Highlands | Graham

The Graham House

Joseph and Ruth Graham

284 East McCormick Avenue

1954

front facade of house

While the Graham house is relatively small by today’s standards, it is L-shaped and much larger than it appears from the street. Besides the now 150-year old white oak on the property, the site has a large rock ledge running through it. Per other Hallock homes, there is only a partial basement to avoid the ledge. Other Hallock hallmarks include the large, rectangular chimney (with its block now covered) and large roof overhang from the carport to the entry.

A neighbor and colleague describes Joe as an expert plant pathologist. He worked at the United States Department of Agriculture Pasture Laboratory at Penn State and traveled the world in a consulting capacity. Joe was further described as a Southern gentleman and white-collar farmer. Ruth was a homemaker.

house circa 1954

The house is shown at completion, with the then 100 year-old white oak behind.

The porch has since been enclosed to enlarge the family room

house street view

A 150-year old great white oak dominates the house from this street view. Its shade provides for pleasant summer afternoons on the large patio behind the carport and family room.

entry porch

The low roof extends over the entry porch as before. The “fenced” porch has been enclosed by extending the former exterior wall.

foyer

In the foyer off the great room, a divider contains a coat closet to its right. Additional storage is to its left, with the dining area beyond.

great room

The great room is just beyond the small entry foyer. Note the unusual double beams which support the ceiling and roof.

closeup of windows and shelving unit

dividing wall

A divider similar to that at the foyer hides an entry into the bathroom. Formerly, there were open shelves; the enclosure is a nice touch.

kitchen

The galley kitchen has its original cabinets.

bedroom window

The Pella sliding windows in the bedrooms feature a distinctive handle.

Bedrooms outside walls also have a full-length shelf for display items.