(Photo by Richard F. Hope)

Edward Chidsey Mansion (122 Spring Garden Street, now apartments)

Victorian “Fishscale” shingles on Mansard roof, with pillared porch, 2 bay windows on front and one on the West side. It has been identified as being in the “Second Empire” architectural style.1

This land was split off from the western end of the Delaware Hotel’s property in 1876 by Mary A. Keller and her husband, Thomas (the Hotel’s proprietor). A description of the Delaware Hotel’s proprietors is included in the separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Delaware Row Houses triplex at 102-06 Spring Garden Street.

1 City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone F (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982).

The purchaser of this parcel in 1876 was Edward H. Chidsey.2 He immediately became a resident at this address,3 suggesting that he either promptly started building the house, or that it was started for him by Mrs. Keller shortly before the sale.4 However, even after he purchased the property, the 1880 Census lists him living with his brother, Arthur D. Chidsey, across the street at 103 Spring Garden Street.5 This may indicate that Edward Chidsey stayed there temporarily while finishing touches were being added to his (then relatively new) house.6

Edward Hart Chidsey was born in New Haven, Connecticut in 1850.7 His father, Russell S. Chidsey, brought Edward to Easton as a young child. After completing school

2 Deed, Mary A. (Thomas) Keller to Edward H. Chidsey, C15 156 (26 Feb. 1876). 3 J.H. Lant, Easton, [Etc.] Directory for 1877 62 (M.J. Riegel 1877)(Edward H. Chidsey at

122 Spring Garden Street).

Chidsey had previously been living:

In 1870, in his brother Henry’s former residence next to the stove store that became 216 Northampton Street, after his brother’s death in that year. Fitzgerald & Dillon, Easton Directory for 1870-71 34 (Ringwalt & Brown 1870)( E.H. Chidsey at 58 Northampton Street); see William H. Boyd, Boyd’s Directory of Reading, Easton, [Etc.] 119 (William H. Boyd 1860)(Henry Chidsey at 58 Northampton Street); William H. Boyd, Boyd’s Directory of Reading, Easton, [Etc.] 119 (William H. Boyd 1860) (stove store at 54 and 56 Northampton Street).

In 1873, as a boarder at the Franklin House. Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 60 (1873). This was the oldest hotel in Easton, located at what became 420-24 Northampton Street. See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Parking Lot at 418-26 Northampton Street.

In 1875, a resident at 616 Ferry Street. Webb Bros. & Co., Webb’s Easton and Phillipsburg Directory 1875-6 35 (M.J. Riegel 1875).

4 The property is not shown on the D.G. Beers, Atlas of Northampton County Pennsylvania, Plan of Easton (A. Pomeroy & Co. 1874). Indeed, the (even) house numbers assigned on this side of Spring Garden Street in 1874 began at 130 (rather than 100), suggesting that all of the space from Green Alley to Front Street was without any structures at that time. See Article, “The New Numbers”, EASTON DAILY FREE PRESS, Fri., 5 Dec. 1873, p.3, col.7.

5 1880 Census, Series T9, Roll 1161, p.379A. The relationship as A.D. Chidsey’s brother is confirmed by the Obituary, “Edward Hart Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 23 May 1910, p.5, col.3; and by Theo. Francis Rodenbough, Autumn Leaves from Family Trees 39-43 (Clark & Zugulla 1892). Brother Arthur had also been a partner in the Chidsey’s and Meeker stove store in 1873. Jeremiah H. Lant, The Northampton County Directory for 1873 60 (1873).

A.D. Chidsey, Jr. – apparently A.D. Chidsey’s son – was a noted Easton historian, author of the classic volume A Frontier Village, Pre-Revolutionary Easton (vol. III in the publications of the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society 1940), and President of that Society in 1931-33 and 1935-37. Id., title page.

J.H. Lant, Easton, [Etc,] Directory for 1879 65 (M.J. Riegel 1879) lists Edward H. Chidsey at 121 Spring Garden Street. It is not clear whether this is a typographical error, or whether he in fact moved across the street at that time.

6 But see City of Easton, Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form, Attachment: Building Description Survey Area 1 Zone F (City Council Resolution approved 12 May 1982)(construction date c.1890).

2

in Connecticut, Edward returned to Easton to work, initially in the plumbing and gasfitting service8 side of the family’s stove store business9 at what would become 216 Northampton Street.10 He lived next door in the home of his older brother (and apparently the senior partner of the business), H.R. Chidsey.11 Another brother was Charles Francis Chidsey, Easton’s first mayor when it was incorporated as a city in 1887.12

By 1875, Edward Chidsey had become the leading partner in the stove firm.13 However, in that year (and just one year before Edward Chidsey purchased the Spring Garden property), Joseph S. Osterstock took over management of the stove store.14 He thereafter pursued more general business interests.15 The 1880 Census still lists him as a retail merchant.16 In 1884, Mr. Chidsey was appointed the auditor of the Warren Foundry and Machine Company of Phillipsburg,17 where he continued to serve (with his brother, Charles F. Chidsey) for the next 30 years.18 He was also “active in installing the paid fire department system in [Easton] in 1879.”19 In 1890, Edward H. Chidsey was listed as a

7 1900 Census, Series T623, Roll 1447, p.53B; 1910 Census, T624, Roll 1381, p.22A; Obituary, “Edward Hart Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 23 May 1910, p.5, col.3 (New Haven); Theo. Francis Rodenbough, Autumn Leaves from Family Trees 43 (Clark & Zugulla 1892).

8 See Fitzgerald & Dillon, Easton Directory for 1870-71 34 (Ringwalt & Brown 1870). 9 Obituary, “Edward Hart Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 23 May 1910, p.5, col.3.

See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Chidsey / Osterstock Parking Lot at 212-20 Northampton Street.

10 See Webb Bros. & Co., Webb’s Easton and Phillipsburg Directory 1875-6 35 (M.J. Riegel 1875). Prior to the inauguration of the modern street numbering scheme in Easton in 1874, the store was listed at 54 and 56 Northampton Street. Fitzgerald & Dillon, Easton Directory for 1870-71 34 (Ringwalt & Brown 1870).

11 Fitzgerald & Dillon, Easton Directory for 1870-71 34 (Ringwalt & Brown 1870); see generally Theo. Francis Rodenbough, Autumn Leaves from Family Trees 40, 43 (Clark & Zugulla 1892)(family relationships).

12 Rev. Uzal W. Condit, The History of Easton, Penn’a 369-70 (George W. West 1885 / 1889); Obituary, ”Charles F. Chidsey, Easton’s First Mayor, Dead; 89 Years Old”, EASTON EXPRESS, Thurs., 12 Jan. 1933, p.1, cols. 4-5. See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Chidsey/Osterstock Parking Lot at 212-20 Northampton Street.

3

“gentleman” at this address, with his wife Jennie E. Chidsey and two sons.20 In 1900, “broker” Edward H. Chidsey and his large family still lived at this address,21 and again in 1910 – now apparently retired and living on his “own income”.22 He died in May of that year. His second wife, Jennie,23 obtained sole ownership to the property (as well as property in Lower Mt. Bethel Township) from the Estate,24 and continued to live in the house with three children.25

Jennie Chidsey died on 26 January 1943, at age 80.26 Her heirs promptly converted her Spring Garden Street house into apartments,27 which usage remains to this day.28 Jennie Chidsey’s estate sold it in 1949 to Andrew Gall.29 In the following year,

13 Webb Bros. & Co., Webb’s Easton and Phillipsburg Directory 1875-6 35 (M.J. Riegel 1875).

14 See Advertisement, “Joseph S. Osterstock”, EASTON ARGUS, Wednesday, 7 Nov. 1875, p.1, col.5 (ad. dated 6 Oct. 1875, stated that Joseph S. Osterstock “having recently succeeded CHIDSEY BROS., at the old and well-known Stove and Tinware Establishment, (and which has been carried on for over fifty years)”, at Nos. 212, 214 and 216 Northampton Street”). Accord, American Journal of Progress, “Greater Easton of To-day” 18 (written c.1902 during Mayor B. Rush Field’s second 3-year term, reprinted courtesy of W-Graphics)(“extensive store”, took over in 1875); see also William J. Heller, III History of Northampton County and the Grand Valley of the Lehigh Biographical Section 332-34 (American Historical Society 1920)(took over in 1872); Easton Daily Express, Illustrated Industrial Edition advertisement on front cover interior (Jan. 1893, reprinted by W-Graphics)(listing at Nos.212-16)(“Successor to Chidsey Bros.”).

15 See 1900 Census, Series T623, Roll 1447, p.53B (“broker”). 16 1880 Census, Series T9, Roll 1161, p.379A (age 29). 17 Warren Francis Chidsey, The Warren Foundry and Machine Company, Phillipsburg, N.J.

110 (souvenir volume prepared for distribution among the stockholders at the celebration of the semi-centennial of the company, 7 June 1906)(available online on Heritage Quest).

18 Obituary, “Edward Hart Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 23 May 1910, p.5, col.3; see generally Theo. Francis Rodenbough, Autumn Leaves from Family Trees 42, 43 (Clark & Zugulla 1892)(family relationships).

19 Obituary, “Edward Hart Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 23 May 1910, p.5, col.3. 20 Census Directory of Northampton County, Eleventh U.S. Census, 1890 (Joseph H.

Werner, assisted by Geo. W. West 1891), A-D transcribed online at www.bethlehempaonline.com/beth1890/eastoncityabc.html.

21 1900 Census, Series T623, Roll 1447, p.53B (age 49). 22 1910 Census, T624, Roll 1381, p.22A (age 59). 23 Obituary, “Edward Hart Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Mon., 23 May 1910, p.5, col.3. 24 Deed, John R. Chidsey, Edward Hart (Lila) Chidsey, and Northampton Trust Company as

Guardian of Estate of Henry Russell Chidsey and Josephine Chidsey (minor children of Edward H. Chidsey), to Jennie S. Chidsey, G38 558 (3 Nov. 1910).

25 See 1920 Census, T625, Roll 1609, p.88A. 26 Obituary, “Jennie S. Chidsey”, EASTON EXPRESS, Wed., 27 Jan. 1943, p.12, col.1; see

Deed, George F. Coffin, Jr. and Morris Williams, Trustees under Will of Jennie S. Chidsey, to Andrew Gall, G82 360 (13 May 1949)(recital).

4

Mr. Gall sold off a strip of the property next to Green Alley to Joseph and MaryAnn Segreto,30 the proprietors of The Colonial Pizza and Speghetti House at 136-38 Spring Garden Street,31 and the owners who turned 114 Spring Garden Street into rental apartments.32 Then, in 1951, Mr. Gall sold the house to Earl and Mary Woodring.33

Earl R. Woodring had been a taxi driver prior to moving to Spring Garden Street.34 He promptly moved into an apartment in the Edward Chidsey Mansion (continuing to rent out the other units35), and also briefly became a “health officer”.36 During approximately the period 1955 – 1957, he also operated as delicatessen from the house.37 In approximately 1962 – 1964, Woodring became a “county constable”,38 but retired by 1965.39 The next year, he came out of retirement to become a Post Office maintenance man until 1970,40 and retired again by 1971.41 Meanwhile, he moved to

27 Until Mrs. Jennie Chidsey’s death, it had been a single family unit. See, e.g., Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1937-38 726 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1937); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1942-43 538 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1942).

In 1944 (the year after her death), however. Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1944-45 676 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1944) lists four names at the address. Eventually, the house was made into six apartments. See, e.g., Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1969 Street Guide 239 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1969); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1971 Street Guide 240 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1971)

28 See Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 2007 Street Guide 189 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 2007).

29 Deed, George F. Coffin, Jr. and Morris Williams, Trustees under Will of Jennie S. Chidsey, to Andrew Gall, G82 360 (13 May 1949).

30 Deed, Andrew (Anna) Gall to Joseph (MaryAnn) Segreto, E86 320 (2 May 1950). This property strip now appears to contain a garage. The Segretos purchased the Reichardt House two doors away at 114 Spring Garden Street in 1955, and remained there until 1963. See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Reichardt House at 118 Spring Garden Street.

31 See Obituary, “Joseph Segreto, 71, Pizza House Owner”, EASTON EXPRESS, Sat., 15 Aug. 1970, p.22, col.3. See generally separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for The Colonial Pizza and Spaghetti House at 135-38 Spring Garden Street.

32 See separate www.WalkingEaston.com entry for the Reichardt House at 114 Spring Garden Street.

33 Deed, Andrew (Anna) Gall to Earl R. (Mary A.) Woodring, C88 187 (22 May 1951).

5

Palmer Township by 1970,42 and sold the Edward Chidsey Mansion to Raymond and Isabel Kern in 1971.43 Mr. Kern in turn sold to the present owners (Paul and Ellen Harrison) in 1995.44 In that year, the Harrisons won a preservation award from the Easton Heritage Alliance for their work on this house,45 and they were nominated again in 2007 for the Easton Heritage Alliance’s downtown award, again for work on this house.46

34 See Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1951 569 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1951). His residence was listed as 40 North 4th Street in that year – which seems improbable, since the Express Building occupied that address.

35 See, e.g., Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1955 704 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1955)(6 households listed in the building, plus Woodring’s delicatessen).

36 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1953 600 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1953). 37 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1955 704 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1955);

Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1956 743 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1956); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1957 768 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1957).

38 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1962 370 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1962); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1963 391 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1963); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1964 390 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1964).

39 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1965 383 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1965). 40 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1966 409 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1966);

Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1969 598 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1969); Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1970 539 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1970).

41 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1971 562 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1971). 42 Polk’s Easton and Phillipsburg City Directory 1970 539 (R.L. Polk & Co., Inc. 1970). 43 Deed, Earl R. (Mary A.) Woodring to Raymond E. (Isabel N.) Kern, 401 394 (23 June

1971). Mrs. Kern deeded her interest to her husband in 1973. Deed, Isabel N. Kern to Raymond E. Kern, 470 106 (31 Aug. 1973).

44 Deed, Raymond E. Kern to Paul R. (Ellen J.) Harrison, 1995-1-041810 (10 May 1995). 45 Melanie Novak, “Journalist Attacks Suburbia”, MORNING CALL, 21 Nov. 1995, p.B-3. 46 Article, “Awards take note of top preservation efforts in Easton”, MORNING CALL, 4 Apr.

2007, p.B-3.

6