Home Histories
on Monday, November 8, 2010At McCulloch Construction we deeply care about the history of our homes. We strive to incorporate the architectural vocabulary of the original architects and always work within the the homes’ design aesthetic – be it Prairie School or Colonial Revival. As we remodel our home on Siskiyou, we’ve reproduced historic windows, copied mantle details from the architect’s personal residence, and worked with local historian and landscape architect Wallace K. Huntington. We even employ a full-time researcher to track down interesting details about house histories and their original residents. Some of the pictures and stories he’s unearthed can be viewed on our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mcculloch-Construction-LLC/302520900375).
An interesting character that has prominently featured in his research is Fronia Wallace Giltner – wife of Roscoe Ross Giltner and original resident of 1729 NE Siskiyou. She was a prominent socialite and many of her cultural events and bridge parties were written up in the Oregonian’s society pages. After Roscoe died in 1918, Fronia’s social activities increased as she looked for ways to keep herself occupied. She constantly hosted events for her sorority members, hosted visiting musicians, and even allowed her gardens to be used as the stage for a children’s theater hand puppet production of Sleeping Beauty. Our favorite find was probably this advertisement for a cooking demonstration that shows a partnership between Fronia and a gas range company. We got a real kick out of seeing her in this ad and hope you do too!
I am so excited to have come across your sites! Fronia is my great great Aunt. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet her, but have come across your material while researching her nephew, my great grandfather, Roscoe D. Hemenway, also an architect in the Portland area. Thanks again for the research and what fun – a photo!
Wow! (In reaction to Elizabeth’s message to you on May 26,2011). We live in one of the last homes Roscoe Hemenway designed, in 1951.Bought it from Alice Wilson’s daughter Lee, who grew up in the house. Her dad William Wilson built the house almost entirely by himself we are told, based on plans that Roscoe Hemenway supplied. We still have the plans, as well as the drawings for the yard made by Barbara Feeley. Our house is over in Garden Home (west of Multnomah Village). I have been enjoying poring over your site. Looks like you do lots of whole house remodels. We are going to do a remodel of our kitchen only–which still has the original formica counters and fir cabinetry.Beyond dated!! Do you do one room remodels only??
Thanks Sophie:-) and John.
Pam
Pam Waldman and Dan Rosenhouse
(503)245-7583
latkes@msn.com
(503)245-7583