The Forster House
912 West Fairmount Avenue
State College, PA
Several years ago when the Centre County Historical Society featured Sears Roebuck houses, I suggested to Society President Jackie Melander that they feature architect-designed homes of the 1950s and 1960s. I am particularly pleased that Phil Hallock is chosen this year to acquaint those who do not know of his achievements.
In the early winter of 1950, my husband asked Phil (who was then our neighbor across Fraser, then Frazier, Street) to design a home for us. Phil's own home revealed his interest in Frank Lloyd Wright with the joined glass corner windows, the extra large picture windows for a broad scenic outlook, the exposed rafters, and radiant heating.
Phil also believed in expansive windows in a bedroom. What a triumph for us as each season of the year we looked upon the changing colors and watched the birds build nests in the Holmes-Foster Park. Oh how my husband from his bed reveled in the spectacular colors of October the last year of his life.
Thank you, Phil Hallock!
We built our home in the summer of 1950. As I understood from many, Phil came to our lot to reflect, study, and watch the movement of the sun before creating the drawings. The result was that our home sits at an angle to the street, different from the neighboring residences and merging with the landscape.
One of the prizes of Phil's design is the fireplace that forms a separation wall between the living areas and the sleeping areas. Phil himself built the fireplace for, as he said, Jean Forster would not be satisfied with the one started by the contractor! This one is pure joy!
There is a feeling of openness to our home. It is this feeling of unending space created by Phil that appeals to many. I have lived here for 55 years. Like those that I shared with my husband, they are truly memorable.
Thank you, Phil Hallock!
Jean Brown Forster
September 2006.