The Snowdon House
251 South Osmond Street
State College, PA
My husband, John, and I were most fortunate in meeting Mr. Hajjar in 1961, when we first came to State College with our young daughter, Jane. Mr. Hajjar personally gave us a tour of 251 South Osmond Street and the surrounding tree-filled neighborhood, conveniently situated within walking distance of Corl Street Elementary School, State College Area High School, O. W. Houts, the town, and the Applied Research Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University, where John was working.
I think it was John's passion for fine wood that drew us to the house. The beautiful use of Philippine mahogany paneling throughout the house was irresistible, as was the attractive brick fireplace. The windows on every side of the house provided much light, the sunlight traveling around the house from sunrise to sunset.
The exterior of the house was originally gray wood, but because of the costly maintenance we added matching gray aluminum siding. The lot was already partially landscaped, but over the years we have added pink azaleas, two shades of purple rhododendrons and near the black front door, vivid red and white azaleas, which have all looked strikingly beautiful against the gray of the house and garage. Wild cherry trees surround the house and bring the chatter of birds.
The entrance hall has a flooring of gray patterned ceramic tiling and a double, white louvered coat closet with ample space for guests and family. There are white louvered closets throughout the house, even surrounding the oil furnace in the recreation and utility room, a half-flight of stairs down from the entrance hall. The recreation room with its beige linoleum flooring provided a place where Jane and her younger brother, Mark, could freely do their painting and other crafts and hobbies, enjoy their birthday parties and even ride their small tricycles. The room leads out to the lawn, where in later years they would play badminton or volleyball. The basketball area in front of the garage attracted the neighborhood youth. The bouncing of the basketball on the tarmac and the merriment of the children were sounds to be cherished. Indoors, the recreation room had space enough for table-tennis, weight lifting and a work bench for John's wood carving. He also had a small study down there, where he could retreat in the quieter evening hours. A second full bathroom is also on this level.
Another half-flight upstairs from the entrance hall is the large living area with brick fireplace, a dining area, bookshelves and a breakfast counter just outside the small square kitchen. The kitchen is easy to work in because it is compact and has ample counter and closet space. There is room for only two people at a time. The broth doesn't get spoiled this way!
Winding upwards for two more half-flights of stairs is an attractive landing with white-tiled counter and mahogany shelf below for ornaments. The landing faces a very tall window looking out to the side of the house. Two large bedrooms, one small bedroom, and a bathroom lead off the landing. The bathroom is large, with two wash-basins, a separate bath/shower room and separate toilet. In the early morning it was "the Family Room!" A laundry chute inside the linen closet leads down through the kitchen below to the utility room, where there is a shelf over the washing machine. In earlier days, laundry sorting was very important. The washing machine didn't take toys!
A memorial service for Bill Hajjar was held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in State College. His wife, Anne, and their family attended as well as many friends, many of whom have had the privilege of living in one of Bill's houses at some time. In the church are a number of beautiful Willet stained-glass windows, two of which, in previous years, had been given in thanksgiving by the A. William Hajjar family, who were very active and generous members of the church.
The Snowdon family has always loved our home. It holds many cherished and endearing memories. There have been very kind and friendly and supportive families growing up around us. It is a relatively quiet and peaceful neighborhood. Just sitting on a couch looking out onto the green space outside, listening to a variety of bird calls, watching the squirrels chasing one another from tree to tree or scuttling fearlessly along the telephone wires, one wonders if those rabbits will dig another nest in the lawn, or the pheasant family will walk through the area again. There are many things that give one a feeling of peace and contentment and gratitude. Thank you Bill for making it all possible.
Anne Snowdon
2003