8250 Stenton Avenue

 

click on image to see larger version
(photograph from Chestnut Hill Historical Society-John Naylor Collection: 1970.70)

 

MAP NUMBER: 69
DATE: 1884
ORIGINAL OWNER: William Potter
ARCHITECT: George Pearson
CONTRACTOR: Unknown
DEMOLISHED: 1956

The "Maples" was near the corner of Stenton Avenue and Gravers Lane. 
A building permit abstract recorded in September 1897 states that contractor,
George S. Roth built a second story porch.   Another abstract dated October
1900 records that  A. H. Brockie, architect, designed an enclosed piazza with
glass as well as two over-hanging bathrooms.  William Potter took over his father's
(Thomas Potter) linoleum and oilcloth business after his father became ill. 
He later studied law and eventually became ambassador to Italy, in 1892. 
He had a deep interest in international affairs and hosted visiting royalty in his
Chestnut Hill home, including Crown Prince Pridi of Siam, who had met the
Potters in Europe.  Potter lived at the "Maples" until he died in 1926.  The
"Maples" was bought by Lemuel B. Schofield in the mid-1920s. 

See Hotchkin, "Germantown, Mount Airy, and Chestnut Hill," pps. 444 and 484.
See "Germantown Courier," 'Once Proud Mansion Due for Demolition,' February
16, 1956.
See Jarvis, "Chestnut Hill Revisited," p. 101. 

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