5 East Chestnut Hill Avenue

 

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(photograph from Chestnut Hill Historical Society-John Naylor Collection: 1970.56)

MAP NUMBER: 7
DATE: 1858-1861
ORIGINAL OWNER: Frederick F. Forepaugh
ARCHITECT: Unknown
CONTRACTOR: Unknown

This was one of the new houses constructed in Chestnut Hill after the Chestnut Hill
Railroad was opened in 1854, signaling the transition of Chestnut Hill from a farming
community to a “suburb in the city.”  One of the house's occupants, General Joshua
T. Owen (1821-1887), served during the Civil War and was instrumental in founding
both the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and the Chestnut Hill Academy.  The
third floor, with its ornamental stucco exterior, is reportedly an addition to the original
house as is the bracketed cornice supporting the wide overhang and hipped roof. 
Alterations and additions occurred in 1899, 1917, and 1928, Norman Hulme, architect. 
He also designed the detached garage in 1928.  A larger front porch was
removed.  The current parish house of  Our Mother of Consolation and the
Church (both built between 1858 and 1861) are visible in this photograph. 

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