Community Corner
History Mystery Homes #6
Sixth in the series of archival photos that need identification.
"Hoest 33" is the next home that needs identification in the Estates Section of Garden City.
The mystery location of "Hoest 35" has been solved by two Garden City residents, William Daly and Joan Kane.
The address of "Hoest 35" is 121 Brompton Road, currently owned by Anthony and Liz Masi. Ms. Masi said that her home was built in 1913 and was a wedding gift from Mr. Bowman to his new wife, who were the original owners.
The property was larger at first, with the perimeter extending to Oxford Boulevard, with a tennis court and garage. A library was added (to the right side of the current photo) in 1923. Mrs. Bowman lived in the same house until she was 80. When the Masis bought the home in 1975, the Oxford Boulevard side of the property had already been sold and another house had been built. The Masis had to build a garage and re-do the driveway.
The interior of the five- bedroom home has "beautiful appointments" such as three fireplaces (one is marble) and a living room with an "inglenook," which is an alcove built into the wall with bookcases and window seats. Upstairs is an "alpine" room with leaded glass windows on three sides and two stories high in the back. The Masis think this was originally used as a sun room. The plaster ceilings have an interesting design as well. For all you history buffs out there, this home will be for sale shortly.
Since the original photo of "Hoest 35" did not have the first floor library extension, and Ms. Masi said the room was added in 1923, the archival photos in "History Mystery Homes" now have been dated between 1913-1923.
"Hoest 12" has been identified by the author from the same antique postcard entitled, "O.D. Gray Residence..." - also known as 104 Euston Road ("Hoest 04"). In the background is the home in question. The home no longer exists, but was located at approximately 116-118 Wellington Road.
Please contact Suzie Alvey at 326-1720 or suziealvey@gmail.com if you recognize any of the homes that have been featured. Also, if anyone has any old books, photos or papers relating to anything in Garden City, please call Alvey. She can scan or photograph the items, while you keep the original, or you can donate it. This will be extremely helpful to the archives at the Garden City Public Library and the Garden City Historical Society. Help us help history!
Next week we will feature another unidentified home from circa 1913-1923.
