HISTORICAL NOMINATIONsandiego.cfwebtools.com/images/files/4156 Middlesex.pdf · 2014-07-24 · Ronald V. May, RPA Kiley Wallace Legacy 106, Inc. P.O. Box 15967 San Diego, CA 92175

Ronald V. May, RPA Kiley Wallace Legacy 106, Inc. P.O. Box 15967 San Diego, CA 92175 (619) 269-3924 www.legacy106.com January 2014

HISTORICAL NOMINATION of the

Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and

Charles Tifal House 4156 Middlesex Drive - Kensington Heights Neighborhood

San Diego, California

1

HISTORIC HOUSE RESEARCH Ronald V. May, RPA, President and Principal Investigator

Kiley Wallace, Vice President Alexandra Wallace, Assistant Investigator

P.O. Box 15967 • San Diego, CA 92175 Phone (619) 269-3924 • www.legacy106.com

http://www.legacy106.com/

2

3

Page 3 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House

P1. Other Identifier: 4156 Middlesex Dr., San Diego, CA 92116

*P2. Location: Not for Publication Unrestricted *a. County: San Diego and (P2b and P2c or P2d. Attach a Location Map as necessary.) *b. USGS 7.5' Quad: La Mesa Date: 1997 Maptech, Inc.T ; R ; ¼ of ¼ of Sec ; M.D. B.M.

c. Address: 4156 Middlesex Dr. City: San Diego Zip: 92116

d. UTM: Zone: 11 ; mE/ mN (G.P.S.) e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel #, directions to resource, elevation, etc.) Elevation: 380 feet Legal Description: Lot 34 of Kensington Heights Unit No. 2, in the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, State of

California, according to Map thereof No. 1912, filed in the office of the County Recorder of San Diego County, May 24, 1926. It is Tax Assessor’s Parcel APN # 440-204-06-00. *P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations,

size, setting, and boundaries) This home is an excellent two-story example of the Spanish Eclectic style with

Monterey influences built in 1930. The house was built by Master Builder Charles H. Tifal and attributed to Master Architectural Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt in the Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. The single-family residence has a low pitched red tile roof with a hipped roof sheltering the upper level and shed roofs covering the single story sections below. The south (front) elevation faces Middlesex Drive while the secondary elevation faces east onto Edgeware Rd. The home utilizes a balanced asymmetrical façade, rear facing L-shaped plan and multiple upper level covered balconies. The home features white stucco exterior surfacing and mostly irregularly laid mission fired clay roof tiles. The home was originally built with a flat roof detached two car garage on the north side, which has been enlarged on three sides with a mansard roof extension added over the garage door. The house and detached garage have an affixed breezeway roof (with mansard style front) and site-wall with side entrance which partially interconnects the two structures. This garage and wall are excluded from designation. (See Continuation Sheet.) *P3b. Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) (HP2) Single family property

*P4. Resources Present: Building Structure Object Site District Element of District

P5b. Description of Photo: (View, date, accession #)

View of South Elevation. Photo by Dan Soderberg, November 2013. P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources:

Historic Prehistoric Both

Notice of Completion, September 12, 1930 Water Record dated June 25, 1930 Residential Building Record, 1930 Index to Property (Lot Book), first assessed in 1931 *P7. Owner and Address:

David Roth and William Adair, Jr. 4156 Middlesex Drive San Diego, CA 92116

*P8. Recorded by: (Name, affiliation, and address) *P9. Date Recorded: January 2014 *P10. Survey Type: (Describe) Intensive *P11. Report Citation: (Cite survey report and other sources, or enter "none.")

Historical Nomination of the Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House, San Diego, California for the City of San Diego, Historical Resources Board, by Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace, Legacy 106, Inc., January 2014. Legacy 106, Inc. is indebted to Alexandra Wallace, Michelle Graham, and Dan Soderberg for extensive research, and other assistance with the preparation of this report.

*Attachments: NONE Location Map Sketch Map Continuation Sheet Building, Structure, and

Object Record Archaeological Record District Record Linear Feature Record Milling Station Record

Rock Art Record Artifact Record Photograph Record Other (List):

State of California – The Resources Agency Primary # ___________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI # ______________________________________

PRIMARY RECORD Trinomial __________________________________

NRHP Status Code 3S Other Listings ___________________________________________________________ Review Code _____ Reviewer ____________________________ Date __________

DPR 523A *Required Information

4


*Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries) (Continued): (See Attachment D, Photographs)

The subject property at 4156 Middlesex Drive is a Spanish Eclectic style home and displays Monterey influences. The home has the characteristic defining architectural features of the Spanish Eclectic along with Monterey style influences including the asymmetrical façade, low pitched red tile roof, eaves with shallow overhangs, arches and stucco surfacing. The house features a compound irregular L-shaped floor plan. The central two story section has a hipped roof with balconies all under the principle roofline. The front (south) façade displays a single story half gable/shed roof wing to the west and small side facing shed roof single story wing extending out to the east. The home's clay tile roof has irregular double layering of roof tiles. The home's a low pitched mission red fired tile roof has minimal eave overhang and decorative wooden rafter tails throughout. This mixture of roof types and varying roof heights along with the home's complex irregular form present an image of a small compact village breaking up the massing of this large single family home. The home features original wooden casement windows, wrought iron window grills, stucco wall surfacing and brown painted wood shutters and detailing throughout. This is an excellent example of a Spanish Eclectic home designed by Master Builder/Designer partners Charles H. Tifal. The home displays multi-level hipped and half gable/ shed roof sections on most elevations. The home also exhibits some rare features in its use of Monterey and Spanish style balconies facing all four sides. These second-story balconies on all four sides are all covered by the main principle roof of the house except the north facing balcony which is left open. The east and west elevation display Monterey style cantilevered balconies supported by wooden scroll cut beams and open wooden picket balustrades. Stucco finished balconies with unadorned parapet railing walls are seen on the north and south elevations. The home has a sandy stucco exterior surfacing seen throughout. Inset windows, doors and shutters are brown painted wood unless otherwise noted. The resource is positioned on a large, flat, almost rectangular corner lot. This Spanish Eclectic Style, also known as the Spanish Colonial Revival style, became popular in 1915 with the creation of the California pavilion and other buildings for the Panama California Exposition in San Diego. At the Exposition, architect Bertram Goodhue built upon earlier Mission Revival styles and added a more varied and accurate representation of original 16th century Spanish buildings. This romantic, sophisticated style borrowed from a broader rich vocabulary of Moorish, Spanish Baroque, Renaissance and Mediterranean architectural traditions with detailing often based on actual prototypes in Spain. The San Diego Exposition, along with Goodhue and other designers, publicized and promoted the style's popularity and it became a craze in California in around 1925. The Monterey Architectural Style - Early Californians created an indigenous style of architecture by fusing local Spanish-influences with Anglo Colonial designs from the east coast. Their designs eventually led to the emergence of one of California's few native architectural styles. A revival of the Monterey style became popular between 1930-1950. It is sometimes classified as a sub style of the Spanish Eclectic, but today most historians call the designs Monterey, named after the California city where the style is most prevalent. The combination of Spanish and Anglo stylistic traditions is also seen in the building materials utilized. Used primarily for residential properties, Monterey style homes are typically two stories in height with shallow pitched gable and hipped roofs, and a second story cantilevered covered wood balcony. Plans are usually L-shaped but also appear in many other forms. Roofs are generally covered in clay tiles in the Spanish style and the exterior wall surfaces are usually finished in stucco also reflecting the Spanish influences.

State of California The Resources Agency Primary # DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#

CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial

5


*Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *P3a. Description (Continued):

The wooden balcony, often located right above the main entrance door, is accessed only from the interior by glazed French doors. Many have ornate balusters juxtaposed against simple squared wood posts. Early examples of the Monterey style, from about 1930-1940, tend to favor Spanish detailing such as tile roofs and carved balcony porch posts, while later examples from the 1940's and 1950's emphasize American Colonial details, such as double hung multi-light windows adorned with shutters and front paneled entry doors. South (Front) Elevation – Above the central second level, a simple stucco chimney tops the irregular red clay tile hipped roof. The chimney is square and low, rising just slightly above the top of the clay tile roof. This hipped roof has fired Mission half barrel tiles in a rustic hand laid pattern. The low pitched hipped roof of the main house has hand laid red clay barrel tiles in an irregular pattern keeping with the rustic Spanish aesthetic and design. The varied roof line is evident in this front elevation with hipped and shed roofs all visible. Underneath the minimal overhanging roof eaves are brown painted decorative wooden rafter tails. The upper level front façade is dominated by the central covered stucco balcony which is sheltered by the main second story roof and supported by simple side facing half arches. The balcony is positioned above the main front entry with double wooden French doors providing access. These original French doors have a four light pattern matching the others seen on the home and are flanked by original decorative wall lighting sconces. This upper level balcony is surrounded by an approximately 3' high stucco railing wall in front and two sides with exposed open wooden roof beams and rafters visible underneath the tile roof. On the first floor to the left (west) side is a stucco end chimney with simple double horizontal banded chimney top detail. This slanted (battered) stucco chimney perforates the west end of the shed roof end and is topped with a metal spark arrestor. From left to right the house has a small bump out in the front on the southwestern corner. This small bump out portion extends out from the wall corner approximately 6 inches. This corner wall portion appears very original with matching wooden rounded exposed rafter tails, stucco surfacing and clay tiles that match the rest of the home. To the right on the wall is a large inset fixed wooden window with a decorative wrought iron window grill. This original window grill consists of nine vertical bars attached to two horizontal support bars with a central decorative scrolling wrought iron design which is attached with metal clamps/collars. To the right, on the central portion of the home below the upstairs balcony, is the canvas covered front main inset entryway door. This metal and canvas shade structure likely replaced an earlier canvas porch shade, based on historic photos of other Tifal/Hurlburt Spanish designs, and the fact that the front doorway lacks other ornamentation. The original concrete porch entry area is raised up two steps above the red tinted concrete walkway with raised stone design. A newer Spanish style front door has replaced the original door in the original deep inset opening and sits to the left of the original iron wall sconce and mail slot opening. To the right of the front doorway is a small inset wooden window with a leaded stained glass bottle bottom style casement window. This small colored and leaded side window provides diffused light to the staircase inside while providing privacy to the residents behind. To the right on the same main wall below the side facing shed roof is an inset double casement wooden window in a divided three light pattern. The window is flanked by decorative wooden plank shutters which display more Monterey influences of the home. These shutters match all others seen on the home with rounded edges and two separated vertical planks supported by two horizontal plank supports, some with wrought iron stays.



6



East (Secondary) Elevation – The East elevation is the secondary elevation of the home and faces Edgeware Rd. The home's faҫade continues the varied hipped and shed fired red clay Mission half barrel roof with very little overhang and exposed short rafter tails. The central stucco chimney is seen again topping the ridge of the second level hipped roof. Below the hipped roofline, from left to right, to the front (south) side of this elevation is the side view of the front stucco porch. This second level balcony displays an arching stucco roof support columns which support the extending tile main roof balcony extension. On the upper level on the wall face is an inset grouping of two tall original rectangular casement windows comprised of four paned divided light wooden casement windows with wooden sill. These windows are flanked by decorative wooden board and batten shutters which match the others with S-shaped decorative wrought iron stays for hooks. Next, to the right, is the slightly cantilevered second story extension with no window openings on the main wall with small overhang supported by decorative exposed wooden beams and separated by small stucco arches. Set back and to the right is a wooden inside corner cantilevered balcony. This small wooden balcony protrudes out to the west under the corner edge of the principle roofline. This small Monterey style balcony is supported by three decorative corniced support beams with scroll cut ends. This upper level balcony is accessed by a single four light French door with a simple square balustrade railing with chamfered square spindles / balusters, rectangular wooden handrail and single square corner roof support column. The balcony floor is composed of open wooden boards. To the left (north), a side view of the north facing solid stucco balcony with parapet railing is visible, which continues straight down to the first level. To the right, the first floor site wall and mansard roof denotes the transition to the enlarged garage and site wall which is not included in the designation and differentiated by the mansard roof design. On the first floor to the left (south) is the side view of the front extending wing with single story shed roof and centered double wooden casement with leaded stained bottle bottom double window set. Each window has four rows of four round golden panes on top of opaque glass. This window is near the front entry doorway and this stained glass window matches the small window described on the front south elevation. Then, to the right sits another double window set with four pane divided light wooden casement windows. from left to right, on the west side of the home is a double window grouping of rectangular wooden casement windows below the red tile shed roof. The windows contain four glazed divided light panels with three horizontal wooden muntins matching the other windows seen on the home. This window grouping is slightly inset into the stucco as opposed to the deep stucco inset seen on most of the front elevation. The slight reveal has a rounded edge with a wooden bottom sill which is also seen throughout the home. Next, setback to the right, is a single rectangular divided light wooden window matching the others seen on the home. The actual home ends below the upper level stucco balcony, although a small site wall and roof overhang enclose the rear backyard patio area. Unattached Garage and site wall - not included in the nomination. According to the Residential Building Record, Sanborn maps, and examination of the resource, the side facing garage was enlarged in the front and on the south side adding approximately three feet to the total width. This is confirmed by the concrete foundation form seams seen inside the garage. This was likely done to allow for the larger, longer cars that were being built in the 1950s, 60's and 70's. The original central garage door post was also removed and a single metal double garage door has replaced the original dual door style garage doors. At the garage front (east), a non-original mansard artificial tile roof extends out over the garage door. Also, a flat roofed large rear workshop room was added at the rear (west) which extends almost to the rear corner property line. This rear workshop has flush aluminum windows and wooden door that do not match the home and appear to be circa 1950's-1960's era construction.



7



Further, a newer flat attached breezeway roof and site-wall and gate have been added to the garage. Partially connecting the separate main home and garage this newer stucco wall with a vertical wooden grill opening and arched gate doorway may have been added at the same time as the garage additions. The short wall, door and courtyard wall is covered by a flat roofed breezeway and extending mansard artificial tile roof. This non historic stucco wall and arched door provides privacy and security and leads to the rear courtyard area. The site wall is north of the home on the northeast corner just to the left of the double garage door opening. The unattached side garage structure has had these multiple additions including the added side site wall. The garage with additions has been heavily altered after construction and does not represent sufficient integrity for inclusion in the nomination. Therefore, the unattached Garage and site wall is not included in the historic nomination. West (Side) Elevation –On top of the hipped clay tile roof, there is a simple stucco rectangular chimney is again visible. This ridge chimney with battered (slopped) stucco chimney sides is visible rising above the hipped fired red clay Mission half barrel tile roof. As with the rest of the house, the roof has minimal overhang with short curved cut short rafter tails. The stucco surfacing matches the rest of the home. The west elevation is characterized by a large second floor wooden Monterey style balcony under the principle tile second level roofline. This wooden Monterey style balcony is centered on the second level and cantilevered over the rear patio and above the rear enclosed patio addition. The cantilevered Monterey style balcony is supported by three double wooden floor beams and secondary single beams placed between. These cantilever support beams all feature rounded decorative scroll cut rounded ends. The wooden balcony is surrounded by square spindle picket balustrade railing and two simple square wooden roof support beams. The wooden beams support a side facing roof beam placed just under the exposed wooden roof rafters. This side facing beam further supports the exposed rafter beams and tile extending roof. Two separate multi-paned wooden French doors provide access from the interior and are separated by a single central wooden casement window. These two multi-light rectangular French doors are each divided with three wooden mullions dividing four clear glazed panes matching the others seen on the home. These doors continue to provide the only access to the upper level balcony. On the second level to the right (west) side of the protruding balcony, a double grouping of rectangular wooden divided light casement windows with wooden sills is seen above the rear patio enclosure. Below the wooden balcony, the single level rear enclosed patio addition is visible from the rear patio, although this area is not visible from the front or side public view. On the bottom floor, on the left (north) side is a large central three part rectangular wooden window. This kitchen window features a large central four over one fixed window with clear single pane glazing below four opaque multi-colored glazing above. The unique colored multi-light stained glass panes have from left to right, an orange panel followed by a blue panel, followed by a cobalt blue panel followed by a dark grey/black panel ending with a red panel. Although the central window maintains its original true divided light pattern, It is unclear if these stained glass colored panels were original to lessen the effect of the rising western sun from this rear patio window or if these were added, it was not long after construction. However, the irregular dimpled stained glass and separated wooden muntins match the original era of construction. On the first floor the original rear configuration was an L-shaped patio design which has been partially enclosed with an almost flat shed roof patio enclosure addition with painted white wooden beams and clear glass panels. (see Attachment A.5, Site Plan with Addition shown in red). The original balcony support beams, stucco surfacing, French doorways and window openings are extant and visible inside the enclosed patio (see Attachment D, Photographs). The original upper level balcony plank style floor



8


*Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update

*P3a. Description (continued):

is also visible from below although it has been partially engulfed by the roof of the rear addition. This single level rear addition area is below the front and side roofline and is entirely outside of the public view and is excluded from designation. In front of this rear addition to the right (South) is the protruding western wing with stucco end chimney and shed clay tile roof. On the end of this wing, an inset arched window opening is seen just behind the stucco side wall. This original arched double wooden casement window set opens inward and is protected by an original wood framed screen and wrought iron metal grill. The wrought iron window grille features decorative scrollwork design connected by metal collar/clamps matching the other original wrought iron window grills. North (Rear) Elevation – This elevation continues the hipped roof on the second level with very little overhang and rounded decorative rafter tails, matching all other elevations. Underneath the hipped second story roof, on the left (eastern) section of the main house, the side of the cantilevered room extension supported by wooden beam supports with decorative scroll cut ends is visible extending out to the east from the stucco wall. To the right of the protruding room extension is an original single rectangular wooden window with decorative wrought iron grill. The wrought iron metal grill has five vertical bars with speared tops and decorative twisted square stock bars on each end. The grill also has a decorative scroll work design matching the other window grill designs seen on the home. To the right, on the inside corner of the second level, is the side view of the cantilevered wooden Monterey style balcony porch. This small wooden balcony protrudes out to the west under the corner edge of the principle hipped roofline. This small balcony is supported by three decorative double support beams with carved scroll cut cornices. The large wooden double support beams and corbels are used to denote permanence by their large size and all have a rustic decorative scroll sawn end designs. The balcony has a simple chamfered square balustrade railing with large square roof support beams. This balcony is accessed by a single four light French door. The balcony floor is composed of open wooden boards. Next facing out to the south, is a central second level stucco balcony with raised solid stucco parapet railing. This balcony is accessed by the single rectangular multi-light French door and a single wooden one over one double hung window with a wooden sill seen to the right. One the lower first level from left to right, is an inset double grouping with two tall rectangular multi-pane rectangular casement windows with wooden sills below matching the others seen on the home. To the right of this window, is where the small pushed out wing section with Monterey style wooden balconet and upper level stucco balcony projects out to the north. This is where the main portion of the home partially connects to the site wall and small overhanging breezeway roof which is attached to the single story detached garage. Although not seen in building records, this wall and breezeway were added well after the period of significance (circa 1979) and are excluded from the designation along with the detached garage. The small rear walled-in rectangular courtyard patio is separated from the front yard by this newer site wall and arched entry which provides the only outside opening to the backyard patio area. To the rear behind the stucco site wall, a wooden side service door is placed in an inset rectangular door opening with single concrete step, is positioned facing the detached garage which sits to the north. To the right, behind the home on the setback rear patio portion, the rear shed roof enclosed patio addition is seen below the back of the original western wing tile roof which faces toward the front of the home. The original stucco exterior surfacing and double French door opening is seen on the interior of the covered patio rear addition enclosure. This rear covered patio addition area is entirely outside of the public view.



9


*Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update

*P3a. Description (continued):

Interior Architectural Features – (Please see Interior Floor Plan for areas included in designation -Attachment D.2) The living room with rustic exposed roof beams, entry foyer and staircase with wrought iron railing and hardwood floor with inlay remain in original condition and exhibit architecturally defining features that should be saved as they contribute to the historical significance of this house. Of particular note is the open living room with exposed rafters supported by double beam decorative scroll cut brackets. Adjacent to the staircase is a finely crafted wrought iron stair railing and original lighting fixtures exhibits hand wrought scrollwork that is secured with thin metal collar straps, rivets, and screws holding the top railing. Hand hammering of the metal is evident in the flared terminals. Original wrought iron railings, interior paneled doors, lighting fixtures door and window hardware are visible throughout the home's interior. The original bathroom is not proposed for designation but included to show the remarkable originality of the home. Landscaping / Yard Setting – The front yard is mostly grass with landscaping areas with small trees and hedges. A curving concrete walkway connects the sidewalk to the front door. The front and side yard has an array of small trees, shrubs and other landscaping placed close to the house and site wall and grass placed in front toward the sidewalk. The curving scored concrete appears original. Although historic photos were not found, the front yard landscaping likely matches the original style of the home's era with grass in the front with some landscaping behind placed close to the home.



10

Page 10 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update

B1. Historic Name: 4156 Middlesex Dr. B2. Common Name: 4156 Middlesex Dr. B3. Original Use: Single Family Property B4. Present Use: Single Family Property *B5. Architectural Style: Spanish Eclectic *B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations)

The Notice of Completion reveals the home was completed on September 2, 1930 and shows owner E. D. Barrett commissioned Master Builder Charles Tifal to build the home. The water record and residential building record also confirm the home was built in 1930. The City of San Diego has the following building permits on record: the water permit is dated June 25, 1930. The only sewer record available was from a repair in 1948. A partially illegible Building Permit number ending in 4043 is from November 29, 1961 and is for a 3/4 bath "Add and fix". A city violation notice dated July 16, 1970 was for a carport which was attached to the existing detached garage. Although further related building permits could not be located, this notice was probably rectified soon after (circa 1971) with a properly built garage addition as is seen today. A small workshop was also added to the rear of the garage, which is not seen in building permits. This detached side garage and site wall is excluded from designation. The backyard patio was

built under Permit N91234 which is dated October 12, 1979. Note: the permit also has "Add mansard Roof on front of the Garage" which is lined out. This is likely the time when the mansard roof extension was added to the front of the garage along with the short site wall enclosing the rear patio. Although not seen on building permits, site investigation reveals the rear patio has been fully enclosed (likely gradually over time) with shed roof, sliding glass doors and windows. This rear patio enclosure is at the rear of the house outside of the public view and is also recommended excluded from designation. Permit L64A-021 from September 9, 2013 is for no-plan permit for an

interior kitchen remodel. Also, although not seen in building records, site examination reveals a breezeway flat roof was added at some point between the home and the detached garage which provides shelter when walking between the home's kitchen side door and the garage side door. *B7. Moved? No Yes Unknown Date: Original Location: *B8. Related Features:

B9a. Architect / Designer: Ralph E. Hurlburt b. Builder: Charles Tifal *B10. Significance: Theme: Residential architecture Area: Kensington Heights (San Diego) Period of Significance: 1930 Property Type: Single-Family Property Applicable Criteria: C and D (Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity). The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House at 4156 Middlesex Dr. is significant under Criterion “C” as an excellent example of Spanish Eclectic with Monterey

influences style architecture built by Master Builder Charles H. Tifal and his partner, Master Designer Ralph Hurlburt, who designed and built this home in 1930. The resource is also significant under Criterion “D” as an excellent example of the work of established Master Builder and Designer partners Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal in the Spanish Eclectic architectural style. The period of significance, 1930, encompasses the date of

construction of the home. The house has been well maintained and has excellent integrity. (See Continuation Sheet) B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) none *B12. References: (See Continuation Sheet)

B13. Remarks: none *B14. Evaluator: Ronald V. May, RPA, Kiley Wallace

*Date of Evaluation: January 2014

(This space reserved for official comments.)


BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD

N

11

Page 11 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (continued):

Criterion A: Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City’s, a community’s or a neighborhood’s historical, archaeological, cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, landscaping or architectural development. The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House at 4156 Middlesex Drive was found not to rise to the level of exemplifying special elements of the community's historical, archaeological, cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, landscaping or architectural development. Although the house reflects and contributes to our understanding of Kensington as a hub for Spanish Eclectic design in the late 1920's and 1930's, the home was not the first of this type in the area or a model home. The home was also not an early home in the subdivision development. No information came to light to determine that the resource rose to a level of significance to qualify for designation under Criterion A. The following discussion provides the background for that conclusion.

Introduction. Although the Kensington and Talmadge communities now have a number of individual homes that have been designated as historic for their significance, there remains much to be learned about how these neighborhoods developed, the reasons for the architectural styles that were built, and the lives of the people who lived and worked there. Criterion A evaluations are often complicated because they require the presentation of broad contexts and associations to establish the significance of the special elements of importance. The single most important mechanism to bring new information forward to better understand these communities is the intensive research associated with individual houses nominations. Legacy 106, Inc. and other researchers and homeowners have written additional nominations that now form an important body of primary research about the area.1 Kensington Community History. A fact that is often overlooked today in the pairing of the “Kensington / Talmadge” neighborhoods is the reality that Kensington is really the product of 13 different subdivision maps filed between April 1910 and March 1976. The Talmadge neighborhoods developed separately from nearby Kensington, with a total of 11 subdivision maps filed between December 1925 and August 1944. The majority of these maps were filed by owners, investors, and promoters unrelated to the others, and with varying degrees of experience in subdivision development. In the case of Kensington Heights, with its three Units, owner George Forbes hired the experienced Los Angeles development firm the Davis-Baker Company:

The development of Kensington Heights has been carried out under the personal direction of Harrison R. Baker, Chairman of the Subdividers and Homebuilders Division of the California Real Estate Association and a member of the Subdividers Division of the National Association. The project was not an experiment but involved the application of policies previously employed successfully in extensive developments in the city of Pasadena. The firm is a co-partnership composed of Richard D. Davis and Harrison R. Baker, each of whom has served as president of the Pasadena Realty Board. In Pasadena the firm has developed some twenty subdivisions, and possesses the enviable

1 Researchers Kathleen Flanigan, Parker Jackson, Beth Montes and Christianne Knoop, Priscilla Berge, Kathleen

Crawford, Ruth Alter, Linda Canada, Jaye Furlonger, Scott Moomjian, Esq., Vonn Marie May, and Ione Stiegler, name only few who have studied the Kensington and/or Talmadge areas. In addition, see Anne D. Bullard, “1926, The Formative Year of Kensington Heights,” The Journal of San Diego History, Spring 1995, Volume 41, Number 2; Mary M. Taschner, "Richard Requa: Southern California Architect, 1881-1941, a Master's thesis for the University of San Diego; Larry R. Ford, Metropolitan San Diego: How Geography and Lifestyle Shape a New Urban Environment Metropolitan Portraits), 2004; and Architects Ione Stiegler, AIA with M. Wayne Donaldson, AIA in the Historical Greater Mid-City San Diego Preservation Strategy, 1996 and January 8, 1997.



12


*B10. Significance (Criterion A continued):

record of over nine hundred homes on them. More than 60 per cent of the lots have homes on them, while one family in every thirty in Pasadena lives on a lot developed by the Davis-Baker Company.2

Probably the most familiar source of information about the history of the Kensington and Talmadge communities is a book written by Kensington resident and dentist Dr. Thomas H. Baumann, D.D.S. Baumann published Kensington-Talmadge 1910-1985, to mark the 75

th anniversary of the community,

although in actuality the date commemorated the filing of the first subdivision map on the mesa, Kensington Park. The “Kensington Book” is a favorite of residents in both the Talmadge and Kensington communities, and has been reprinted by his daughter, Darlene Baumann Love.3 Baumann lists each of these subdivisions on page 32 for Kensington and 71 for Talmadge, in the 2

nd edition. The distinctions

between these tracts have blurred over time, and today planners group the thirteen Kensington subdivisions into “Kensington” and eleven Talmadge tracts into “Talmadge” as part of the Mid Cities Community Plan. The filing of individual maps is important to the history of the house, because Kensington Heights, which developed in three “Units,” is unrelated in development history to nearby Kensington Manor with its two Units, Kensington Point, or the first tract in the area, Kensington Park, located south of Kensington Heights Unit 1. An observer might look at the Kensington and Talmadge neighborhoods and assume these areas all developed together, as today they appear to be two connected communities. These independent origins help explain why there are differing architectural styles of houses, such as Craftsman bungalows, nearer to Adams Avenue, and none north of Lymer Drive, in this predominantly “Spanish” themed community. It also explains why the houses in Kensington Heights tend to be more elaborate than the houses further south, and why Kensington Heights Unit 3 has more lots in-filled with post Depression era style homes than the research associated with individual houses nominations. Legacy 106, Inc. and other researchers and homeowners have written additional nominations that now form an important body of primary research about the area.4 Manor tracts of Kensington Heights Unit 1. Once all the lots were sold and developed and the deed restrictions expired, the differences between the tract boundaries blurred. Rancho Ex Mission Lots. All of the Kensington and Talmadge acreage originates from former land known as “Rancho Ex Mission Lots,” which have a layer of ownership, leases, and uses invisible today to the present owners, as these transactions which preceded the filing of the subdivision maps never appear

2 “How Subdivision Sales Were Created by an Intensive Home Building Program,” National Real Estate Journal,

May 27, 1929, page 26. 3 After Baumann’s death, the Kensington-Talmadge Community Association updated the first edition and reprinted it

as a second edition in 1997, and named it Kensington-Talmadge 1910-1997. In 2010, Love printed a Centennial Edition of her father’s book, which updated and added new information to the community’s history. 4 Researchers Kathleen Flanigan, Parker Jackson, Beth Montes and Christianne Knoop, Priscilla Berge, Kathleen

Crawford, Ruth Alter, Linda Canada, Jaye Furlonger, Scott Moomjian, Esq., Vonn Marie May, and Ione Stiegler, name only few who have studied the Kensington and/or Talmadge areas. In addition, see Anne D. Bullard, “1926, The Formative Year of Kensington Heights,” The Journal of San Diego History, Spring 1995, Volume 41, Number 2; Mary M. Taschner, "Richard Requa: Southern California Architect, 1881-1941, a Master's thesis for the University of San Diego; Larry R. Ford, Metropolitan San Diego: How Geography and Lifestyle Shape a New Urban Environment Metropolitan Portraits), 2004; and Architects Ione Stiegler, AIA with M. Wayne Donaldson, AIA in the Historical Greater Mid-City San Diego Preservation Strategy, 1996 and January 8, 1997.



13

Page 13 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (Criterion A continued):

on chain-of-title documents. Much of this land came onto the real estate market through the heirs to the Rancho Ex Mission Lots and into hands such as banker George Burnham, Vice President of the Southern

Trust and Commerce Bank. “The Map of the First Unit Kensington Heights” states under “A Better Improvement Plan”:

Of the 240 acres which comprises Kensington Heights, 100 acres on the mesa will be developed at the present time into restricted residential property. For many, many years this tract has been held intact by its former owners – the Mason family. It has changed hands but once in forty years.5

The development of the Kensington Mesa in the second decade of the nineteenth century fits into the greater pattern of housing development nationwide, as America got back onto its feet following the devastating worldwide effects of World War I. By 1921-1924, many of the veterans had returned to America and there was both a nationwide shortage of available homes and a slowly reviving economy that brought building materials and new home construction back on track. From this, arose the “Better Homes Movement,” and what followed would be a decade of new construction that transformed communities across America, and in particular, Southern California, as large tracts of land became available and desirable for development. The Kensington Park tract, south of Kensington Heights, fits into this early period of San Diego’s development.

1920s and 1930s, Two Distinct Decades of Development. The erection of this house just prior to the Great Depression seems relevant as a special element, The houses built prior to the period of the Great Depression stand out from the ones built after 1930, because of the economic stresses that were not present in the 1925-1929 boom period. Few builders in this depression period had the financial means to build, with a few distinct exceptions. The few builders who were able to remain viable during this period had to adapt to the economic restrictions of the time, and provided badly needed jobs and purchasing of materials from local suppliers when very little business was going on. During the depression thousands of buyers defaulted, builders went out of business, lenders assumed title to lots and houses, and the Davis-Baker Company, like all businesses, experienced a stressed market. Several houses in Kensington remained vacant and the lenders rented to Navy and Army personnel, who had a dependable income. These homes also stand out from the houses built after 1935, when home buyer’s style preferences were changing as people started to find the economy rising out of the Great Depression, and new federal policies encouraged economizing, smaller homes, modernization, and materials efficiencies in ways that had a dramatic effect on house styles for the next generation of home buyers. The strategy of building high end “Artistic Homes” appealed to affluent buyers who had the means to acquire luxury properties, and this was a prestigious location when the proximity to the neighboring houses was taken into consideration. It is possible that the Davis-Baker Company recruited. Rather than design and build all the Kensington Heights lots, the company recruited “a number of reliable

5 Readers interested in this early history are directed to Historical Nomination of the Commander Wilbur V. and

Martha E. Shown / and Louise Severin House, 4394 North Talmadge Drive and Historical Nomination of the Frank B. and Vinnie A. Thompson House, 5191 Hastings Road, Kensington Heights Unit 2, “George T. Forbes Spec House No. 1,” Historical Landmark Number 755, by Legacy 106, Inc. In particular, additional research into the Mason family (Evalyn and John Mason) of Mission Valley, who owned Rancho Ex Mission Lot 47, and Willard W. Whitney, who owned Lot 23, would be an interesting line of inquiry into this early history, before the present subdivisions were formed.



14


builders….to work with us in building these homes”6 Davis-Baker Company arranged loans, reviewed the plans, and marketed the finished products. Davis-Baker built their own “specimen homes” in which as many as 4,000 people, they claim, went through in one day:

The Davis-Baker Company building program created 152 houses in Kensington Heights by 1929, two thirds of which were occupied. Half the lots were sold. In that year, this constituted 10% of all the houses built in San Diego. These house designs received careful review by the firm of Requa and Jackson:

The committee consisted of a representative of the owners, a representative of the selling agents, and the supervising architect. Fortunately, at the head of the committee was placed Richard S. Requa, authority on Mediterranean architecture, who used his talents to perfect what he prefers to term “California Architecture.”…Mr. Requa using the pure Spanish architecture of the mission (Mission San Diego de Alcalá) as the keynote, has brought the district into harmony with the Spanish tradition and the historic significance of the spot--- for it was here that California began. All architecture in the property has been restricted to the California type, namely, Spanish and Mediterranean adapted to California. Every plan submitted has been carefully scrutinized by the committee and many of them worked over by Mr. Requa’s office before final approval.7

By August of 1931, the Davis-Baker Company announced that already this year fifteen houses had been completed, or nearly completed, for an overall value of $150,000. George T. Forbes and the Davis-Baker Company; The Early Development of Kensington Heights, and Intensive Home Building Program. Santa Monica, California resident George Thomas Forbes, a native of Kansas and real estate broker and developer, was alerted to the availability of a large tract of acreage in San Diego, which he purchased in 1922.8 Forbes partnered with the Davis-Baker Company of Pasadena and architect Richard Requa to develop the new, architecturally-supervised community into an exclusive, residential tract of modern and beautiful homes that would become a high-class residential park.9 With its proximity to the new State College and Herbert Hoover high school, as well as other nearby

schools, Forbes found the location, and Mission Valley rim vs. mountain views, ideal for an “investment-quality” tract that buyers would find rivaled exclusive communities such as Beverly Hills and the Oak Knoll section of Pasadena.10

The attractive signs used by the firm, the pictorial outlay of streets, the fine character of the improvements installed and the restrictive efforts of the concern to uphold the high nature of their residential projects, all contribute to ranking New Windsor Square among

6 Ibid

7 “How Subdivision Sales Were Created by an Intensive Home Building Program,” National Real Estate Journal,

May 27, 1929, pages 27-28. 8 According to his obituary in the San Diego Union on July 29, 1974, Forbes “was the owner of George Forbes

Real Estate and served one term as president of the San Diego Board of Realtors. He was among the developers of Kensington Heights and a partner in the promotion of the Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and San Carlos subdivisions.” Forbes discussed some of this early history in an oral history he gave to the San Diego Historical Society in 1973, although by that time his recollection of this early period was fading. 9 See Baumann, pages 16-24; San Diego Union, June 13, 1926, “Lovely Valley Vistas, Mountain View Add to Charms

of Kensington Heights: Opening of Second Unit of Tract Meets With Fine Response From People.” 10

“Plane Builder Buys Dwelling: George H. Prudden Reported to Have Paid More Than $20,000 for Prize House,”

San Diego Union, February 13, 1927.



15


the firm’s finest developments. The reputation of the company for subdivisions is high; reports from the firm state that $3,600,000 worth of houses exist on Davis-Baker tracts.11

By January 3, 1926, the San Diego Union’s Sunday Development Section featured large advertisements announcing “Kensington Heights – Opening Soon . . . Development plans will soon transform Kensington Heights into one of San Diego’s most charming residential districts . . . Further announcements will be made as the plans develop.” The forthcoming announcements complemented the natural assets of valley and mountain views with soon-to-be-installed improvements of in-place utilities, gently curving streets pre- paved and curbed, elegant “Electrolier” ornamental lights spaced throughout the tract, and generous lot sizes with accompanying restrictions for setbacks, residential uses, and minimum building costs per structure that exceeded much of the rest of San Diego.12

Future homebuyers were guaranteed a ready-to-move-in community, absent the annoyance of unpaved roads and off-into-the-future infrastructure. Announcements declared “Torn-up streets will never bother you because sewers, water, light and gas are in, with connections now being arranged for every lot. Ornamental street lights provide a rare individuality.” Davis-Baker Company also installed new shrubbery and thousands of trees in the parkways, including three varieties of eucalyptus and palms, two forms of acacia, Lombardy poplars, and oleanders.13 Initial advertisements in 1927 showed new homes selling for $7,900, $9,000, $16,500, and over $20,000 paid by George Prudden, owner of Prudden Metal Airplane Company, for the Richard Requa model home on Middlesex and Marlborough Drives.14 On February 2, 1926, the San Diego County Supervisors voted to create a Resolution of Intention to improve Kensington Heights, which created an assessment improvement district. The cost of the improvements was paid by the sale of bonds, which were a lien on all of the property in the district. The bonds ran for fifteen years and the tract promoters promised no principal payments would be due in the first five years, with only interest due, and the principal retired afterwards in ten annual installments. The San Diego Union announced on March 7, 1926, “Improvement of Kensington Heights Tract to Be Started in Fortnight: Supervisors Expect to Name Contractor for Development Work Next Week.” The article named “Rick” Davis of the Davis-Baker Company in charge of development, Paul R. Watson as the engineer in charge of the improvement district work, and Donald E. Forker as the “publicist who styled Kensington Heights the world’s best home location.” The improvements for the tract were being installed through an improvement bond approved by the City of San Diego, and bids for the contract for the work were being accepted. Contractor and developer David H. Ryan received the road paving and grading contract for Unit 1 and O.U. Miracle won the contract for the improvements in Units 2 and 3.15

11

Allen Headrick: Star-News, April 7, 1928, “Property Being Developed on East Mountain Street Seen Logical

Development in Built-Up District; Davis-Baker Company Handling Tract.” 12

San Diego Union, October 3, 1926, “Kensington Heights Builders Boast ‘Finest’ Electroliers in Southland”;

and San Diego Historical Society Photograph No. 6732-5, Kensington, 1927. 13

San Diego Union advertisement, January 9, 1927; San Diego Union, February 5, 1928, “$310,500 Is Spent For

Home Construction In Rapidly-Growing East-End Subdivision.” 14

See San Diego Union, June 26, 1927, “New Beautiful Homes Being Completed in Kensington Heights.” 15

In 1926, Ryan had teamed with builder Arthur A. Kunze in the development of a number of homes on Witherby

Street in Mission Hills. See “Historical Nomination of the David H. Ryan Spec House Number 1 / Arthur A. Kunze Builder, 4330 Witherby Street, Mission Hills, San Diego, California, by Legacy 106, Inc., 2008; See also San Diego Union, December 5, 1926, “$94,000 Contract Is Awarded for East Development of Third Unit of New Kensington

Heights Tract.”



16

Page 16 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (Criterion A continued):

The Spanish Colonial/Eclectic Theme of Kensington Heights Custom homes in Kensington Park were an eclectic mix of Craftsman bungalow, Mission Revival, Spanish Eclectic, and Pueblo styles that many prospective homebuyers found unsettling (Robert Sedlock 1958:2-4). The Kensington Land Company responded to make their real estate more luxurious by creating deed restrictions and a Supervisory Architectural Board to enforce Spanish style as the only acceptable architecture. At that same time, Requa had a column in the San Diego Union at the time where he promoted Spanish and Mexican style homes built with the new materials of the day. The Kensington Land Company retained Requa to chair the board in August of 1925. Nine months later on May 24, 1926, George Forbes, Sr. of the Kensington Heights Company induced Requa to extend Supervisory Review Board oversight of house designs in Unit 2. Four months later on September 28, 1926, Forbes added Unit 3 to the review. This later subdivision included twenty-four exclusive rim lots with underground utilities (Sedlock 1958:4). Forbes set the prices for those lots at $1200 to $1500 and completed homes with those lots sold as high as $19,000 (Forbes 1973). When times got tough during the Great Depression, Forbes used his own money to hire Requa to design the homes (AD 1007-063, San Diego Historical Society Research Archives). Architectural Review, and Deed Restrictions for Setting and Design Unique to the Kensington Heights Community. The architectural restrictions set up by Davis-Baker limited the property to residential purposes only with customary out-buildings including a private garage, all to be fairly worth not less than $5,000.00. No temporary dwellings, outside lavatories, advertising signs, or outbuildings for residential purposes were permitted, only one single, first-class private residence.

That before the commencement of construction upon any building or buildings which may be erected upon said property, or upon any portion hereof, within Five (5) years from the date thereof, there shall be furnished to, and approved by the Seller, or the Seller’s duly authorized Agent, complete plans — and specifications for such buildings, and such plans and specifications shall include the location, direction and facing of each such building or buildings upon said property, and no building shall be erected on said premises without such approval in writing of the Seller, or the Seller’s duly authorized Agent, first had and obtained.

That plans for all structures to be erected on said lots, shall be submitted to the Seller, or the Seller’s duly authorized Agent, and approved in writing before construction is started, and that no building or structure unless such building shall conform with the general shall be erected, constructed altered or maintained on said property unless such building shall conform with the general design and color scheme for the exteriors of all such (buildings to be erected on said lots, and architectural plan prepared by the Seller for the exteriors of all such buildings to be erected on said lots, or shall conform with such modifications thereof as many be authorized or approved by the Seller or the Seller’s duly authorized Agent.

The photographic record for Kensington Heights as it developed between 1926-1929 is represented by a number of publicity pictures taken by the Davis-Baker Company, as well as pictures in the local media, such as the San Diego Union newspaper. Photographs on file at the San Diego History Center's Research Archives in Balboa Park provide a visual record of the early development of the tract. Several photographs show road crews installing the pavement and sidewalks in Kensington Heights.



17


"Publicity Contest" Model Home The Prudden House in Kensington Heights is a beautiful, single-story Richard Requa-designed model house, located on the north east corner of Middlesex and Marlborough Drive The house bears strong similarity to pictures of a rural cottage in Andalusia which Requa took in 1926 and published in his monograph, Architectural Details Spain and the Mediterranean.”16 The single story model home received enormous publicity in 1926, due in large part to an advertising campaign that solicited plans for its design through a competition conducted by the San Diego Union. Although a winner was selected, in fact, the plans were drawn by Requa, who then directed the home’s construction that year. The opening premier drew more than 200 people and the promoters expected several thousand on Sunday, November 14, 1926.17

By December 1926, Kensington Heights Unit 1 had completely sold out and the Davis-Baker Company had to rush the improvements into the second Unit months earlier than they had anticipated:

Sale of building sites in No. 2 has been so rapid that again we have had to change our plans with the result that contract for permanent improvement in the third unit was let last week and soon we will be able to offer these sites to future home builders.”. . . “When we undertook the development of Kensington Heights, we recognized that property as among the best residential property in and around San Diego,” Baker says, “Development has brought out the attractive features of that section and the public has been quick to show appreciation. Many resales of early purchases at advanced prices show that this appreciation is constantly growing. This section when our development and building program is completed, will easily take front rank with the high class, exclusive residential sections of southern California.18

John Forward, president of the Union Title and Trust Company and Union Trust Company of San Diego, reported in the San Diego Union on June 16, 1929, that San Diego and the work in Kensington Heights had gained national recognition through the publication of a profusely illustrated 5-page article in the May 27 issue of the National Real Estate Journal that was published in Chicago and distributed nationwide. The article, authored by Harrison R. Baker, was entitled “How Subdivision Sales Were Created by an intensive Home Building Program” (“Kensington Heights Gains National Recognition for Itself and City”).

By 1930, the Davis-Baker Company advertised that “Three years ago it was a mere barley field; today over 125 families have already selected it for a permanent residence.”19 It is important to note that Requa

made the first of his heavily promoted tours of Europe in 1926, and both of these houses were constructed shortly in the aftermath of his first trip, where he had gone to intensively study the architectural attributes of the Mediterranean and how they could be applied back in Southern California.20 Kensington Heights Attention. The article also makes it clear that the Model Homes were considered design-types for future construction, and prime examples to illustrate the virtues of the tract. Both

16

Jackson, DPR form, Nomination of the Prudden House, page 2 of 28. 17

See San Diego Union, November 14, 1926, “The Union’s Model Home Open For Public Inspection Today;

Woman’s Home Plans Selected in House Test: Four Hundred Designs Submitted in Contest for the Union’s Model Dwelling; Numerous Ideas Offered Builders in Prize Design: Kensington Heights Swelling Completely Furnished For Expected Visitors.” 18

Harrison R. Baker, San Diego Union, December 5, 1926. 19

See San Diego Union, February 9, 1930, “You Who Are Planning a Home – do not fail to see beautiful Kensington

Heights!” Advertisement. 20

See ‘Requa’s Rants’ http://www.legacy106.com/RequasRants.htm, which reproduces a number of Requa’s

“Southern California Architecture’ columns featured in the San Diego Union in the mid 1920s.



http://www.legacy106.com/RequasRants.htm

18


residences were opened to the public for tours promoted by the Davis-Baker Company. The photo caption declared:

An excellent example of the style of architecture which is making San Diego one of the show places of the country, is given in the accompanying illustration. A two-story southern California home, just completed in Kensington Heights, is shown at the right with the tract’s model home, built from plans selected in a competition, at the left. The new building, now open to public inspection, is declared to be just as perfect an example of the two-story southern California style as the model home is of the bungalow type. The real atmosphere of Old Spain is combined in this home with the most modern of conveniences. It will serve as a model for future construction in Kensington Heights as well as other parts of the city.

NEW KENSINGTON DWELLINGS OPEN: Home Builders Invited to Inspect Southern California Type to Obtain Ideas. San Diegans who are planning to build homes in any part of this city are invited to visit today the two-story Spanish home just completed at Marlborough drive and Middlesex drive in Kensington Heights by the Davis-Baker company, developers of Kensington Heights.

Through the courtesy of W.F. Riley, builder of the home, the public will be welcomed to inspect it from top to bottom. Any feature of the building which appeals to prospective home builders may be adopted by them, says the owner, whether the lots on which they plan to build are in Kensington Heights or any other part of San Diego. . . . . . “We will aid in every way possible in setting a high standard of home construction for all parts of San Diego.” Today’s invitation to public to make use of the ideas incorporated in the fine home in Kensington Heights is in line with that policy.21

The Davis-Baker Company featured the pairing of the Requa Model Home a two-story home, with the tract’s signature Electrolier light and newly paved streets, in a large advertisement with photograph intended to represent the tract, entitled: “A new HOME DISTRICT is building: Homes are open for inspection,” on July 31, 1927.

Improvements are all completed, beautiful, true Spanish types of homes are building. A new residential atmosphere is being created in Kensington. . . It is being built for the most discriminating home owner . . . Come out now and inspect this new district of true Spanish homes. Some homes of the newest design in architecture are open for inspection. . . NEW HOME BARGAINS Mediterranean Spanish stucco, 2-story, 7 rooms, 2 baths, patio, fishpond, balconies, Frigidaire, gas furnace. Price $18,000 – cash $5,000.

Rapid Appreciation in Prices. Advertisements in 1927 by the Davis-Baker Company promoted their “District of True Spanish Homes.”22 Subsequent publicity in the next few months commented upon the

series of homes of distinctive architecture and model home that had been attracting hundreds of visitors.

21

San Diego Union of March 6, 1927. 22

San Diego Union, August 7, 1927 and the “added value of permanent restrictions with architectural supervision on

every new house’” San Diego Union, October 9, 1927.



19


By 1928, the Davis-Baker Company boasted “Resumption of 1926 Real Estate Activity Indicated in New February Land Sales: Kensington Heights Developers Elated Over Business In First Week of Month”23. The article featured photographs of six Kensington Heights homes, as well as the Prudden home, B.S. Litchfield residence, home of Herbert C. Bathrick, and L.O. Palmer. The promoters were anxious to ramp up their advertising because installation of the road improvements and utilities had made it difficult to drive through the tract. With that work nearly out of the way, they were anticipating a profitable year. The caption to the photographs stated:

Beautiful homes of true Southern California architecture are arising on the high mesa land of Kensington Heights and this new district fast is becoming one of the city’s show places. Kensington Heights looks down on the old San Diego mission across the valley, the place “where California began.”

Visitors were invited to see “San Diego’s flawless, best and fastest building, close-in view district of better homes.” They had created another model home at 5272 Marlborough Drive. The “Color House” came completely furnished and was open for inspection. Further north, on the valley rim, they built an observation platform for visitors to gaze upon the panoramic view of “historic” Mission Valley and the “multicolored” mountains.24 Prizes from Developers for Prettiest Home Yards and Davis Baker Promoting. On August 19, 1928, the Prudden House and several others were featured prominently in the San Diego Union with caption

DEVELOPERS OF KENSINGTON HEIGHTS TRACT TO GIVE PRIZES FOR PRETTIEST HOME YARDS. To encourage beautiful yards, Davis-Baker company, developing Kensington heights, is contemplating offering a series of prizes to residents of Kensington heights for the most beautiful yards and gardens. Already the tract is alluring in this regard and the prizes should stimulate every resident to beautify his domain.

This and other publicity proved successful and the Davis-Baker Company placed regular pictorial essays in the newspaper’s development. In March they had set a record of almost $100,000 in home sales and $140,000 in April. With that success, they boasted in the April 28, 1929 article “Kensington Heights Real Homeland”:

The top picture is proof, say members of Davis-Baker Company, that Kensington Heights is no longer a mere subdivision, but has graduated into a finished community of fine homes. Bottom – One of the two-story homes which are making Kensington Heights a popular place in which to live.

By September, 1928, Davis-Baker stated “During a recent five months Kensington Heights built a total of new houses equal to 9 percent of the entire San Diego investment in new construction for the same period.” 25 That the vision of George T. Forbes and the Davis-Baker Company had for the Kensington Heights community was enlightened for its time, and their claim that a home purchased in the tract would be a sound investment, is borne out by the decades. A Tribune-Sun newspaper article “New Kensington Heights Homes among Finest in City, Planning Commission Records Disclose: Average Dwelling Value

23

San Diego Union, February 12, 1928. 24

San Diego Union, June 24, 1928. 25

San Diego Union, September 2, 1928, “Streets of Heights Reflect Progress.”



20

Page 20 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (Criterion A continued): Exceeds All Other Districts in San Diego.” The San Diego Union also featured the community on January 19, 1970, with “Know Your Neighborhood: Talmadge-Kensington Retain Flavor.”

Early Area History During the Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and American Periods. The landscape that we see today in this area has changed dramatically over time. The first people who arrived in this area may have come here as early as 20,000 years ago, although that is a subject of ongoing study. Certainly early peoples began to populate the region by 12,000 years ago. During that era, the Laguna Mountains were frozen and expansive savannah lands surrounded shallow lakes east to the Lower Colorado River. One of the most dramatic differences involved the location of the coastal shoreline, which was substantially further to the west than what we know today. In fact, geological evidence suggests that glacial ice drew-down the sea level to approximately 400 feet lower than we know it today. The “coastal” archaeological sites that reflect this period of occupation are now deeply submerged and available only to underwater explorers. Between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago, glacial melt elevated the sea level and prehistoric people intensified their use of the land. About 1,500 years ago, rainfall lessened and San Diego became the coastal desert of today. Archaeological investigation of San Diego has revealed most prehistoric cultures concentrated their population centers near freshwater drainages, estuaries, bays, and marine resources. Most of the prehistoric sites recorded consist of vegetal roasting ovens, trail breakage, and overnight camps. At least one seasonal habitation camp existed in Switzer Canyon at the time Spanish colonists arrived in San Diego in 1769. Other villages are known to have been in Mission Valley, Rose Canyon, and around San Diego Bay. Prior to 1769, Native Kumeyaay families and unknown prehistoric people before them lived in this general area on a nomadic basis, following food resources as they became seasonally available. The local Kumeyaay people continued traditional use rights on the land in this area through the Spanish and Mexican periods of California history, although their ability to live in the area and use the resources of the land became increasingly restricted by European dictates and encroachment from non-native grants, pre-emption, and homestead claims upon choice properties.

The first United States surveys passed through this area in the 1850s, but the first subdivisions as we understand it today with the system of Blocks and Lots did not occur until after 1900. Some sources record local Kumeyaay families living in Mission Valley and in various parts of coastal San Diego until about 1910 based on ethnographic interviews (Shipek 1991). After then, the Kumeyaay families who had not been forced to live on U.S. Government controlled reservations had abandoned these ancestrally-owned lands to move east or south to Baja, California where they still had cultural ties and could live with less interference. While today, American society generally does not recognize Native American usage/ownership of the land as part of the legal chain of title, it is, nevertheless, part of the chronological and historical sequence of land usage over time. Given the many thousands of years of prehistoric occupation, the Spanish colonization era passed through the Mexican Revolution and Mexican War with the United States in a mere heartbeat of time. By the 1870s, European American land surveyors began extending the boundary of the City of San Diego. Real estate speculators bought “Pueblo Land” from the Common Council and City Trustees and then drew maps that created grids of streets and blocks of lots.



21

Page 21 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (Criterion A continued): Conclusion: The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House at 4156 Middlesex Drive was not determined to qualify for designation under Criterion A. Legacy 106, Inc. did not find evidence to support that the Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House qualifies under Criterion A.



22

Page 22 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance - Criterion B:

Criterion B: Is identified with persons or events significant in local, state, or national history. A summary of the individuals associated with this property is provided along with a conclusion regarding their significance under Criterion B.

Edward D. Barrett and Emma Rena Barrett Owners, 1930 to 1931

According to the Notice of Completion, in May 1930, Edward D. Barrett contracted with builder Charles H. Tifal to construct 4156 Middlesex Dr. It was completed in September 1930. There is no evidence that the Barretts ever lived in the home. Edward was a cement contractor by trade. Edward D. Barrett was born in either Pennsylvania or Iowa around 1877 (records show both states). From at least 1920 until 1925, he and Emma lived in Seattle. The 1920 U.S. Census indicates that Edward worked as a shipyard machinist, but by 1925 was working as a contractor (1925 Seattle City Directory). The San Diego City Directories from 1928 to 1933 indicate that Edward and Emma resided at 435 S. Francis St. near the Logan Heights neighborhood, and that Edward worked as a cement contractor. The extent of Edward’s cement contracting work is San Diego is unknown, as the only definitive link to it is a San Diego Evening Tribune advertisement, dated August 18, 1930, stating that he did the cement work on the Marco Apartments at Sixth and University Ave. This apartment building is not extant. In 1934 they moved to 1025 Johnson Ave. in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood and around 1940 moved to 1041 Johnson Ave. By 1948, the couple was living in Chico, California. Further information about Edward could not be located. Edward’s wife, Emma Rena Barrett, shows up in some records as E. Rena Barrett. She was born in Iowa around 1891. Further information about Emma could not be located. Insufficient information was found about Edward D. Barrett and Emma Rena Barrett to determine they were historically significant for their association with 4156 Middlesex Drive under Criterion B.

William A. Rogers and Marguerite Rogers Residents, 1931

William A. Rogers and wife Marguerite (sometimes misspelled “Margueret”) lived at 4156 Middlesex Dr. in 1931 only. They were renters. William was a sales manager for the Mt. Helix Avocado Organization. William Alfred Rogers was born in New York around 1878. Very little could be found about his early life. He was a veteran of the Spanish-American War. In 1910 he lived in San Francisco, and sold real estate (1910 U.S. Census). He lived in Los Angeles in 1920 and sold cars for a living (1920 U.S. Census). William married Marguerite sometime in the mid-1920’s and census data shows that they had at least three children together. In 1929 and 1930, the Rogers family resided on Lookout Ave. in La Mesa, and William was employed as a sales manager for the F.J. Hansen Organization, an agricultural and residential development company. In 1931, the family rented 4156 Middlesex Dr. and William was employed with the Mt. Helix Avocado



23


*B10. Significance (Criterion B continued):

Organization. According to the 1940 U.S. Census, the Rogers’ lived in La Mesa at 9055 Hawley Blvd., and William was employed in real estate sales. William passed away in 1953 and is interred at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma. Marguerite Williams was born in Indiana around 1899. Unfortunately, after an extensive search, further information about her could not be located.

Insufficient information was found about William A. Rogers and Marguerite Williams to determine they were historically significant for their association with 4156 Middlesex Drive under Criterion B.

Frank P. Buckley and Dorothy E. Buckley Owners and Residents, 1931 to 1934

Frank P. Buckley and wife Dorothy owned and resided at 4156 Middlesex Dr. from 1931 to 1934. Frank was a deputy district attorney and vice president of the P.W. Gavin Company, a wholesale automotive accessories business owned by his father-in-law. In the 1920’s he was also active as an actor and director in the San Diego theatre scene. Around 1890, Francis P. Buckley was born in San Francisco. He graduated from the law college at the University of St. Ignatius in San Francisco in 1911, and practiced law there until serving with the U.S. Army during World War I (San Diego Union, March 7, 1918). In the Army, he served with the 21

st Infantry

and attained the rank of Captain (ibid). In March 1918, Frank married Dorothy Elizabeth Gavin at her parents’ San Diego home. Both Frank and Dorothy were active in San Diego theatre productions. Frank was the founder of the San Diego Players, a local theater troupe which later became known as the Yorick Players. Around 1923, Frank Buckley and Frank Spalding began renovations on the former U.S. Fisheries building on Park Blvd. in Balboa Park (San Diego Union, September 23, 1934). After completion, it was known as the Yorick Theatre. Both Frank and Dorothy Buckley acted in numerous performances there, and Frank also directed many of them. His legal career began to demand more of his time, and around 1926, Frank largely withdrew from active participation with the Yorick (ibid). In March 1928, the theatre was condemned as a fire hazard by Oscar G. Knecht, San Diego’s Chief Building Inspector, and the Yorick Players disbanded the following year. For several years, Frank was employed as an attorney with the firm of Ray Harris. Around 1930, Frank was appointed deputy district attorney and due to his extensive knowledge of criminal and civil law, acted as legal advisor to grand juries (San Diego Union, September 18, 1934). He often gave lectures, including radio broadcasts, on legal topics. After being ill for about two years, Frank passed away at his father-in-law’s San Diego home in September 1934. Dorothy was born in Pasadena on October 16, 1897 to Perry W. Gavin and wife Laura. Around 1905, the Gavins moved to San Diego. They appear in the 1910 U.S. Census as residing at 3313 E St., with Perry employed as an agent in an automotive business. He was owner and president of the P.W. Gavin Company, which was a wholesale supplier of automobile accessories.



24



Dorothy graduated from San Diego High School in 1916 and married Frank P. Buckley in 1918. From 1931 until his death in 1934, they owned and resided at 4156 Middlesex Dr. Dorothy remarried in September 1936 to Raymond M. Wansley, an attorney, public accountant, and city councilman. She passed away in San Diego in March 1988.

Insufficient information was found about Frank P. Buckley and Dorothy E. Buckley to determine they were historically significant for their association with 4156 Middlesex Drive under Criterion B.

Marie Saltus Owner and Resident, 1934 to 1942

Marie G. Saltus owned and resided at 4156 Middlesex Dr. from 1934 to 1942. She was president of the Theosophical Society’s Annie Besant Lodge, as well as an author, lecturer, and animal welfare worker. Marie was the widow of Edgar Saltus, a prominent writer in the early 1900’s, though largely forgotten after his death in 1921. The opening chapter of his 1912 novel The Monster describes the Hotel del Coronado and San Diego Bay. Two of his novels, The Palisier Case and Daughters of the Rich, were adapted into films in the early 1920’s. Several newspaper articles from the era state that Edgar was a favorite author of President Warren G. Harding. Around 1874, Marie Florence Giles was born in either New York or New Jersey (records make reference to both states). Nothing about her early life could be found. In August 1911, Marie married Edgar Evertear Saltus in the American Presbyterian Church in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Later that year, the couple moved to London, England. Around the time of their marriage, Marie and Edgar joined the Theosophical Society (San Diego Union, November 9, 1930). Edgar died in New York in 1921, and Marie moved to San Diego around 1925, settling at 4321 Valle Vista in the Mission Hills neighborhood. Around 1930 she moved to 3612 Park Blvd. in Hillcrest. Around this same time, Marie was selected as president of the Theosophical Society’s Annie Besant Lodge (San Diego Union, November 9, 1930). She gave frequent lectures on subjects related to the Society. In addition to her involvement with the Theosophical Society, Marie was very active in animal welfare activities. She fed homeless animals and frequently wrote letters to local newspapers, pleading with the public for donations or to adopt homeless pets. As dictated in his will, a portion of the royalties from Edgar’s book sales went towards the care of homeless animals (The Evening Independent [St. Petersburg, FL], December 29, 1925). In the early 1920’s, with an initial gift of $1,000, Marie founded the first Southern California location of the Bide-a-Wee Home for Dogs and Cats in Altadena, California (ibid). Her obituary states that she also founded the Cat Care Club, Inc. (Los Angeles Times, March 24, 1960). Marie was also active with welfare causes for children and the elderly, again utilizing her letters published in local newspapers to solicit donations for the needy and to find housing for them. In 1934, Marie purchased 4156 Middlesex Dr., where she resided until selling the home in 1942. Voter registration records indicate that by 1946, she was living in Los Angeles, where she passed away in 1960. Insufficient information was found about Marie Saltus to determine she was historically significant for her association with 4156 Middlesex Drive under Criterion B.



25



Harold H. Rethman and Ruth Rethman Owners and Residents, 1942 to 1956

Harold H. and Ruth Rethman owned and resided at 4156 Middlesex Dr. from 1942 to 1956. Harold was a retired Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and Ruth was a retired Navy nurse. In 1889, Harold Herman Rethman was born in Westernport, Maryland to Herman, a machinist, and Lilly, a housewife. According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Harold resided in Baltimore with his parents and two siblings. From 1915 to 1917, Harold resided in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The 1930 U.S. Census shows that Harold rented an apartment at 3060 3

rd Ave. in San Diego’s Bankers Hill neighborhood. His occupation is listed

as Chief Quartermaster’s Clerk in the Marine Corps. In September 1931, Harold married Marga “Ruth” Ingram. In 1942, the Rethmans purchased 4156 Middlesex Drive, and the following year, Harold retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Captain. Harold died in San Diego on January 27, 1954. He is interred at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery. Marga “Ruth” Ingram Rethman was born in Illinois September 1893. Very little about her early life could be found. In 1921, she joined the Navy Nurse Corps, retiring in 1931, the same year she married Harold. Locally, Ruth was active with the Daughters of the Nile and the San Diego Woman's Club (San Diego Union, July 19, 1966). She passed away in San Diego in July 1966.

Insufficient information was found about Harold H. Rethman and Ruth Rethman to determine they were historically significant for their association with 4156 Middlesex Drive under Criterion B.

Ralph L. Abbott and Moleta A. Abbott Owners and Residents, 1956 to 2010

Ralph L. and Moleta A. Abbott purchased 4156 Middlesex Dr. in 1956. Ralph was the vice president and district manager of the McAlester Construction Finance Corporation. Ralph Lloyd Abbott, a native of Fairview, Oklahoma, was born in November 1908. In the mid-1930’s he married Moleta, and by 1940 the couple lived in Portales, New Mexico, where Ralph worked as a watchmaker in a jewelry store (1940 U.S. Census). Ralph passed away in San Diego in July 1994. Moleta Alpha Puthuff Abbott was born in Oklahoma in March 1917. In 1920 through at least 1930, she lived with her parents, Herman and Bernice, in Erick, Oklahoma (1920 and 1930 U.S. Census). She passed away in San Diego on January 12, 2010. Insufficient information was found about Ralph L. Abbott and Moleta A. Abbott to determine they were historically significant for their association with 4156 Middlesex Drive under Criterion B.



26



Based on the research found and evidence presented in this report, Legacy 106, Inc. concludes that the Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House at 4156 Middlesex Dr. does not have significant associations with significant individuals to qualify for nomination under Criterion B.



27


Criterion “C” Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship. The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House is an excellent example of a Spanish Eclectic home built by Established Master Designers and Builders Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal showcasing the Spanish Eclectic of architecture with Monterey influences in Kensington. In greater detail, this house displays the architecturally defining features indicative of the Spanish Eclectic style. The home has a varied form with a low-pitched Mission half-barrel hipped and shed roof and exhibits minimal eave overhang with short wooden rafter tails. The second level hipped roof and southwestern wing shed roof appear to have the original irregularly laid roof tiles. The home has an asymmetrical façade which further articulates its Spanish Eclectic style. On the second floor, each façade has a uniquely designed upper level balcony. Spanish style arched and stucco balconies with solid stucco railings are seen on the north and south elevations. On the East and West elevation cantilevered wooden balconies under the principle roofline with heavy beams supports and open spindle balustrades project out and along with the wooden shutters show the Monterey style Influences of the home. The wall surfacing of the home is hand finished white painted stucco with decorative wooden plank style window shutters seen on the front (South) and secondary (East) façade of the house. Decorative wrought iron window grills and lighting sconces are also seen around the home. The home's front façade also exhibits inset door and windows with deep stucco reveal. The original rear L-shaped plan with protected rear patio design, connect the outdoor and indoor spaces and further define the home's Spanish Eclectic feel. Spanish Eclectic Style. Many architectural historians attribute the high popularity of the Spanish Eclectic style variations in San Diego with the popularity of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, which was held in San Diego from 1915 through 1916. A likely influence for the shift in popularity would be the Bertram Goodhue-designed 1922-1923 Marine Corps Recruit Depot and Naval Training Center. Soon thereafter, technical journals, newspapers, and magazines promoted Spanish style architecture as a revitalization of interest in 18th and 19th century California history. The San Diego Union hired Master Architect Richard Requa to write a weekly column critiquing local architecture and he used this forum to attack everything but his own preferences of what he termed, “The Southern California style.” He traveled to Europe and North Africa in 1926 and then returned to influence what he believed to be the “honest” historical style. Developers George Forbes and the Davis-Baker Company hired Requa to review the architectural plans for Kensington Heights and the Southlands Company conducted their own reviews of builder plans for Kensington Manor. Although the style continued as late as 1948, the Great Depression caused a shift to “patriotic” styles and Spanish style lost favor to Colonial Revival, Cape Cod, and Neo Classical style houses. Designers of Spanish Eclectic houses often borrowed from Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance motifs (McAlester and McAlester 2002:417). The fired red clay tiles on this house are Spanish style Mission half barrels. The walls of houses in this style are stuccoed to appear like old adobe buildings in artistic interpretations from Spanish / Mediterranean origins. In general, designers of the period were engaged in a process to define and interpret appropriate architectural styles for our climate. A great deal of literature of the period was devoted to defining an appropriate “Southern California Style” of architecture. The strongest popularity for Spanish style residential architecture hit San Diego about 1925, when the newspapers and popular magazines promoted this as an authentic style harkening back to San Diego’s Spanish roots. Spanish Eclectic Popularity Shifts (1915-1940). The shift from Mission Revival to Spanish style is pretty well established with the design and completion of the Panama California Exposition and public debut in 1915. Newspaper announcements of “Spanish” style buildings in the 1913-1915 period more



28

Page 28 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (Criterion C continued):

closely resemble Italian Renaissance architecture (e.g.: Katherine Redding Stadler House, Landmark # 861). But there are few, if any, residential examples of non-Mission Revival, Spanish style residential architecture before World War I. Master Architect Bertram Goodhue changed the public definition of Spanish style with the completion of the Panama California Exposition in 1915. But once again, few Spanish style residences were built to show a direct correlation until completion of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in 1921 and military buildings at the Naval Training Station (1922-1923). Although Master Architect Richard Requa promoted accuracy in creating Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, he also encouraged designers and builders to borrow a mix of motifs from his photographs of buildings in Spain, North Africa, and the Mediterranean to create what he called “The Southern California Style.” Builders with and without formal training took design concepts from popular magazines, plan books, and professional architectural journals to dream up their designs. One of the best neighborhoods of Spanish Eclectic style houses to illustrate this concept would be the 1920s Kensington Manor and Kensington Heights neighborhoods of San Diego. Most of the Spanish Eclectic style died out by the 1940's. One known 1948 example at Young Street in Point Loma may be one of the last examples of its kind. The Monterey Architectural Style - Early Californians created an indigenous style of architecture by fusing local Spanish-influences with Anglo Colonial designs from the eastern coast. Their designs eventually led to the emergence of one of California's few native architectural styles. A revival of the Monterey style became popular between1930-1950. It is sometimes classified as a sub style of the Spanish Eclectic, but today most historians call the designs Monterey, named after the California city where the style is most prevalent. The combination of Spanish and Anglo stylistic traditions is seen in the building materials utilized. Used primarily for residential properties, Monterey style homes are typically two stories in height with shallow pitched hipped or gabled roofs, and a second story cantilevered covered wood balcony. Plans are usually L-shaped but also appear in many other forms. Roofs are generally covered in clay tiles in the Spanish style and the exterior wall surfaces are usually finished in stucco also reflecting the Spanish influences. The wooden balcony, often located above the main entrance door, is accessed only from the interior by glazed French doors. Many have ornate balusters juxtaposed against simple squared wood posts. Early examples of the Monterey style, from about 1930-1940, tend to favor Spanish detailing such as tile roofs and carved balcony porch posts, while later examples from the 1940's and 1950's emphasize American Colonial details, such as double hung multi-light windows adorned with shutters and front paneled entry doors.



29


The designer and builders Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House selected high quality building materials, hired fine craftsmen, and successfully blended Spanish, Moorish, Mediterranean, and Monterey details in the creation of this house. This high end design, materials, and expression of craftsmanship exhibited in this house are excellent even compared with surrounding Spanish Eclectic style houses in Kensington Heights. The original construction and materials are called out specifically on the Residential Building Record as "Above Standard".

The architecturally defining features that are supportive of historic landmarking are:

1. The low pitched roof with very little eave overhang with short rounded edge wooden rafter tails; 2. The original hand laid exterior wall stucco; 3. The mostly original irregularly laid Mission half-barrel tile roof seen on the second level hipped

roof and southwestern wing shed roof; 4. The original wooden divided light casement windows; 5. The wrought iron metal window grills; 6. The original rear facing "L" shaped plan around a rear courtyard; 7. The stucco chimney's with simple stucco cooping; 8. The original rustic open interior trusses and exposed beams; 9. The deep inset windows on the front façade; 10. The cantilevered Monterey style wooden balcony under the principle roofline with heavy beams

supports and open spindle balustrades on the East and West façades; 11. The varied massing and roof design with hipped and shed roof styles; 12. The front entry area stained glass windows; 13. The exterior wrought iron wall scones and other original lighting fixtures; 14. The Spanish style arched and stucco balconies with solid stucco railings on the northern and

southern elevations; 15. The decorative wooden plank style window shutters seen on the front and secondary façades; 16. The overhanging cantilevered second floor room extension with exposed beam supports seen

on the western elevation; 17. The original rectangular wooden French doors seen throughout the home linking indoor and

outdoor spaces; 18. The scored concrete curving entry walkway; 19. The original hand hammered wrought iron lighting fixtures;

The following are architectural changes that cause integrity loss are:

1. The enlarged double garage with additions (approx. 4' to side and rear workshop addition) with front mansard roof overhang (recommended excluded from designation);

2. The small site wall and breezeway roof connecting to the home and detached two car garage (recommended excluded from designation);

3. The single story rear balcony enclosure addition (outside of the public view);



30


Architectural Integrity Analysis. The following is an analysis of the Integrity of the home's architecture. Location. Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event occurred Based on comparison with the historic Sanborn Fire Insurance maps and other research, the house is shown to be in its original location at 4156 Middlesex Drive. The House has excellent integrity of Location. Design. Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken. Analysis of the building records, Sanborn maps, residential building records and examination of the resource at 4156 Middlesex reveals the visible elevations very closely match the original design of the house. Edward and Emma Barrett commissioned Master Builder and Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal to build this home. This is an excellent example of a large scale Spanish Eclectic home with Monterey influences built in 1930. The original hipped roof and half gable/shed roof design on the front and secondary façade with low pitched clay tile roof and very little eave overhang and decorative exposed rafters ends are intact. The home retains hand laid white stucco exterior surfacing. The inset wooden true divided light casement windows are almost all completely original and intact. The only visible change in the original design is the circa 1971 detached garage addition (approx. four feet) and site wall with differentiated mansard roof. The sun deck/patio rear addition (which has been fully enclosed) is placed behind and below the home's front and side façade and is not in the public view. The home still displays sufficient integrity of design and the detached garage addition and site wall does not impact the home's integrity of design, to such an extent that the home is no longer recognizable or to the extent that the home no longer embodies the distinctive characteristics of its Spanish Eclectic style with Monterey influences. The Design element of this home is good. Setting. Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. The setting is the larger area or environment in which a historic property is located. It may be an urban, suburban, or rural neighborhood or a natural landscape in which buildings have been constructed. The relationship of buildings to each other, setbacks, fence patterns, views, driveways and walkways, and street trees together create the character of a district or neighborhood. The street and side setback of this corner lot house matches the historic neighborhood. The home blends in well with its historic Kensington neighborhood with many important Spanish Eclectic homes nearby, including a Richard Requa designed home directly next door to the west. The setting is somewhat affected by the front site wall which visually links the detached garage and home more closely than the original home and garage relationship, however the excluded detached garage is still very much secondary to the dominant large two story home. The curving scored concrete entry walkway and front yard landscaping likely closely matches the original style and type with open grass lawn and small bushes positioned near the home. The house has excellent integrity of Setting.



31


Materials. Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property. The Standards state that deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. The hand applied wall stucco appears as original. The home features almost all the original wooden windows and doors on the front and side elevations. Exterior wrought iron metal grills and delicate iron lighting fixtures are remarkably original and unharmed. Almost all the original irregularly laid mission clay roof tiles are intact. The original wooden plank style window shutters and rounded end wooden rafter tails are intact and original. The wooden Monterey style balconies with oversized support beams and corbels on the east and western elevations maintain the original wooden material. As noted throughout this analysis, the Materials aspect of Integrity of this home is excellent.

Workmanship. Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. The craftsmanship exhibited in this house represents skilled construction techniques. In particular, the skills in sculpting the exterior wall stucco arches and arched window reveal is high quality. The wrought iron window grills show original craftsmanship and skilled hand hammered spear ends along with expertly joined decorative scroll work and twisted bar stock shows adept metal-smithing and ironwork. The Workmanship aspect of Integrity is excellent. Feeling. Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time. This 1930 Spanish Eclectic residence in its present excellent original condition is well preserved and imparts the visitor with a realistic sense and feeling for the late 1920's and early 1930's historical Kensington neighborhood. The home blends in well with historic older neighboring properties in Kensington. The feeling of a Spanish Eclectic home and the late 1920's to early 1930's pre-Depression age are retained. The Feeling aspect of Integrity is excellent. Association. Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House at 4156 Middlesex Drive is associated with recognized Master Builder and Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal. However, research for this nomination did not find sufficient evidence of direct links or association with important events or persons and this property. Conclusion: The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House meets six of seven aspects of integrity and can be said to have excellent architectural integrity for historical designation. Legacy 106, Inc. recommends the house for historical designation under Criterion C.



32


Criterion “D” Is representative of a notable work of a master builder, designer, architect, engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, artist or craftsman. The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House is an excellent example of the work of Master Builder Charles Tifal and his business partner Master Architectural Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt as both began utilizing Monterey and other eclectic Spanish influences into their work utilizing varied massing, different roof styles, multiple wooden and stucco balconies and different roof heights to create a more elaborate and varied Spanish Eclectic style. This later Spanish Eclectic style was sometimes referred to as "Southern California Style" as described by Master Architect Richard Requa and others who worked in the style. The house embodies distinctive elements of Hurlburt and Tifal work in this more complex and varied Spanish Eclectic style. The home is an important example of Hurlburt and Tifal's architectural design in 1930. Master Builder Charles Tifal signed the building contract and is listed as the builder on the home's 1930 Notice of Completion. The name of his longtime business partner, Master Architectural Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt, was not found on existing historic documents. However, the two partners have a long history of working with each other extensively during this period in the 1930's when they are listed under the firm Hurlburt and Tifal, a partnership that lasted from 1920 until Hurlburt died in 1942. In the firm's promotional booklet Distinctive Homes they describe their partnership as, "The firm's Ralph E. Hurlburt - Architectural Designing, Real Estate and Financing and Charles H. Tifal - Builder", while operating individually and separately are, in a sense, a single organization striving to express through the homes they design and build the very personality of the individual by whom they are employed. (Please see Attachment E.4)

Also, photos are provided of the Frank H. and Margaret Burton / Milton P. Sessions House ( 1271 Brookes Terrace, Marston Hills - HRB #534) designed by Ralph Hurlburt during the same early 1930's period, employs many of the same distinctive architectural features and details. (Please see Attachment E.4) This home shares the second level hipped roof with wood and stucco balconies and first level shed tile roof design with the subject resource, the proposed Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House. Both homes show the increased Monterey influences of Hurlburt in the early 1930's in their use of cantilevered wooden balconies under the principle rooflines connected by French doors as well as wooden plank style shutters on main elevations. In addition, extensive scrolled wrought iron window grilles and detailing are also employed on both resources.

Charles H. Tifal - Builder Taken from the "Biographies of Established Masters," compiled in 2011 by the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board: Biography: Charles Tifal was born in 1882 in Wisconsin and relocated to San Diego in approximately 1920.

Beginning in the early 1920s, Hurlburt and Tifal designed and constructed structures, primarily high‐end custom residences, in a myriad of styles including French Eclectic, Spanish Eclectic, Arts and Crafts, Tudor, Italian Renaissance and variants with North African and American Pueblo territorial design elements. In 1942 Tifal was no longer working with Hurlburt but was partnered with Scott King. The firm of Tifal & King installed the Alvarado Road Pump House, cottage and garage. Charles died at age 86 in February of 1968.


CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial __________________________________

33

Page 33 of 36 *Resource Name or #: Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House *Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA and Kiley Wallace *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update *B10. Significance (Criterion D continued):

Notable Works: HRB #311 Emmett G. O'Neill Residence HRB #534 – The Frank H. & Margaret Burton/Milton P. Sessions House HRB #613 – Alfred LaMotte/Hurlburt and Tifal House (3557 Third Avenue) HRB #697 – Edwin and Rose Emerson/Hurlburt and Tifal House (2645 28th Street) HRB #824 Sam and Mary McPherson/Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal House William Bosustow Apartments (3750 Fourth Avenue) Cromwell Gardens, Normal Heights Additional biographical information about Charles H. Tifal from research conducted by Legacy 106, Inc.: Charles H. Tifal was born January 10, 1882 in Wisconsin. His early history is not known at this time, but the 1920 U.S. Census shows he lived in Seattle City, King County, Washington. His father and mother were born in Germany and his stated occupation in 1920 was carpenter. He was 37 years of age and married to Eva (Hilts) Tifal. That year's Census also shows they had a 13-year old daughter named Virginia and a 9-year old daughter, Margaret, and both were born in California. The California Death Index shows Charles died February 12, 1968 in San Diego (www.Ancestry.com). His obituary reported he was a retired general contractor, age 86, resident of San Diego for 63 years, and lived at 3021 Dumas Street (San Diego Union, February 14, 1968). Eva was born in August 24, 1880 in Michigan and her father was born in Canada. She listed no occupation and died July 21, 1973, at the age of 81. She had lived in San Diego for 68 years, and also lived at 3021 Dumas Street (San Diego Union, July 24, 1973). At the time Tifal built 4156 Middlesex Dr., he and Eva lived at 1221 Sutter St. Charles listed himself in that year's City Directory as a building contractor associated with Hurlburt, who listed himself as an architectural designer and realtor. However, the Hurlburt & Tifal "Distinctive Homes" brochure and papers at the San Diego History Center reveals they never formed a partnership or corporation together. By 1930, Charles Tifal's daughter Virginia was age 24, divorced and working as a dental assistant in a dentist’s office. At that time,19-year old Margaret worked as a secretary for manufacturing agents (1930 U.S. Census, www.Ancestry.com). The 1942 Directory shows that Tifal no longer worked with Hurlburt, as he had partnered with Scott King, another contractor. Scott and Ellen King lived at 5115 Vivera Drive, La Mesa. City of San Diego contracts show Tifal and King built the Alvarado Pumping Station on June 11, 1942 (Document # 339144, San Diego Contracts, San Diego Historical Society). Ralph E. Hurlburt (Architectural Designer)

Taken from the "Biographies of Established Masters," compiled in 2011 by the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board: Ralph E. Hurlburt was born in 1888 in Utica, Nebraska located in Seward County in Nebraska. His grandparents, George Frederick and Nancy Elizabeth Hurlburt came from Harpersville, New York in Broom County. Ralph’s grandfather eventually moved the whole family to Northampton, Peoria County,



34


*Recorded by: Ronald V. May, RPA *Date: January 2014 Continuation Update

*B10. Significance (Criterion D continued): Illinois to develop a farm. After a failed attempt in the farming industry, George moved the family once more to Coal Hallow, Bartonville, Illinois here he took up coal mining and owned a small farm. George trained his sons in construction and then helped their father build their homestead in 1872. The Hurlburt men then invested in a general store in Utica, Nebraska profiting $4000 the first year. They reinvested this money into local farms and earned enough money to start a bank and holding company. Because of this, Ralph grew up with a strong business sense, knowledge of construction, cost estimating, financing, and loan transactions. He started out as an apprentice with Lincoln National Bank which he used to improve the family business. Hurlburt then went on to graduate from a school in York, Nebraska before joining the service at the outbreak of World War I in 1918. During World War I, Hurlburt was an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Utica, Nebraska. In 1916, Ralph married Nettie Goodbrod and relocated to San Diego. In 1920 he was listed as a building contractor, real estate agent, realtor, real estate sales, and partner in the firm of Hurlburt and Tifal, Architectural Designers and Realtors. Originally involved with real estate financing and law, Hurlburt had shifted to architectural design. Early in his building career, Hurlburt partnered with builder Charles H. Tifal, a partnership that lasted until 1942. Although never listed as an architect, Hurlburt was responsible for the building of numerous homes in the La Mesa and San Diego areas. He published a promotional booklet entitled “Distinctive Homes” in 1925 reflecting a variety of styles of homes which remain some of San Diego’s outstanding architectural landmarks. Some of the architectural styles included in his designs include the Spanish Eclectic, English Tudor Revival, English Cottage, French Eclectic, and Colonial Revival. He built his homes in a variety of neighborhoods including Kensington, the Marston Hills subdivision, Mission Hills, Point Loma, and Uptown Communities. Mr. Hurlburt was a member of the San Diego Realty Board. He was also involved in local sporting events having won the San Diego County tennis championship doubles. With his death at the age of 55 in 1942, his obituary noted a career as a banker, real estate agent, and insurance salesman; the man of many trades. Notable Works: HRB #464 – The Wonder House of Stone (4386 Adams Avenue) HRB #523 – James C. & Lillie Byers/Ralph E. Hurlburt House (4230 Arguello Street) HRB #534 – The Frank H. & Margaret Burton/Milton P. Sessions House (1271 Brookes Terrace) HRB #613 – Alfred LaMotte/Hurlburt and Tifal House (3557 Third Avenue) HRB # 697 – Edwin and Rose Emerson/Hurlburt and Tifal House (2645 28th Street)

HRB # 824 ‐ Franklin and Helen Boulter/Martin V. Melhorn House

HRB # 906‐ John Snyder/Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal Spec House #1 HRB # 929‐ Ralph Hurlburt/ Alexander Schreiber Spec House # 1

HRB # 933‐ John Snyder/Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal Spec House #2 Additional Biographical information about Ralph E. Hurlburt from research conducted by Legacy 106, Inc.: Ralph E. Hurlburt was born July 24, 1888 in Utica, Seward County, Nebraska (May and May, 2005). His grandparents, George Frederick and Nancy Elizabeth Hurlburt, came from Harpersville, Broom County, New York.



35


Ralph’s grandfather eventually moved the whole family to Northampton, Peoria County, Illinois to develop a farm. Upon failure of the farm, he moved to Coal Hollow, Bartonville, Illinois and he took up coal mining and another small farm. George taught his sons, Clifford, Lewis, and Arthur how to construct solid buildings and they built their homestead in 1872. (www.Ancestry.com World Tree Project: Family History, Robert Raymond Hunt: Hurlburt Family). The Hurlburt men invested in a general store in Utica, Nebraska and reinvested the profits back into local farms and earned enough to form a bank and holding company. Surrounded by pioneer builders, farmers and businessmen, Ralph grew up with a strong business sense, knowledge of construction and cost estimating, financing and loan transactions. Lincoln National Bank accepted him as an apprentice for two weeks and he took that experience back to the family bank to set up books, bank drafts, promissory notes, and other legal documents that he copied for use at the Merchant’s Bank of Utica. Ralph worked his way up to cashier by 1915 and then left to study in various colleges before graduating at a school in York, Nebraska. When war broke out in Europe and America entered the war in 1918, Ralph joined the United States Navy and received a commission as an officer. After World War I ended, Ralph returned to the bank and shortly thereafter moved with his father Clifford to California to invest in real estate. Ralph’s Uncle Arthur had been producing bricks in Aurora, Nebraska and followed Ralph and Clifford to California. Ralph passed away in 1942 in York, Nebraska while visiting there for business. Nettie died in July 1969. Hurlburt and Tifal designs and comparisons of the Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House to other known Hurlburt and Tifal designed / built resources. Master Architectural Designer and Builder team Hurlburt and Tifal designed homes in a number of styles and eras from the 1920s-1940's. They designed in the Craftsman, Tudor, Colonial Revival, Spanish Eclectic, and other architectural styles. Much of Hurlburt and Tifal's early work was in the Craftsman and Colonial architectural styles with most of these being modest in scale and size. San Diego HRB #929 and #948 reflect Hurlburt and Tifal's early development in this popular San Diego Craftsman/Colonial style. By 1926, Hurlburt and Tifal had started designing in the popular Spanish Eclectic style. The subject property exemplifies Hurlburt's design and Tifal's building skills in the Spanish Eclectic style with Monterey influences. Ralph Hurlburt's excellent and large scale two story design of 1271 Brookes Terrace (HRB #534), built three years after the subject resource in 1933 in the Spanish Eclectic style, is the most comparable (see Attachment E.4). This home shows a similar cantilever wooden second level balcony with wooden brackets as Hurlburt's architectural designs became more Monterey influenced. This home also shares the upper level hipped Spanish clay tile roof with half gabled/shed roofs on the first level along with the subject resource. The home features wood balconies supported by corniced beams with wooden balustrade under the principle roof and decorative wrought iron grilles, as does the subject property. A similar upper level solid stucco balcony is also seen at the rear of the home overlooking the canyon below. Comparison between the subject home, plans and historic photos of other known Hurlburt and Tifal designed and built resources reveals the resource is unique and shows the designer/builders beginning transition from Spanish Eclectic to the later popular Monterey architectural style. This home is also an important link showing the professional architectural development of Hurlburt and Tifal as the partners shifted from more simple Spanish revival and pueblo influenced styles to more Spanish elaborate and varied Spanish Eclectic and Monterey style designs.



36


The Edward and Emma Barrett / Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles Tifal House at 4156 Middlesex Dr., built by Master Designer/ Builder partners Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal, is an excellent example of their work and is proposed as a candidate for landmarking under Criterion “D”.

HRB Criterion E National Register of Historic Places listing or eligibility. Criterion E does not apply to this property. HRB Criterion F as a contributing resource to the _____ Historical District. Criterion F does not apply to this property.



37

38

A.1 Assessor’s Building Record

39

A.1 Assessor’s Building Record

40

A.2 Notice of Completion E.D. Barrett (owner) entered into a contract with builder Charles H. Tifal on June 10,

1930. Note Charles Tifal middle initial is mistakenly shown as U instead of H. The property was actually completed on September 2, 1930.

41

A.3 Water Record Dated June 25, 1930. Owner is listed as E.D. Barrett.

42

A.3 Sewer Record The only sewer record available is a stop-up record from 1948.

43

A.4 Building / Construction Permits

44


45


46


47


48


49


50

A.5 Site Plan with Footprint Taken from the Residential Building Record. Additions/Alterations shown in red.

Rear addition and Garage included in designation

Rear addition not in the public

view

Side garage with small addition at rear

Front Elevation

51

A.6 County Lot and Block Book Page First assessed in 1931

52

A.7 Previous Survey Form

Previous survey forms could not be located

53

Attachment B Ownership and Occupant Information

B.1 – Chain of Title B.2 – Directory Search of Occupants B.3 – Deed from the Date of Construction

54

B.1 Chain of Title 4156 Middlesex Drive

APN 440-204-06-00

Instrument Date Grantor to Grantee, Recorded Date, Book, Page, or File

May 27, 1930 Union Trust Company of San Diego to E.D. Barrett and E. Rena Barrett,

June 11, 1930, Book 1786, Page 118

September 12, 1930 Notice of Completion to E.D. Barrett (contracted with Charles Tifal,

builder), recorded September 12, 1930, Book 98, Page 482

September 6, 1931 E.D. Barrett and E. Rena Barrett to Francis P. Buckley and Dorothy E.

Buckley, September 25, 1931, Book 25, Page 293

January 4, 1934 Francis P. Buckley and Dorothy E. Buckley to Marie Saltus, January 27,

1934, Book 268, Page 219

December 30, 1942 Marie Saltus to Harold H. Rethman and Ruth Rethman, January 26, 1943,

Book 1456, Page 142

December 7, 1956 Ruth Rethman (a widow) to Ralph L. Abbott and Moleta A. Abbott,

December 12, 1956, Book 6379, Page 118

June 10, 1976 Ralph L. Abbott and Moleta A. Abbott to Home State Fidelity Corp.,

February 24, 1977, File # 77-067830

December 31, 1977 Home State Fidelity Corp. to Ralph L. Abbott and Moleta A. Abbott,

February 27, 1978, File # 78-077261

January 10, 1986 Ralph L. Abbott and Moleta A. Abbott to Moleta A. Abbott (as her sole

and separate property), January 13, 1986, File # 86-013567

March 28, 1990 Moleta A. Abbott to Moleta A. Abbott, Trustee of the Moleta A. Abbott

1990 Trust, April 12, 1990, File # 90-197658

April 8, 2010 Affidavit of Death of Settlor, Original Trustee, and Beneficiary (Moleta A.

Abbott), April 13, 2010, File # 2010-0182332

November 17, 2010 Tony Lee Abbott, Successor Trustee of the Moleta A. Abbott 1990 Trust

to David L. Roth and William N. Adair, Jr., December 16, 2010, File #

2010-0696105

55

B.2 Directory Search of Occupants

1930 No record

1931 Rogers WA

Rogers Wm A (Margueret *correct spelling?) (Mt Helix Avocado Organization) h4156 Middlesex dr

1932 Buckley FP (o)

Buckley Frank P (Dorothy E) dep Dist Atty and v-pres PW Gavin Co h4156 Middlesex dr

1933 Buckley FP (o)

Buckley Frank P (Dorothy E) dep Dist Atty and v-pres PW Gavin Co h4156 Middlesex dr

1934 Saltus Marie Mrs

Saltus Marie (wid Edgar) pres Anna Besant Lodge Theosophical Society h4156 Middlesex dr

1935 Salters Marie Mrs *spelled Salters from 1935 to 1941

Saltus Marie (wid Edgar) h4156 Middlesex dr


Salters Marie (wid Edgar) h4156 Middlesex dr










Salters Marie (wid Edgar) author h4156 Middlesex dr

1942 Saltus Marie Mrs Salters Marie h 4156 Middlesex dr

1943 Rethman HH Rethman Harold H (Ruth) h4156 Middlesex dr

1944 - 1945

Rethman HH

Rethman Harold H (Ruth) h4156 Middlesex dr

1946 Directory not published this year

1947 - 1948

Rethman HH

Rethman Harold H (Ruth) h4156 Middlesex dr





1953 - 1954

Rethman HH Rethman Harold H (Ruth) h4156 Middlesex dr

1955 Rethman Ruth Mrs Rethman Ruth (wid Harold H)

1956 Rethman Ruth Mrs Rethman Ruth (wid Harold H)

1957 Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) investor h4156 Middlesex dr

1958 Abbott RL

Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) (The Westchester Apartments) h4156 Middlesex dr

56

1959 Abbott RL

Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) (The Westchester Apartments) h4156 Middlesex dr

1960 Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) (The Westchester Apartments) h4156 Middlesex dr

1961 Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) (The Westchester Apartments) h4156 Middlesex dr

1962 Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) v-pres McAlester Construction Finance Corp h4156 Middlesex dr

1963 - 1964

Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) v-pres dist mgr McAlester Construction Finance Corp h4156 Middlesex dr

1965 Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) v-pres dist mgr McAlester Construction Finance Corp h4156 Middlesex dr




1969 - 1970

Abbott RL Abbott Ralph L (Moleta) v-pres dist mgr McAlester Construction Finance Corp h4156 Middlesex dr



57

B.3 Deed from the Date of Construction

58

B.3 Deed from the Date of Construction Continued

59

B.3 Deed from the Date of Construction Continued

60

Attachment C Maps

C.1 — City of San Diego 800 Scale Engineering Map C.2 — Current and Historical USGS Maps

C.3 — Original Subdivision Map C.4 — Sanborn Maps

1886/1887 1906 1921 1940 1950 1956

61

C.1 City of San Diego 800 Scale Engineering Map Map # 218-1725

62

C.2 Current USGS Map - 1994 La Mesa Quad

63

C.2 Historical USGS Map - 1967 La Mesa Quad

64

C.3 Original Subdivision Map Kensington Heights Unit 2, Map 1912

65

C.3 Original Subdivision Map

Kensington Heights Unit 2, Map 1912, Sheet 2

66

C.3 Tax Assessor's Map

67

C.4 Sanborn Map – 1886/1887

None for this Area

68

C.4 Sanborn Map – 1906

None for this area

69

C.4 Sanborn Map – 1921

None for this area

70

C.4 Sanborn Map – July 1939 Volume 2, Map 299K

71

C.4 Sanborn Map – 1950 July 1939 map republished in 1950

72

C.4 Sanborn Map – 1956 Volume 2, Map 299K

73

Attachment D Photographs

D.1 — Historical Photographs D.2 — Current Photographs

74

D.1 Historical Photograph Erickson aerial photograph of Kensington Heights, 1927. Roads are laid out but the

resource had not yet been constructed.

Photo courtesy of the San Diego History Center. Photo # 13437.

75

D.2 Current Photographs – South (front) Elevation

Photo this page by Dan Soderberg, November 2013

76


All other photos by Kiley Wallace, November 2013

77


78


79


80


81


82


83


84


85

D.2 Current Photographs – East (secondary) Elevation

86

D.2 Current Photographs – Northeast (secondary) Elevation

87


88


89

D.2 Current Photographs - West (side) Elevation

90


91

D.2 Current Photographs – West (side) Elevation

92

D.2 Current Photographs – West (side) Elevation

93


94

D.2 Current Photographs – North (rear) Elevation

95


96


97


98


Rear enclosed patio area-Outside of the public view

99

D.2 Current Photographs – Detached Garage

Not included in designation South Elevation

100


Not included in designation East Elevation

101


Not included in designation East roof parapet / North elevation wall

102

D.2 Current Photographs –Garage / Breezeway site wall

Not included in designation

103

D.2 Current Photographs – Detached Garage/Site wall

Not included in designation doorway from garage / front site wall gate

104

D.2 Interiors Floor Plan with Interior Elements proposed Site plan taken from the Residential Building Record.

Entry stairway and living room exposed beam ceiling included in designation

Original entryway with exposed beam

ceiling and wrought iron

railing and wall sconces

Front Elevation

Living Room

Front Entryway

Original exposed beam ceiling

105

D.2 Current Photographs – Interior

This exposed beam ceiling is included in designation

106


This exposed beam ceiling entryway is included in designation

107


This entryway with exposed beam ceiling and wrought iron railing is included in designation

108


For Reference- Not included in designation

109



110



111



112

Attachment E HRB Criteria

Supplemental Documentation

E.1 — Criterion A E.2 — Criterion B

E.3 — Criterion C E.4 — Criterion D

E.5 — Criterion E E.6 — Criterion F

113

E.1 Criterion A – Community History

Excerpt from the book Kensington-Talmadge,1910-1997 by Dr. Thomas H. Baumann, DDS

114


"The History of Kensington Heights" continued

115

E.1 Criterion A – Community History 1920's Kensington aerial with lots superimposed

Courtesy of the San Diego History Center Courtesy of the San Diego History Center

116

E.1 Criterion A – Community History Tract office of the Kensington Heights Company, located at Marlborough Dr. and

Hilldale, 1926

Photos courtesy of the San Diego History Center

117


George T. Forbes, president of the Kensington Heights Company, second from right, in 1926

Photo courtesy of the San Diego History Center

Photo from Kensington-Talmadge, 1910-1997 by Dr. Thomas H. Baumann, DDS

118


119


120


121


122


Article about Kensington Heights and the Davis-Baker Co. from the May 27, 1929 issue of the National Real Estate Journal

123


National Real Estate Journal article continued

124

E.2 Criterion B – Historical Person

Edward D. Barrett and Emma Rena Barrett Owners, 1930 to 1931

Edward was a cement contractor by trade.

125



126



Dorothy Buckley remarried in September 1936.

127


Marie Saltus, Owner and Resident, 1934 to 1942

In 1925, Marie published a book about her late husband, entitled Edgar Saltus: The Man. The book is available online at gutenberg.org. The images below are featured in

the book.

Left: Marie pictured in her 1916 U.S. Consular Registration Certificate. She and her husband Edgar lived in London from approximately 1911 to 1920.

128



129



130



131



Around 1911, Marie and her husband Edgar joined the Theosophical Society. She was still active with the Society when she came to San Diego in the 1920's. In 1930, she was

elected president of the Theosophical Society's Annie Besant Lodge. Marie frequently gave lectures locally about topics related to Theosophy.

132



Marie was very active in animal welfare, as well as welfare for needy children and the elderly.

133



Marie in the 1940 U.S. Census. She owned and resided at 4156 Middlesex Dr. along with a lodger named Frederick Smith.

134



135


Harold H. Rethman and Ruth Rethman Owners and Residents, 1942 to 1956

Harold H. Rethman, circa 1919 Courtesy of Ancestry.com

Ruth Rethman, circa 1960 Courtesy of Ancestry.com

136

E.4 Criterion D – Master Builder Charles H. Tifal's biography in the City of San Diego's Biographies of Established

Masters, published in 2011.

137

E.4 Criterion D – Master Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt's biography in the City of San Diego's Biographies of Established

Masters, published in 2011.

138

E.4 Criterion D – Master Designer / Builder Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal

2004 Staff Recommendation (condensed to relevant sections) Acceptance of Status as Master Designer (Ralph E. Hurlburt) and Master Builder

(Charles H. Tifal).

139


Known designs by Hurlburt and Tifal:

Ralph E. Hurlburt House at 3628 Brant, South Mission Hills (French Eclectic) John Snyder/Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal Spec House #3 at 4386 Trias St., Mission Hills (Spanish Eclectic) Ed Jacobsen House at St. James and Sunset Boulevard, Mission Hills (English Tudor or Old English) A.L. Meyer House at 1204 Myrtle Way, Marston Hills (Spanish and Pueblo influence) Alfred D. La Motte House at 3557 Third Street, Hillcrest (British Arts & Crafts) William Bosustow Apartments, 3750 Fourth St., Hillcrest (Italian Renaissance) Normandy Court, Park Boulevard and University, Hillcrest (demolished, English Tudor) Louis Robinson House, 2212 La Callecita, Mission Hills (Spanish Eclectic) W.S. Phillips House, 355 Fifth, Chula Vista (French Eclectic) Emmet G. O’Neil House, 2765 Second St, Hillcrest (English Colonial) J.C. Goodbrod House, 2720 Chatsworth, Loma Portal (British Arts & Crafts) Burton/Sessions House, City Historic Landmark #534 Cromwell Gardens, address unknown, Normal Heights (English Storybook) Gilman Gist House, 3223 Curlew, Middletown (Spanish Eclectic) N.M. Steward House, 1911 N. Columbia James C. Little Byers/ Ralph E. Hurlburt House, City Historic Landmark # 523 Dr. Arthur J. Wilkeson House, 1070 Myrtle, Mission Hills, (Spanish Eclectic) L.F. Weggenman House, 1062 Myrtle Way, Mission Hills, (Spanish Eclectic) A.D. McLean House, 3451 Vermont Street, Mission Hills, (Spanish Eclectic) Treiber Court, First and Pennsylvania, Hillcrest, (Spanish Eclectic) Sam and Mary McPherson House, 3133 28th Street, North Park, (Spanish Eclectic) Dr. William Wallace and Anastasia Russell House, 1015 Myrtle, Mission Hills, (Spanish Colonial)

140


John Snyder/Ralph E. Hurlburt and Charles H. Tifal Spec House #3 4386 Trias St., Mission Hills

141


Edwin and Rose Emerson / Hurlburt and Tifal House 2645 28th St., Morley Field neighborhood

142

E.4 Criterion D – Master Designer Ralph E. Hurlburt

Frank H. and Margaret Burton / Milton P. Sessions House 1271 Brookes Terrace, Marston Hills

143


Photos and further information on known Spanish style designs by Hurlburt & Tifal from their "Distinctive Homes" promotional pamphlet:

144


Photos and further information on known Spanish style designs by Hurlburt & Tifal from their "Distinctive Homes" promotional booklet:

Gilman Gist House, 3223 Curlew Street (Middletown, Spanish Eclectic).

Photo dates from April 2011 and is courtesy of Google Maps.

145



146



147



A.L. Meyer House, 1204 Myrtle Way (Mission Hills, Spanish and Pueblo influence). This single-story, side gable Spanish fired red clay roof tile and rear flat roof home is a similar mix of Spanish and Pueblo style architecture found at 1062 Myrtle. This design exhibits pairs of French doors that flank the slightly off-center living room entry. Shutters, wrought iron balconets, and canvas awnings are supported by cast iron spears. The garage driveway has an ornate wrought iron arch with an unusual lantern.

Louis C. Robinson House, 2212 La Callecita (Middletown, Spanish Eclectic). This two-story presents cross-gables, massive corbelled porch posts, wrought iron grilles and balconets, and various casement windows and French doors. This elegant house exhibits open beam, vaulted ceilings with hand painted decorative elements and rusticated stucco work down the wall at the mantle. Hurlburt designed this house to have a 9-foot tall bay window and several pairs of French doors to allow light in at several times of the day.

148



149



William Bosustow Apartments, (2 buildings). 3750 Fourth Street (Hillcrest, Mission Revival) These are two-story apartment complexes with a blend of Spanish, Craftsman, and Italian Renaissance motifs. The roof parapet displays several Mission style arches and Spanish red clay tile visor roofs, which shield direct sunlight from the upstairs windows. Wrought iron balconets protect double hung windows and French doors. Both entry doors are surrounded with sculpted stucco arches. Italian Renaissance style porch columns are present on one apartment.

150

E.4 Criterion D – Master Builder Charles H. Tifal

151

Attachment F Works Cited

F.1 — Provide a list of works cited (bibliography)

152

F.1 Bibliography

Books Baumann, Thomas H. D.D.S. 1997 Kensington-Talmadge 1910-1997. Second Edition. San Diego: Ellipsys International Brandes, Ray S. 1991 San Diego Architects 1868-1939. San Diego: University of San Diego California Office of Historic Preservation 1996 The California Register of Historic Resources: Regulations for Nomination of Historic

Properties. State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Parks and Recreation

Ching, Francis D.K. 1995 A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley & Sons Cook, III, S.F., “Jerry” and Tina Skinner 2005 Architectural Details: Spain and the Mediterranean. Reprint of the 1926 publication by Richard S. Requa, A.I.A., J.H. Hansen, The Monolith Portland Cement Company, Los Angeles. Schiffer Publishing Crawford, Richard W. 2011 The Way We Were in San Diego. Charleston, SC: The History Press Gellner, Arrol and Douglas Keister 2002 Red Tile Style: America's Spanish Revival Architecture. New York: Viking Studio Hartmann, Glenn D. 1977 Architectural Description Guide: Developed for Use in Preparing Nominations for State

and National Registers of Historic Places. Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Olympia, Washington

McAlester, Virginia and Lee McAlester 2002 Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. McGrew, Clarence Alan 1922 City of San Diego and San Diego County, the Birthplace of California. Volume I.

Chicago: The American Historical Society National Park Service 1985 Historic American Building Survey Guidelines for Preparing Written and Historical

Descriptive Data. Division of National Register Programs, Western Regional Office, San Francisco, California

Newcomb, Rexford 1990 Spanish-Colonial Architecture in the United States. New York: Dover Publications

153

Requa, Richard S., A.I.A. 1929 Old World Inspiration for American Architecture. Originally published by the Monolith Portland Cement Company. Los Angeles, California. Requa, Richard S., A.I.A. 1937 Inside Lights on the Building of San Diego's Exposition: 1935. San Diego: Frye & Smith, Ltd. Saltus, Marie 1925 Edgar Saltus: The Man. Chicago: Pascal Covici Smith, G.E. Kidder 1996 Source Book of American Architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press Walker, Lester 2002 American Homes - An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Domestic Architecture. New York:

Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Woods, Douglas, Melba Levick and M. Brian Tichenor 2012 The California Casa. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc. Government Documents City of San Diego Historical Resources Board 2009 Historical Resource Research Report Guidelines and Requirements, Land Development

Manual, Historical Resources Guidelines, Appendix E, Part 1.1, Adopted by the Historical Resources Board November 30, 2006, Updated January 24, 2008 and February 9, 2009.

Internet Ancestry.com, www.ancestry.com (U.S. Census 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940; California Death Index; Social Security Death Index; genealogical files) Newspaper San Diego Union San Diego Evening Tribune San Diego Union-Tribune

http://www.ancestry.com/