Today’s entry comes as a suggestion from long time reader Barbara, who told me that she often drives down University on her way to work, and has always noticed these two older houses on California, just south of University. The one on the east side of the road has recently had the windows on the lower floor boarded up.
Hopefully it isn’t destined for life as a parking lot, but given its proximity to the University, and the U’s love of surface lots, it’s probably likely. I don’t have much information about them. From looking at them, I would guess this one to be from around 1900. The 1923 directory lists two tenants:
Jas. Cassidy was listed as a watchman with the Michigan Central Railroad.
Chas. Cassidy was listed as a mechanic working at the Ford Motor Company.
Not sure if they were father and son or two brothers…
Across the street on the west side is this house. This would I would guesstimate to a little older, probably dating from around 1890 or so.
The 1923 directory lists Malcolm Dunlop, no job given, as being the tenant here.
A little glimpse back into old Sandwich, hopefully they don’t end up as black top.
Thanks for pointing them out Barbara.
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Andrew, if i'm remembering right, this is the home my grandpa grew up in!
sorry...321 is the home
Aaron - the bottom photo is 321.
I think you are right on with the dates Andrew. If I remember correctly, I believe both houses were owned by the same individual.
Walking to the University, and many times past these two houses, I remember seeing an older woman at both.
I am Pres. of Windsor West Homeowners Assoc. I live a short distance from these two homes. I am sorry to say that on Monday of this week the 321 address came to it's end. The 330 address is slated for demo on Wed. of this week. I was able to go into the 330 address and salvage a few things with the permission of the U. It is sad though that unless someone happens upon the sight early on Wed. some very beautiful plater moldings will be destroyed along with a great deal of original glass. It is true that both homes were owned by the same person and I also believe that she grew up in the 330 address. It is very likely that her family built the 330 address in the 1890's or there about. She was a late in life graduate of the UofW and she and her duaghter were remembered today by a retired prof of the U and his wife. Her name was Catheryn Cassidy Forythe... I hope I have the spelling correct. If her family should ever read this please take note that some of Mrs. Forsythe's greeting cards from family and friends including from her graduation and a few family pictures are safe at my home and would gladly be delivered to the family upon request. Otherwise, they will be added to collection of noteworthy items regarding this historically significant neighborhood. Now, the challenge for Andrew, since you believe that your grandfather grew up a 321 California and we know that the Cassidy family lived across the street you should take time to find someone from the Cassidy or Forsythe family that might have old pictures or stories to tell and share. It could be fun.
Bob
The smaller house on the west side of the street was just torn down yesterday!
and I bet nothing nothing was salvaged other than what Bob was able to get. How sad.
If anyone is interested- We have an annual labor day party on Askin Blvd. in the 400 block. It would be nice for people who are interested in historic properties and neighborhoods to come and join in the fun. Although it is held on Askin it is a neighborhood event. Last year there was media coverage and there was entertainment. We hope to have the same this year.
bob
The Blob that ate West Windsor continue its march. This fine example of early last century domestic architecture is now another parking lot,
Yeah, that blob is called the UofW.