Miller Park Place
622 Sibley Avenue
Franklin, PA 16323
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Miller Park Place | 622 Sibley Avenue | Franklin, PA 16323
Construction: 1892-1898
Architectural Style: Tudor Revival
Square footage: 12,606
Built by one of the leading industrialists at the time, the General Miller House serves as the cornerstone of Miller Park, one of the first planned communities in the nation. Emigrating to the U.S. from the Alsace region of France as a teen in 1855, Charles Miller’s business career began humbly, as a store clerk and sewing machine salesman. However, by the early 1870s Miller had co-founded and become President of Galena Oil Company, which would eventually become the leading manufacturer of lubricants for the global railroad industry. He would sell the company to John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company in 1878, using his portion of the sale proceeds to establish Miller Park through the purchase of 30 acres of land and commencing construction of his grand 30-room estate. Along with an array of business ventures, General Miller was well known for his involvement in the First Baptist Church in Franklin, an assortment of philanthropic endeavors, local politics (including serving as Franklin’s Mayor) and the Pennsylvania National Guard, which he led with the rank of Major General.
The Miller residence, designed by the General himself and built over a period of more than a decade, encompassed over 12,500 sq ft, with extensive grounds, renowned rose gardens, adjacent greenhouses and an extensive hilltop farming operation (Rosemont Farm). During its heyday, the house was host to a variety of visiting industrial magnates, technological innovators and political figures, including sitting U.S. Presidents. Today, the General Miller House stands as a testament to his numerous successful business endeavors, varied interests and relentless quest for quality in all aspects of his life.
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1052 Elk Street
Franklin, PA 16323
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1052 Elk Street | Franklin, PA 16323
Construction: 1874
Architectural Style: Italianate
Square footage: 4,328
The Kinnear Homestead served as the prominent home of one of Franklin’s leading merchant families. Emigrating from their native Ireland in 1785, the Kinnear family found their way to Franklin by 1811, and shortly thereafter established their first mercantile store at the corner of Elk and 10th Streets. The Homestead that now occupies the site at 1052 Elk Street was constructed in 1874, utilizing much of the same foundation as the original family home (built circa 1840s). In contrast to his family’s retail roots, Francis Delmar Kinnear, the builder of the new homestead, studied law and was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1845. A respected member of the Franklin community, he served as a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner and prominent member of the local Methodist Church. Francis Died on July 4, 1886 at age 65.
The home reflects the family’s mercantile connections, with inlaid parquet hardwood floors, marble fireplaces and other details and décor from that bygone era. Following extensive repairs and renovations, the property once again reflects much of its original character and many of the distinctive details instilled in it by Francis Kinnear.
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939 Elk Street
Franklin, PA 16323
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939 Elk Street | Franklin, PA 16323
Construction: Circa 1905
Architectural Style: Dutch Colonial Revival (1870-1920)
Square footage: 3,828
This stately 2.5 story brick house was constructed around the turn of the century (completed 1907) and shows a clear influence of the Colonial Revival Architectural Style, which commonly incorporated a combination of various Colonial styles and contemporary elements. Distinctive architectural elements of this yellow brick structure include a gambrel roof, Palladian windows and a large front porch with a cut stone foundation and supported by ionic columns. Through the Historic Franklin Preservation Association's research into the record of deeds and assessments, it was determined that the lot was acquired by James Harrison Smith and Carlie Brown Smith in April 1906, with construction of the residence commencing immediately and lasting into 1907. While James Smith passed away in 1927, his wife Carlie lived in the residence until her death in 1935 at the age of 67.
The property has been extensively renovated over the intervening years, with the most recent major renovations undertaken between 2000 and 2006. Despite such renovations, however, the property retains much of its original details and character, with decorative wood-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, built-in cabinetry and other decorative woodwork. Today, the residence remains an important and dignified component of one of Franklin's most stately, tree-lined neighborhoods, as it has since its construction at the turn of the 20th century.
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814 Washington Street
Meadville, PA 16335
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814 Washington Street | Meadville, PA 16335
Construction: Circa 1929
Architectural Style: Unknown
Square footage: 3,828
Constructed circa 1929, on the eve of the Great Depression, this property reflects the functional styling and brick construction common to Pittsburgh and the larger western Pennsylvania region during the period. Built at the direction of Meadville resident Fritz J. Unger, the property retains some period details despite a number of renovations throughout its more than 80 year history. Extensive hardwood window framing, flooring and other details – including Depression era built-in ironing boards – are found throughout the property.
Today, following more repairs and renovations undertaken throughout the summer and fall of 2015, the structure remains a good example of Depression era construction and styling, and serves as a comfortable home to its residents.
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