1907 Yorktown Heights NY, Kear family House Construction. Photograph Album.
1907-1912. Hardcover. 34 gelatin silver venacular photographs, a wonderful visual record of American house construction at the turn of the century in New York state. This is the fine residence of Edward B. Kear at 360 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights NY. Mr. Kear was one of the founders of the Yorktown Telephone Company, and also served as town clerk, county registrar of deeds, justice of the peace, justice of the court of sessions and town supervisor.
Yorktown Telephone Company operated lines in Westchester County, and was incorporated in 1900 with capital stock of $2,500. Judging by the quality of the design and the materials used for Kear's finished home, he did very well financially. Kear's imposing residence has been restored; it is known as the Grace Building and is the office of Yorktown's current town supervisor.
The album is complete with dated handwritten descriptions of the construction process, and shows the owner's pride in this fine home. Starting with ground breaking for a barn March 21st 1907 the photos go through seeding the lawn 1908,, view on the road 1910, completing portuchere,and painting Octoberand. Moving day photographs shows Mr. Kear on a snowy moving in day, December 17, 1907, at the reins of a horse drawn wagon carrying his son and some family goods, including framed art work.
Album 7 3/4 x 5 1/2". Black cloth over stiff card covers, slight wear at edges and spine. 34 photographs, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2", laid down, very good condition. A loosely inserted color post card from Italy is addressed to Mrs. K. Wyand and Mrs. J. Kear at 360 Underhill Ave. Very good condition. Item #23848
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