South | Mateer

The Mateer House

M. C. (Mattie) and Laura Mateer
301 Homan Avenue
1955

 

front facade of house

The names of the Mateers are still well known in the area, although the persons they represent probably are not. On campus the Mateer Building is the home of the School of Hospitality Management and Café Laura is the home of its dining facility. The Mateers were long-time benefactors of the School.

For many years before, Mattie was the locally well known owner-operator of The Corner Room of the Hotel State College at the foot of the Mall at College and Allen Streets. The restaurant is still a highly popular eatery, both with town and with gown.

The Mateers love for entertaining carries over into their home, from the large parking area for guests at the rear to the spacious public living areas. The large open great room flows into a screened porch which in turn flows into an open terrace, which is off of the kitchen.

 
brick wall

Brick and stone walls lead up the hill to the parking and entry areas in the rear.

 
main entry from street

The main entry door to the house is to the right of the wreath in the center of the photo.

 
main entry close up

Hallock varied entry locations, but this is probably his most hidden.

 
parking area

The large parking area for guests can be seen by looking back from the entry porch.

 
sketch

Hallock’s original sketch for the house is shown. The only major change was to relocate the fireplace.

 
floorplan

The original floor plan for the house is shown. The fireplace was moved from the east wall of the living room to the north. This change opened up the living room to the screened-in porch. The double garage (not shown) is above the entry porch.

 

 
fireplace

The fireplace easily dominates the living room area. Notice the impressive cantilevered hearth, a favorite design of Phil.

 
living room

The south wall of the living area looks out to the Tussey Mountains. The lighted tray ceiling is inspired by Fallingwater.

 
foyer

The foyer floor is the same slate as used on the porch.

 
tv viewing area

The area behind the fireplace is now used for TV viewing.

 
kitchen

The kitchen can be closed off with its accordion door.

 
dining area

The dining area features a built-in buffet and hutch.

 
screened porch exterior

The screened porch looks almost like a regular room as viewed from the street.

 
decorative porch wall

Phil’s “pattern of squares” is repeated in the porch’s brick wall.

 
screened porch pattered screen

A third “pattern of squares” is seen in the upper screening to the East.

 
outside terrace

The screened porch flows into an open terrace to fully enjoy the outdoors.

 
house black and white photo

With today’s lush surroundings, it is hard to believe that the area was once treeless fields. The builder was neighbor E. D. Frost, reputedly the best in the region.

 

wing wall

Phil often used wing walls to enhance the apparent size of the house; this may be his largest. With only two bedrooms, the house is not overly large.

 

 
built in bureau

A built-in bureau between matching closets is a typical Hallock bedroom touch.

 
shower

The generous walk-in shower features a handy pull bar and a sitting platform.