 (2).png)
 (1).jpg)
 (3).png)
Historic Homes
Historic Home Detail | 50
Address
637 N 2nd Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
Evaluation
Building
4/30/2007
Construction Date
1895
Current Owner
Rita Fiore
Current Owner Address
637 North Second Avenue
Upland, CA 91786
Description
The influence of the late Queen Anne style is apparent in this
one-story residence. An L-shaped gable roof caps the structure,
consisting of a front gable topping a three-sided bay on the
north end of the facade and a side gable over the wing extending
to the south. Wrapping the southeast corner of the building, an
L-shaped porch is covered by a pent roof. Medium horizontal
siding sheathes the structure, trimmed with frieze and endboards.
The gable end is framed by a plain raking cornice and a
horizontal cornice return, and contains a lunette vent.
Decorative brackets mark the transition between the gable and the
bay below it. Tall and narrow double-hung sash windows are
centered in each plane of the bay. Another window and an entry
topped by a transom open onto the porch. Enclosed by a porch
wall with slightly tapered ports carrying the porch roof at each
end, the porch appears to have been altered. Intermediate roof
supports are not original and there is none of the decorative
wood work that might have been expected.
This house may be one of the oldest in Upland. Architectural
features which tie it to the 19th century include the extremely
tall and narrow windows and the incorporation of the three-sided
bay in the facade massing. The 1896 assessment for the lot shows
a $250 improvement. Oscar Doolittle, who was the owner at the
time, does not appear in the 1898 or 1906 city directories.
However, Doolittle's name does appear in connection with the
original Magnolia subdivision, the map of which bears the legend
"Recorded at the request of Oscar Doolittle" (July 1889). After
a one-year ownership by C.K. Francisco in 1902, Philemon H.
Harter assumed control of the property, and remained there at
least until 1923. Harter was a carpenter. Relatives living with
him included Miss Cora M. Harter, a nurse (1907, 1909-10), and
Laura M. Harter, an assistant to Dr. H.P. Swain (1912-13).
Nonetheless, the building is strongly suggestive of the late 19th
century in style. In good condition, the house is complemented
by its landscaping and a stone curb bordering the front lawn.