Among other things, we will be using this account to tell the stories of some of our historic buildings that are about to be or have recently been demolished. As you can see, 52 West Emerson is not long for this world. You can read about the proposed 6-unit building for this site here:
This house was one of several properties constructed on the land of Erastus O. Phinney in the 1870s. In 1876 it was purchased by Mary Aldrich. Mary’s husband Albert had founded a produce market located in the basement of Quincy Market. By 1880, he had brought their two oldest sons on as partners in the business. They all lived together in this lovely house that was a quick walk to the Melrose depot.
But there were signs tat things were not well. In 1879 Albert was disciplined by the produce sellers’ association for purchasing stock while insolvent. In 1893 the family firm dissolved, followed shortly by a declaration of bankruptcy. The family defaulted on their mortgage, and two days before Christmas of 1895, the house was forcibly entered and repossessed by their insurer.
By then they had decamped to Jamaica Plain, but not before Albert had purchased a large lot and impressive stone in Wyoming Cemetery, where you can now find most of the family six feet under.
You can see that this house still displays some fine period craftsmanship. If Melrose had a demolition review law, then the Historical Commission could approach the owner about permitting salvage of the property, so that Melrose residents could recycle Victorian brackets, bannisters, mantelpieces, newel posts, and many other parts of the house in their own homes. If you think that is a good idea, let the mayor and your councilors know how you feel. If you have questions about that, please private message this account—we’d love to talk to you.
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