Harry Whitney Treat House

Transcription

1 Harry Whitney Treat House Designation Presentation Landmarks Preservation Board 7 June 2006 Queen Anne Historical Society Notes: The Owners' representative in the nomination presentation focused on the house's lack of architectural integrity, as well as attempting to downplay Mr. Treat's contribution to the growth and history of Seattle. This presentation focuses on these two elements.

2

3 Loyal Railway Photo of Harry Treat (in carriage) greeting guests departing streetcar at Loyal Heights (32nd NW at 85th Ave NW) photo 1910 MOHAI

4 Plats filed by Harry and Olive Treat: H. W. Treat's First Addition to Ballard Filed: April 12, 1906 (not on map) H. W. Treat's Loyal Heights Div. #1 Filed May 7, 1906 H. W. Treat's Loyal Heights Filed April 14, 1908 Plats filed by Cox Investment Co.: H. W. Treat's Loyal Heights Div. #2 Filed June 28, 1906 Imperial Heights Filed Jan.7, 1907 H. W. Treat's Loyal Heights Div. #4 Filed Aug 14, 1907 (replat of part of Div 2) H. W. Treat's Loyal Heights Div. #5 Filed July 14, 1909 (replat of part of Div 2) Plats filed by Olive Treat: Loyal Home Addition Filed February 27, 1923 (replat of part of Div 2) Loyal Heights 1908 Loyal Heights Div Imperial Heights 1907 Loyal Heights Div photo is of Maude Smith, taken March 21, 1920 at end of Loyal Heights car lines, at the top of the hill that leads to Golden Gardens. Donated to Ballard Historical Society by her daughter.

5 Golden Gardens Treat hired Olmsted for Original Design top left photo from 1913 Homes of the Pac NW Seattle Vol I other three are from City of Seattle Archives--all are Seaview Ave. (the road along the beach) was constructed in 1936, according to the photos.

6 1911 Social Groups Washington State Art Association--president Seattle Tennis Club--president Seattle Horseshow Association--president Seattle Aero Club--president Highlands of Seattle--vice-president Member of Seattle Golf and Country Club Rainier Club Seattle Athletic Club Arctic Club University Club College Club Harry Treat social groups listing from History of Washington, Clinton Snowden Vol 15, 1911

7 "It would, indeed, be a task to enumerate all the activities of Mr. Treat in matters of entertainment, of enjoyment of sports or in promotion of the welfare and happiness of his fellow citizens." (Seattle Times, 1912) "Treat was, with characteristic energy, one of the moving spirits in the Kirmess held three years ago for the benefit of the Orthopedic Hospital, by which entertainment that institution was the gainer by several tens of thousands of dollars... "(Seattle Times, 1912) "The Treat Homes, one on fashionable Queen Anne Hill and the other at The Highlands, have been the scene of many famous and happy gatherings and time and again have been used by Mr. and Mrs. Treat in some entertainment having a worthy end in view. As an example...the Treat home sheltered a largely attended gathering of the Ladies' Musical Club a few days ago." (Seattle Times, 1912) Seattle Times, 1912 All quotes are from article in Seattle Times 1912

8 interior Entry ca. 1915

9 current foyer

10 photo at right is counterbalance "guard"--his job to connect cable to streetcar with pole he is holding--photo taken last day of service, 1940

11 Conversion to Apartments Probably the First Such Conversion Rooming/Boarding Houses Were Common Other Conversions Happened Later Evidence of Shift from Communal/Public Forms to More Private Forms photo is a current kitchen inside the house

12 Other Alterations Postwar: Had to Compete with other Apartments Brick was Appropriate Material Probable Shingle Supply Issues in Post-war Period Shingles May Remain Beneath Bricks 1970's Alterations Needed to Preserve Building from Demolition top right is directly across from front door lower left is looking immediately west from front lower right shows typical view west down street

13 Considering Alterations "A property can be significant not only for the way it was originally constructed or crafted, but also for the way it was adapted at a later period, or for the way it illustrates changing taste, attitude, and uses over a period of time." - NPS Bulletin #15, How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation" (photo of SMHI house) photo of house at right was designated with stucco covering, not original to house--stucco was later removed by new owner after designation lower left photo--building was significantly altered from original but still designated

14 brick wall believed to be original

15 Summary A Significant Seattle Personage An Example of Arts & Crafts Design An Early Example of the Work of Bebb & Mendel Expresses Layers of History First House Converted to Apartments Appropriate Changes over Time to Preserve the Building Strong Significance to Queen Anne Community Strong Significance to Preservation Community