1736

This home was built for Charles Rascher in 1896 by contractor A.E. Norman. It is noteworthy that Mr. Norman appears as architect of the Ebenezer Church and the house at 1718. The house matches 5450 as well. Despite the aluminum siding on the exterior, much has been preserved of the original character of the home. The cross gabled roof-line is interrupted by a large faceted dormer on the second floor. The home is set on a wide lot and probably was originally narrow board sided with some shingling. The front porch may have originally had turned spindles. The style indications are Queen Anne.

As you enter the home, you will pass through a small vestibule into a spacious hall with a staircase on the left. The staircase spindles are turned wood in a delicate design. As you see more modern homes in the area, you will notice how the space of the front hall with staircase is modified and made smaller. What was once a gracious reception area became less important in the 20th century.

Off the hall are the three downstairs rooms. The front parlor features beautiful oak woodwork with crown moldings and classical egg and dart details. This is noticeable throughout the house. The original fireplace is decorated with small rectangular tiles on the hearth and surround and an oak mantel shelf.

The dining room displays a beautiful built-in hutch and the original chandelier. The bay window facing the side yard allows more light into the room. The kitchen has been modernized and expanded to include an eating area and an opening to the original back porch. The backyard contains a garage/coach-house which may have housed servants. Indications are that the family had a horse and carriage and that hay was stored on the second floor of the building.

The second floor of the home includes bedrooms and a bathroom with a raised floor. This may be an indication that the original home did not have plumbing on the second floor. The master bedroom is the second floor. To reach this room you walk down a long hall. As housing design developed and changed over the decades, these long hallways were modified. Make a mental note to contrast this hallway with the second floor hallway at 5550.