Institution

Architect Silas Nelsen, and his wife Gerda, owned two building lots on South Sheridan, and had originally planned to build the garage before the home was constructed. The Colonial Revival house at 405 South Sheridan Avenue was selected as one of the ten most beautiful homes in Tacoma by the Tacoma Society of Architects in 1931. Nelsen’s designs caught the attention of “Better Homes &amp; Gardens,” which showcased a number of his petite Colonial designs in both 1936 and 1937. The periodical also named him one of eight leading residential architects in America. Silas Nelsen’s son, “Little Si,” was well known in the neighborhood during the 1940s. As a child he became particularly enamored with Tacoma’s street cleaning crew and followed them to the Jason Lee School until the crew brought the five year old back home. He then started sweeping the leaves into piles. The commissioner of public works at the time (A. R. Bergersen) had a child’s size sweeper made for Little “Si,” who was then given the special charge of watching over South Sheridan Avenue between 5th and 6th.

Architect Silas Nelsen, and his wife Gerda, owned two building lots on South Sheridan, and had originally planned to build the garage before the home was constructed. The Colonial Revival house at 405 South Sheridan Avenue was selected as one of the ten most beautiful homes in Tacoma by the Tacoma Society of Architects in 1931.

405 South Sheridan Avenue

This is a tour of the historic Wedge District. 

Wedge Historic District Walking Tour

The Gothic Revival style First United Presbyterian Church allowed for community gathering. The social hall was originally open every night of the week. The business community of Sixth Avenue district supported the church and helped the building committee raise funds. The Sunday School building originally housed twenty six classrooms with a roof garden for social functions during the months of summer. The auditorium was designed to seat four hundred community members. The large tower over the front door is a truncated, but originally was designed to have a tall steeple.This building showcases a vast amount of complicated concrete stonework and window tracery for this building which were created by Hector MacLaine. The concrete stonework the building displays was the first of it's kind of work to be produced in the city of Tacoma, previous churches had sent to other cites for the molds. Native of Scotland Hector was trained as a Shipwright and made more than two hundred different molds, each crafted mold was turned with carpenter hand tools.

The first historic building on the Wedge Historic District walking tour is located at 1619 Sixth Avenue in Tacoma. This Gothic Revival style First United Presbyterian Church was designed in 1922 by two architects who were brothers, Stanley T. and Frederic Shaw. Historically this building has been a place for the community to gather.

1619 Sixth Ave - Trinity Presbyterian Church (1922)

Ainsworth Avenue was originally platted as "P" Street. In 1893 the street's name was changed to Ainsworth to honor Captain John C. Ainsworth, who was an early Tacoma developer and an early West Coast pioneer. Originally from Ohio, Ainsworth became a Mississippi River boat captain and sailed between St. Louis and points on the upper river. The discovery of gold in California led Ainsworth west, and he arrived in Oregon by 1850. While Ainsworth spent a considerable amount of time in Oregon, he was a major investor in Tacoma real estate and helped facilitate the Northern Pacific railroad's construction between Columbia River and Puget Sound. Ainsworth maintained a home in LakewoodThe Bungalow Courts, built in 1927, were established to serve as seventeen apartments. Each consisted of three rooms and had a breakfast nook. Interior trim was hardwood with hardwood floors. Kitchens and bathrooms had terrazzo flooring. Four of the units had wall-beds, designed to fold up into the walls that were constructed by Peter C. Creso, a prominent builder in the city of Tacoma. A native of Alsace-Lorraine, he moved to Tacoma in 1889.The Bungalow Courts were later used as motel rooms under the name of City Center Motel. In 1983 the Salvation Army renovated the structures to provide emergency assistance for homeless families.

At the corner of Sixth Avenue and South Ainsworth, turn northA number of buildings typically of the early 20th century design aesthetic included built-in ice boxes, medicine cabinets, ironing boards, cupboards and linen closets. The Bungalow Courts, were built in the year 1927 and they were designed to serve as seventeen apartments.

1521 Sixth Avenue (1927)

This home was built for the Peterson couple in the year 1910. John and his brother both immigrated from Sweden to the city of Tacoma in 1891. The brothers worked on the construction of the Pierce County Courthouse before starting their own business, Peterson Brothers, in 1894. The brothers sold hay, grain and feed from a location at South 10th and K Streets. The brothers eventually purchased a feed mixing and grinding mill at 13th and Wilkeson Streets. John was also the president of Peterson Brothers Wood, Grain and Coal Company, Peterson Brothers Investment Company, and president of the West Coast Chair Company. The Peterson brothers also built the Roosevelt Apartment building at 1104 South Yakima Avenue. John was active in the Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish Mission Tabernacle (922 S. I Street). The home remained in the family until 2003.

Turn right at the corner of South 5th Street.This house was built and established for a couple by the name of John and Alfrida Peterson in the year of 1910. John and his brother Peter both were Swedish immigrants who arrived in the city of Tacoma in the year 1891.

1520 South 5th Street (1910)

This home was built in the year 1910 for John and Lydia Hartman. The couple, natives of Indiana, arrived in Tacoma in 1889. He served as a City Council member from 1894 to 1901 and was elected Pierce County Sheriff in 1901. From 1903-1905 he served as secretary and treasurer of the Atlas Foundry &amp; Machine Company (the company is still in business). He was engaged with civic work and was active with the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks, the Tacoma Rotary, the Masons, the Odd Fellows, The Knights of Pythias, and Luther Memorial Church (424 S. I Street). John died in1931; Lydia passed in 1942.Hokan Lundgren was the builder of this 1910 home. Lundgren immigrated from Sweden to the United States in the year of 1901. Lundgren was the superintendent for North Tacoma's Shingle Company. Most of the homes he financed were within the Wedge Historic District neighborhood. Lundgren moved to Los Angeles around 1912 and remained there until he died in 1942.Some of Lundgren's notable homes:<ul><li>507 South Ainsworth Avenue, 1911</li><li>902 North L Street, 1909</li><li>1418 South 5th Street, 1909</li><li>1420 South 5th Street, 1909</li><li>1512 South 5th Street, 1910 (Lundgren's own home)</li><li>1516 South 5th Street, 1910</li><li>3401 North 36th Street, 1902</li></ul>For the next stop on the Wedge Historic District Walking Tour, turn right onto South Sheridan Avenue.

This American-Foursquare house was built by H. Lundgren in 1910 for John and Lydia Hartman. Home builder Hokan Lundgren was a Swedish born immigrant who came to the United States with his wife, Elsa, in the year of 1901. Lundgren built a vast amount of homes located in the North Tacoma area.

1516 South 5th Street (1910)

This Craftsman house was built in 1909 by Carl Johnson, immigrated from Sweden. Carl was a member of the Carpenters' Union Local #70. His wife, Hannah, was from Waverly, Nebraska. The couple were members of First Covenant Church. In 1917 Mrs. Augusta Gehri (widow of Adolph Gehri) purchased the residence. Mr. Gehri was a native of Switzerland and his wife was born in Germany. The Gehri family founded Gehri Sheetmetal Works in 1892. Their company provided metal work for Stadium High School, Lincoln Park High School, the Old Courthouse, and Armory, and St. Patrick's church. Augusta lived in the house until the late 1930s when her daughter, Margaret A. Gehri, took control of the property. Margaret was the treasurer and bookkeeper for Gehri Sheetmetal Works, and worked for the company from the time she graduated Stadium High until she retired at age 88. The house was sold after Ms. Gehri entered a nursing home in 1990. Ms. Gehri died in 1992.

This Craftsman house was built in 1909 by Carl Johnson, local carpenter and Swedish immigrant. Carl was a member of the Carpenters' Union the Local #70. His wife, Hannah, was from Waverly, Nebraska. This home built by Johnson was later purchased by the Gheri couple in 1971.

1416 South 5th Street (1909)

This Free-Classic Styled Victorian was built in 1901 for James Carter and Gladys Todd. The house was built by general contractor Edward C. Hill. Todd was engaged with a number of businesses throughout the years, and was last manager of the Puget Sound Bank Building (1115 Pacific Avenue). The Todd family lived in the house until the 1930s when the J. W. Temple family purchased the property. In 1942 the residence, like many larger homes in the city, was subdivided to provide apartments for the influx of shipbuilders during World War II.History of Free Classic Victorian Style:The Free Classic Victorian is a sub-style of the traditional Queen Anne Victorian that more people are associated with. Free Classic homes often have the irregular massing of a Queen Anne, with the towers, bay-windows and porches, but start to have more restrained decorative elements. Instead of multiple styles of shingles and extensive ginger-breading, these houses have more restrained ornamentation with classically inspired details. While many people do not think of classical columns and Palladian windows as particularly Victorian in style, perhaps one third of Queen Anne homes had such details. This stylistic variation became increasingly common after 1893, due in part to classical design influences from the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago that year. By 1900 the Colonial Revival and Neoclassical Revival styles had begun to surpass the Victorian styles in popularity.

This Free-Classic Styled Victorian was built in the year 1901 for James Carter and Gladys Todd. The house was built by general contractor Edward C. Hill, brother of prominent Tacoma architect Frank. D. Hill. James, a native of lowa, moved to Tacoma at age 29 and started the Ship Chandlery Company

502 South Sheridan Avenue (1901)

This Craftsman residence was designed and built by George F. Murray in 1919. His father was an agent for Hudson's Bay Company store in Steilacoom. George was born at Muck Creek (near Spanaway), and with the exception of time spent at Portland College, he lived in the area all his life. This house was built for his family, wife Bessie F. and their only child, Catherine Murray Brooks. Murray was a prominent Republican, serving two terms as county clerk and two terms as a state legislator. He left the state legislature in 1926 and worked for Tacoma City Light until his retirement in 1929. George was an active member of Lebanon Lodge and Christ Episcopal Church (316 N. K Street). George remained at this residence until his death in 1954. Bessie continued to live here through the 1960s.History of Sheridan Avenue:Sheridan Avenue was originally named "N" Street. The name was formally changed to Sheridan Avenue in 1908 to honor General Philips H. Sheridan. Sheridan grew up in Ohio and graduated from West Point. In 1855 he headed west with the army and helped survey the first railway route to Oregon. Sheridan's rise to major general was in part facilitated by his association with General Ulysses S. Grant, who transferred Sheridan from his command in the west to the Army of Potomac during the Civil War. Sheridan's crushing use of scorched earth tactics helped win the war for the Union. Sheridan's later life was spent fight Native Americans during the Great Plains Indian Wars. He continued to scorched earth campaigns and advocated the wholesale slaughter of Bison as a way to deprive plains Native Americans of their primary food source. Sheridan was pivotal in the development of Yellowstone National Park, and promoted military control of the area for protection until the National Park Service took control in 1916.

This Craftsman residence was designed and built by George F. Murray in the year 1919. His father was an agent for Hudson's Bay Company store in the city of Steilacoom. George was born at Muck Creek (near Spanaway), and with the exception of time spent at Portland College, he lived in the area all his life.

505 South Sheridan Avenue (1919)

This residence with Colonial Revival detailing was built in 1901 by Edward Cook Hill for Robert L. Vance. Vance was the proprietor of the North Pacific Lunch Room and served as the county's treasurer as well. The house has had numerous owners and renters. In 1910 retired Captain Alfred G. Laffin and his wife Eva resided here for a year. Laffin was a lawyer. From 1924-29 Wilber R. and Clara May Todd owned the residence. Todd was assistant manager of Crown Drug Company, located at 1102 Pacific Avenue. The next long term owners were Leon R. and Eva N. Evans who purchased the property in 1934. Mr. Evans was an engineer for Tacoma's Department of Public Utilities. The couple resided in the house until Mr. Evan's death in 1942.

This residence with Colonial Revival detailing was built in the year 1901 by Edward Cook Hill for Robert L. Vance. Vance was the proprietor of the North Pacific Lunch Room and served as the county's treasurer as well. The house has had numerous owners and renters throughout the years.

506 South Sheridan Avenue (1901)

Built in 1904, this residence was the home of Andrew and Bertha Tweeden. Tweeden and his business partner, Adelbert U. Mills, designed and built the house. Tweeden and Mills were partners in the Northwest Bridge Company from 1899 until 1909. The company specialized in both general construction and bridge work. Mills was a contractor. Tweeden was also responsible for building 612 South Sheridan (where he was the first resident). After Andrew’s death in 1923, Bertha sold the property to Solomon H. and Goldie N. Farber, who owned the house until their deaths in the late 1940s. Jay. R. and Irene A. Merrick purchased the house in 1948. Mr. Merrick was the owner of Jay Merrick Jewelry Store and his wife worked as a secretary for Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Merrick died in 1977. Ms. Merrick continued to live in the house until her death in 1990. The Merricks were active in the community. Mr. Merrick belonged to the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Eagles, the Bellermine Boosters (serving as their first president), and the Washington State Jewelers Association, where he also served as president. The couple were members of St. Rita’s Catholic Church (1401 S. Ainsworth). Ms. Merrick was a member of the Catholic Woman’s Club and Catholic Daughters.

This home was built in the year of 1904, this residence was the home of Andrew and Bertha Tweeden. Andrew Tweeden and his business partner, Adelbert U. Mills, designed and built the house themselves. Tweeden and Mills were partners in the Northwest Bridge Company from the year 1899 until 1909.

514 South Sheridan Avenue (1904)

This apartment building, was constructed in 1910, it is Neoclassical in style. The Neoclassical style utilizes some of the same design elements as the Colonial Revival style, although proportions are often different. Facades are generally symmetrical. Porches are monumental in scale, reaching the full double–story height of the building. As a result, the columns are large, usually referred to as “colossal.” Porticos, instead of full façade porches, are common, further emphasizing the height of the columns. Windows and doors are placed symmetrically, and the multiple lights that were common with Colonial Revival are less frequent, with sometimes only the top portion of the window having multiple panes. Clustering multiple windows is more likely in this design than in the Colonial Revival style. Other features are side wings, roofline and porch–level balustrades, exaggerated broken pediments, and paneled front doors. This apartment building with its hipped roof, delicately detailed column capitals, turned balustrades and leaded fanlight in the attic level epitomizes the style. Neoclassical Revival architecture developed in part from the public’s earlier interest in Colonial Georgian and Federal forms. But other styles blended into the mix, including civic architecture from Greece and Rome, and Neoclassical forms from the Italian Renaissance (which were loosely based on Greco–Italian forms). Designers blended architectural details from these periods. Ernest Goettling, a native of Germany, was the contractor responsible for the construction of this apartment building and the one next door at 1301 Sixth Avenue.

Turn left onto Sixth AvenueThis apartment building, was constructed in 1910, it is Neoclassical in style. The Neoclassical style utilizes some of the same design elements as the Colonial Revival style, although proportions are often different. Facades are generally symmetrical. Porches are monumental in scale, reaching the full double–story height of the building

1305 Sixth Avenue (1910)

Built in 1918, the Nason Apartments was designed with six apartment units. Each originally had two entrances so that “tradesmen may deliver their goods at the rear without disturbing the tenants in front.” The apartments had polished fir floors and painted beam ceilings. The kitchens and dining rooms had built–in sideboards and cupboards of natural fir. This building was constructed by Tacoma musician D. P. Nason. Nason was supervisor of music for the Tacoma Public School system. Originally from the east coast, he received training at the New England Conservatory of Music, and arrived in Tacoma in 1905. He left Tacoma to attend a year and a half in advanced training at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Berlin and then moved to Portland where he became an orchestra leader and helped organize the Portland symphony. In 1920 the Nasons sold the property to Mrs. Genevieve Hartzell of Youngstown, Ohio for $25,000. Mrs. Hartzell was sister of Tacoma resident Mrs. Isaac Pincus.

Built in 1918, the Nason Apartments was designed with six apartment units. Each originally had two entrances so that “tradesmen may deliver their goods at the rear without disturbing the tenants in front.” The apartments had polished fir floors and painted beam ceilings. The kitchens and dining rooms had built–in sideboards and cupboards of natural fir.

421 South M Street (1918)

Built around the year of 1916, this is home is Craftsman house was belonged a couple known as John G. and Anna Liljebeck from the early 1920s until the 1950s. John, was a native of Sweden, and he immigrated and lived in the city of Tacoma for more than thirty long years. He had career working as a paving contractor in the firm known as Anderson &amp; Liljebeck. John G. was a was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Lutheran Church. Anna his wife was also a native of Sweden who immigrated to Tacoma as well.

Built around the year of 1916, this Craftsman house was home to John G. and Anna Liljebeck from the 1920s until the 1950s. John, a native of Sweden, lived in the city of Tacoma for more than thirty years. He worked as a paving contractor in the firm of Anderson &amp; Liljebeck.

412 South M Street (1916)

Built around the year of 1922, this Craftsman style house was home to Glenn O. Portrude from the mid 1930s until the late 1940s. Protrude was a native of Jackson, Michigan, who moved to the city of Tacoma in the year 1898. He had career as an engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad until his retirement in the year 1950. An active participant in local fraternal organizations, he was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers for 50 years and a member of the Northern Pacific Veteran’s Association. He was also a 50-year member of the Tacoma Elks Lodge 174.

416 South M Street built around 1922, this Craftsman house was home to Glenn O. Portrude from the mid 1930s until the late 1940s. A native of Jackson, Michigan, Glen moved to Tacoma in the year of 1898. He had career as an engineer for the Northern Pacific Railroad until his retirement in the year 1950.

416 South M Street (1922)

The Berg Apartments were built in 1916 by Gus Berg. Gus was a resident of the Wedge neighborhood and lived at 520 South Sheridan Avenue. Mr. Berg, born in Sweden, had lived in Tacoma since 1888. He financed and operated several apartment buildings including the Kelly Arms and the Bergonia (1016 South 8th). Mrs. Amanda B. Zachary purchased the 18-unit building in 1926.

Turn left onto Division AvenueThe Berg Apartments were built in 1916 by Gus Berg. Gus was a resident of the Wedge neighborhood and lived at 520 South Sheridan Avenue. Mr. Berg, born in Sweden, had lived in Tacoma since 1888.

1304 Division Avenue  (1916)

The architectural firm of Russell &amp; Babcock built this Swiss-styled house for Worthington W. and Ida Pickerill in 1906. Mr. Pickerill was president of the Washington Automobile Company. The couple lived in the house through 1912. The house had a series of owners. From 1919–1923, Benjamin and Anna Snyder resided here. Benjamin was an engineer. In 1923, James T. Gregory purchased the house. Mr. Gregory was president of the Tidewater Mill Company, vicepresident of the Warren Soule Fairhurst Company (drygoods company, located at 1754 Pacific Avenue—operational from 1926–1961) and director of the National Bank of Washington. Mr. Gregory lived in the house until his death in 1938. The next long–term owners were Dr. Wilbur T. and Myrtle Ely, who purchased the property in 1942. Both the Elys were physicians—he was a naturopathic. In 1949, the house was purchased by Dr. Leo and Helen Scheckner, and they remained until 1953.

The architectural firm of Russell &amp; Babcock built this Swiss-styled house for Worthington W. and Ida Pickerill in 1906. Mr. Pickerill was president of the Washington Automobile Company. The couple lived in the house through 1912. The house had a series of owners. From 1919–1923, Benjamin and Anna Snyder resided here. Benjamin was an engineer.

1318 South 4th Street (1906)

Architect Silas Nelsen, and his wife Gerda, owned two building lots on South Sheridan, and had originally planned to build the garage before the home was constructed. Silas then decided to build a small cottage (407 South Sheridan Avenue) on the future garage foundation and live in the petite residence with his wife and young daughter while his larger home was under construction during the late 1920s. The total exterior dimensions of the cottage are 18x20.” After the Tacoma Ledger ran a Sunday story on the property, hundreds of people flocked to see the “Toy House,” as it was nicknamed. At least two families immediately commissioned Nelsen to build similar residences for them.

Architect Silas Nelsen, and his wife Gerda, owned two building lots on South Sheridan, and had originally planned to build the garage before the home was constructed. Silas then decided to build a small cottage (407 South Sheridan Avenue) on the future garage foundation and live in the petite residence with his wife and young daughter while his larger home was under construction during the late 1920s.

407 South Sheridan Avenue (1920)

This Colonial Revival styled house was built in 1899 for Aaron R. Titlow. Titlow, a prominent lawyer, worked for the National Bank of Commerce. He was also the financier of the Hesperides Hotel (1911) at Titlow Beach. Mr. Titlow purchased the beachfront property in 1903 and immediately requested annexation to Tacoma, which would provide sewage and water services. The hotel originally served summer tourists. During WWI it served as a home for officers during the construction of Ft. Lewis. Titlow was a member of the Democratic Party and served as a delegate to their national convention and as a member of the platform committee during the 1908 election. (Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan lost to Republican William Howard Taft.) Titlow also was campaign manager for United States Senator George Turner. Titlow used his political position to advocate an equal division between the Atlantic and Pacific Naval fleets. Mr. Titlow resided at this house until his death in 1923. Shortly after his death, contractor Andrew Larson purchased the home and converted it into an apartment building, changing the roof to its current configuration. Mr. Larson owned the house until his death in 1951.

This Colonial Revival styled house was built in 1899 for Aaron R. Titlow. Titlow, a prominent lawyer, worked for the National Bank of Commerce. He was also the financier of the Hesperides Hotel (1911) at Titlow Beach. Mr. Titlow purchased the beachfront property in 1903 and immediately requested annexation to Tacoma, which would provide sewage and water services.

410 South Sheridan Avenue (1899)

This impressive home was built in the year 1909 for William A. Taylor, a local newspaper pressman. The residence has predominately Craftsman details with the broad gable end, exposed rafter tails and basic rectangular shape. The shingled walls and half timbering in the gable end are common for the style. However, this rather elaborate example of the style showcases Classical porch columns, and unusual design feature. The multi–light upper window sashes on the main floor and the multi–lights on all second floor windows are another uncommon feature for this style, and would have been more commonly found in Colonial Revival homes.

This impressive home was built in the year 1909 for William A. Taylor, a local newspaper pressman. The residence has predominately Craftsman details with the broad gable end, exposed rafter tails and basic rectangular shape. The shingled walls and half timbering in the gable end are common for the style.

Wedge Historic District Walking Tour

405 South Sheridan Avenue

Introduction

Backstory and Context

Sources