north\nwall approximately 55' north of the centerline of Q\nStreet. The dimensions of the \"L\" shaped three story\nbrick residence are approximately 50' for the nominally\neast-west leg and approximately 35' for the nominally\nnorth-south leg.\n2. Foundations: The brick bearing walls are carried down as\nfoundations for the house.\n3. Wall construction: A chief feature of this wall bearing\nstructure is modulation of the wall surface in both form\n218\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 5)\nand texture. At the south and west elevations the base-\nment level is surfaced with brownstone. This surfacing\nextends to the second floor window sill line at the\nentry (west) elevation and around the southwest circular\ntower. Further use of this sandstone occurs in a series\nof smooth or rough belt courses. Red brick wall features\ninclude a dentil-like band above the second floor windows,\narched lintels on the tower windows, and a colonette\nband at the level of the third floor windows of the tower.\nIn addition, brick colonette buttresses are placed at the\ntwo corners of the south elevation two story bay projection\nof the dining room leg.\n4. Framing: As visible in the attic roof, framing is with\n2\" X 8\" wood joists. Other framing is not visible.\n5. Porches, stoops, bulkheads: At the south side of the\nliving room is a wood and stone porch giving access to\nthe dining room. The two slope roof (to south and west)\nis wooden framed and is supported by four wood columns.\nThese columns have simple unfluted shafts and bell-\nshaped capitals. The porch is surrounded by a gray-brown\nsandstone railing. Steps to the porch are located at\nthe east half of the south side and the ascent of 7 stone\nrisers is in a straight run up from south to north.\nAt the main entry (west elevation) the stoop and steps are\nof gray-brown sandstone. The four risers are bracketed\nby sandstone grid railings ended by rounded cone sand-\nstone newel posts.\n7. Openings:\na. Doorways and doors: The main entry to the north of\ntower is fitted with a pair of wood single light\nvestibule doors and a 3' 2\" x 7' seven panel wood\ndoor with a large glass light and transom light\nabove.\nThe seven panel heavy wood door from the south porch\nto the dining room is 2' 11\" X 7'.\nb. Windows and shutters: A variety of window sizes\nand shapes highlight the exterior. On the first\n219\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 6)\nfloor the living room has four 6/1 light double-\nhung wood sash with the upper sash being 1/3 the\nheight of the lower sash. Both the lower light\nand the horizontal members of the sash are curved\nin correspondence to the circumferential curve of\nthe tower. Over each of the windows is a blanked-\nout transom. In the dining room 1/1 light double-\nhung wood sash are used. The entry hall is lit by\na pair of single casements with nine leaded lights.\nThe main stairway is lit by a pair of 9/9 light\ndouble-hung wood sash at the first floor landing.\nThe closet at the west side of the entry hall is lit\nby a pair of approximately 1' x 2' 6\" six light\nfixed sash.\nThe second floor generally uses 1/1 light double-\nhung wood sash of approximately 6' 6\" height. The\nthree windows in the tower have both lights and hori-\nzontal members of the sash curved in conformity with\nthe circumferential curve of the tower.\nWindows on the third floor are 1/1 light double-\nhung wood sash. The five windows in the tower are\nof this type but have semicircular headed upper\nsash.\nAt both the tower and the south elevations all large\nwindows on all three floors have internal folding\nshutters. Each window has a lower and an upper pair\nof two panel shutters, the lower pair having adjustable\nhorizontal louvers.\n8. Roof:\na. Shape, covering: The hipped roof is almost obscured\nby the conical roof of the tower at the southwest and\nthe flat roof of the projecting bay at the southeast,\nRoof covering is with thin pieces of slate.\nb. Cornice, eaves: At the edge of the hipped roof at the\nsouth and the east there are metal ornamental gutter\nfacings. At the tower the eaves are supported by single\nwood brackets. At the southeast the third floor bay\nprojection is topped by a heavy balustrade supported\nby stone block brackets and ended at the east and west\ncorners by pseudo-bartizans.\n220\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 7)\nC. Cupolas, dormers, towers: The one dormer of the\nhouse is located at the west roof slope and is fitted\nwith a pair of 1/1 light double-hung sash. It is\ntopped by a triangular pediment ornamented with a\ncentral rinceau motif. Attached to the upper corner\nof the dormer are pseudo-bartizan features.\nC. Description of the Interior:\n1. Floor plans; The first floor plan of this asymmetrically\nplanned house has an entry hall at the northwest, the\nliving room at the southeast and a pantry at the north-\nwest. This pantry is connected to the basement kitchen\nby a dumbwaiter at the southeast corner of the pantry.\nThe second floor has one bedroom each at the north, west\nand south, a study at the southwest, and a bath at the\nnortheast.\nOn the third floor there are three bedrooms; one each at\nthe northwest, southwest, and southeast. In addition there\nis a bath at the center of the east half of the house and\na small kitchen has been added in the mid-20th century at\nthe northeast corner of the plan.\nThe full basement contains, at present, a series of storage\nrooms and a laundry. Evidence of the use of the east\nhalf as a kitchen in the 19th century is to be found in\nthe cast iron stove that remains.\n2. Stairways: The 3' 9\" wide half-turn main staircase\nis a major ornamental feature of the house and is located\nat the east side of the entry hall. The run to the second\nfloor is seven risers up from south to north to the landing\nand then back 13 risers. The ascent to the third floor\nhas a run of 12 risers up from south to north and a\nreturn of 6 risers.\nCarving of the various wood appurtenances of the stair-\nway at the first floor is generally quite rich. Three\nfloor-ceiling posts at the west side of the stair visually\nestablish the space of the stair as separate from that of\nthe hall. These posts are decorated with floral carved\nwood bases and capitals. The balusters of the stairrun\nand the landing are closely spaced turned wood sections.\n221\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 8)\nBoth the posts and the balusters have been painted in the\n20th century.\nAdditional minor stairs in the house include a service\nstair from the pantry to the first floor landing. It is\na straight run up from south to north. Under the run of\nthe main stair from the landing to the second floor a\nhalf-turn wood stair descends from the south to the north\nto the basement. On the third floor a corner winder\nstairway located between the southwest and the southeast\nbedroom ascends from west to east to the attic.\n3. Flooring: The first floor retains its original narrow\nboard oak flooring. At the second and third floors,\nhowever, oak parquet flooring in a checkerboard pattern\nhas been added in the early 20th century.\n4. Wall and ceiling finish: Walls and ceilings are generally\nof painted or wall-papered plaster. The ceiling in the\nentry hall however is a grid pattern of square wood panels.\nIt has been painted an off-white in the 20th century.\n5, Doorways and doors: Door types vary from floor to floor.\nthe third floor has simple four panel wood doors with\nsingle wood panel transoms, while the second floor has\nsix panel wood doors with the same single panel transom.\nAt the first floor there are two sets of heavy wood sliding\ndoors. A pair of 3' doors closes the opening between\nthe entry hall and the living room and a set of 3' 6\" doors\ncloses the opening between dining and living spaces.\nBoth sets of doors slide completely into wall pockets.\n6. Decorative features and trim: Door trim varies in size\nand form from floor to floor. At the second and third\nlevels it is 6\" and 5\" wide respectively. Upper corners\nare fitted with bulls eye square corner blocks. At the\nfirst floor the door trim is 6\" wide. The doorways are\ncrowned by a simple wood cornice molding, and corner\nblocks are ornamented with a four part leaf pattern wood\nappliqués.\nMolded top baseboards are 8\" high at the third floor,\n9 1/2\" at the second floor and 11\" at the first floor.\n222\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 9)\nAdditional trim includes an oak panelled wainscot in both\nthe entry hall and the dining room. That in the dining\nroom is 4' 1\" high and that in the entry hall is 4' 5\"\nhigh.\nIn both the dining room and the living room there are\nceiling plaster features. These include a heavy unorna-\nmented cornice band and an approximately 2 1/2' X 2'\nmolded lighting fixture base at the center of the ceiling\nof each room.\n7. Notable hardware: Most of the original 19th century\ndoor and window hardware is still present. Of special note\nis the cast metal oriental geometric and floral patterned\ncatch plates and keyhole plates of the sliding doors of\nthe first floor.\n8. Lighting: The major feature of note is the 19th century\nglass chandelier in the dining room. It is a gas fixture\nwith four branches with glass hung in several concentric\nrings of several diameters. It was present in the house\nwhen it was purchased by Ernest Lewis in 1926.\n9. Heating: Fireplaces with their ornamental mantelpieces\nprovide foci for the major rooms. Those on the first\nfloor are especially unique. The living room fireplace\nhas a tile hearth and a tile facing with projecting\ngarland band. The opening itself has a metal fireback\nand a round headed ornamental metal facing plate. The\n6' X 4' high wood mantel has a straight line mental shelf\nsupported by two free-standing floral decorated columns.\nIn the dining room the fireplace opening has a tile hearth\nand a tile facing. The 6' X 4' high mantelpiece has a\nstraight line shelf supported by two pilasters with foliate\ncapitals.\nAll three second floor fireplaces have tiled hearths,\ntiled facings and wood mantelpieces. Typical is that of\nthe south wall of the southwest study. It is fitted\nwith seventeen 6\" square aquamarine colored facing tiles.\nThose at the upper corners and at the center of the lintel\nare embossed with full face boys' heads. The hearth is\nof 3\" square dark green glazed tiles edged by a 1/2\"\nrosette band of green-brown tiles. The metal fireback\nis embossed with a floral pattern. The mantel is 4' 1\"\nX 3' 11\" high with a simple wood mantel shelf.\n223\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 10)\nThe fireplace at the north wall of the northwest bedroom\nhas its tiled hearth and facing painted over with black.\nThe 6\" square facing tiles are floral patterned with\nthe exception of those at the upper corners which are\nembossed with full face heads. The metal fireback is\nembossed with a rosette pattern. The mantelpiece is\n5' 3\" X 3' 11\" high with a 3' 9\" X 3' 11\" overmantel\nmirror.\nIn the southeast bedroom the tiled face and tiled hearth\nfireplace has had its fireback removed and its mantel\nhas been altered.\nOn the third floor the fireplace in the southeast bedroom\nis similar to those in the bedroom on the second floor.\nIts tile facing is blue and the upper corner tiles are\nfull-face medusa heads. Its fireback is cast in a rosette\npattern.\nThe other open fireplace on the third floor is at the\nnorth wall of the northwest bedroom. It is a 20th cen-\ntury addition in terms of its mantelpiece. This is of\nblack marble 5' x 3' 8\" with a semicircular headed open-\ning.\nD. Site:\n1. General setting and orientation: 3099 Q Street dominates\nthe northeast corner of 31st Street and Q streets from its\nhillside site. It sits on an embankment approximately\n4' above sidewalk grade at the south. Tudor Place is\nlocated to the northwest and the Lewis house formerly\nwas fronted by companion large brick mansions at the\nsoutheast and southwest corners of 31st and Q.\n2. Enclosures: Brick retaining walls were built in the mid-\n20th century at the south and west sidewalks. In the\nyard to the east there is an approximately 8' high brick\nwall to the north and a low snow fence to the east.\n3. Outbuildings: Approximately 20' from the east wall of\nthe house is a 20' deep and 18' wide sunken garage of\nearly 20th century date. Its roof is level with the rear\nyard and its floor is 10' below rear yard grade. It is\n224\nMARINER-LEWIS HOUSE\nHABS No. DC-187 (Page 11)\nentered from Q Street by a downward sloping concrete\nramp. There is a flight of 15 concrete steps along the\nwest side of the garage up from south to north to the\nrear yard level.\n4. Walks: The house fronts onto two sidewalks; that at the\nsouth is concrete and that at the west is of brick.\nFrom the south walk a brick walk and steps lead to the\nentry at the west elevation. From the street at the\nsouthwest corner of the property, a series of 4 risers\nfrom south to north leads to a brick platform. From this,\n5 brick risers ascend to the walk which leads past the\ntower to the entry steps at the west elevation. This\narrangement supercedes a 19th century arrangement in which\nstraight runs led from the west walk directly to the west\nentry and from the south walk directly to the south\nporch.\n5. Landscaping: The house is framed on all three open\nsides (south, east and west) by large shade trees.\nPrepared by William P. Thompson\nArchitect\nCommission of Fine Arts\nAugust, 1968\n225\nMariner-Lewis House\nearly twentieth century view\nCourtesy of Mrs. George Skinner\nphoto: J. Alexander\n1968 view\n226\nMariner-Lewis House\nstair hall\nphotos: J. Alexander\ndining room\n227\nAPPENDIX\nOLD GEORGETOWN ACT\nPublic Law 808 - 81st Congress - H.R. 7670\nD.C. Code 5-801, 64 Stat. 903\nAn Act To regulate the height, exterior design, and construction of\nprivate and semipublic buildings in the Georgetown area of the\nNational Capital.\nBe it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the\nUnited States of America in Congress Assembled, That there is here-\nby created in the District of Columbia a district known as \"Old\nGeorgetown\" which is bounded on the east by Rock Creek and Potomac\nParkway from the Potomac River to the north boundary of Dumbarton\nOaks Park, on the north by the north boundary of Dumbarton Oaks\nPark, Whitehaven Street and Whitehaven Parkway to Thirty-fifth\nStreet, south along the middle of Thirty-fifth Street to Reservoir\nRoad, west along the middle of Reservoir Road to Archbold Parkway,\non the west by Archbold Parkway from Reservoir Road to the Potomac\nRiver, on the south by the Potomac River to the Rock Creek Parkway.\nSec. 2. In order to promote the general welfare and to preserve\nand protect the places and areas of historic interest, exterior\narchitectural features and examples of the type of architecture\nused in the National Capital in its initial years, the Commissioners\nof the District of Columbia, before issuing any permit for the con-\nstruction, alteration, reconstruction. or razing of any building\nwithin said Georgetown district described in section 1 shall refer\nthe plans to the National Commission of Fine Arts for a report as to\nthe exterior architectural features, height, appearance, color, and\ntexture of the materials of exterior construction which is subject to\npublic view from a public highway. The National Commission of Fine\nArts shall report promptly to said Commissioners of the District of\nColumbia its recommendations, including such changes, if any, as in\nthe judgement of the Commission are necessary and desirable to\npreserve the historic value of said Georgetown district. The said\nCommissioners shall take such actions as in their judgment are right\nand proper in the circumstances: Provided, That, if the said Commission\nof Fine Arts fails to submit a report on such plans within forty-five\ndays, its approval thereof shall be assumed and a permit may be issued.\nSec. 3. In carrying out the purpose of this Act, the Commission\nof Fine Arts is hereby authorized to appoint a committee of three\narchitects, who shall serve as a board of review without expense\nto the United States and who shall advise the Commission of Fine\nArts, in writing, regarding designs and plans referred to it.\n231\nSec. 4. Said Commissioners of the District of Columbia, with\nthe aid of the National Park Service and of the National Park and\nPlanning Commission, shall make a survey of the \"Old Georgetown\"\narea for the use of the Commission of Fine Arts and of the build-\ning permit office of the District of Columbia, such survey to be\nmade at a cost not exceeding $8,000, which amount is hereby\nauthorized.\nSec. 5. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as\nsuperseding or affecting in any manner any Act of Congress hereto-\nfore enacted relating to the alteration, repair, or demolition of\ninsanitary or unsafe dwellings or other structures.\nApproved September 22, 1950.\n232\nThe documentation and recording of these\nstructures was begun in June 1968 under the direc-\ntion of the Commission of Fine Arts and the Historic\nAmerican Buildings Survey. William P. Thompson,\nformerly Assistant Professor and the architectural\nhistorian of the University of Kansas, is assuming\nthe position of Assistant Professor of Architectural\nHistory at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg,\nCanada; Ellen J. Schwartz is a Graduate Assistant\nand candidate for a Master's degree in Art History\nat the University of Maryland. Editorial assistance\nwas given by Daniel D. Reiff, Ph.D. candidate in\nthe Department of Fine Arts, Harvard University.\nAcknowledgement is made to the office of Walter\nG. Peter, Jr., and especially Robert Gray, for\nassistance in the preparation of several archi-\ntectural surveys. Acknowledgement also should be\nmade to the staff of the Commission of Fine Arts,\nand the Secretary, Charles H. Atherton. All photo-\ngraphs were taken by J. Alexander, Wheaton, Maryland.\nPlans were drawn by William P. Thompson.\n233\n# U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1969 0-356-031"
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