142 Bethlehem Pike

 

click on image to see larger version
(photograph from Chestnut Hill Historical Society-John Naylor Collection: 1970.85)

 
MAP NUMBER: 1
DATE: 1883
ORIGINAL OWNER: Joseph Patterson, Developer
ARCHITECT: Unknown
CONTRACTOR: William C. Mackie

This is one of three late Victorian houses Joseph Patterson developed along
Bethlehem Pike including numbers 122 and 132.  It is an example of Queen
Anne-style architecture and was called “The Berkins."   Later the home was
owned by Major William E. Goodman, merchant and soldier, of Harrington
and Goodman, wholesale dry goods merchants.   As noted in King's "View
of Philadelphia,"  this home occupies the site of a Revolutionary Tavern on
the line of  Washington's retreat from Germantown.  The house was reputed
to have the largest maple tree (13 foot circumference) in the community, and
was the site of the founding of the Garden Club of America in 1913.

Alterations and additions occurred in 1895, 1904, 1909, 1910, 1914,  and 1970. 
The rear carriage house, built in 1889, was remodeled in 1970 to serve as
a dwelling. 

Listed in King's "View of Philadelphia", p. 91:  "Major William Ernest Goodman,
"The Berkins", Bethlehem Pike near New Street, Chestnut Hill."

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