Highlands | Graham

The Graham House

Joseph and Ruth Graham

284 East McCormick Avenue

1954

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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.

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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

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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.

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entry porch

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

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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.

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great room

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

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closeup of windows and shelving unit

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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.

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kitchen

The galley kitchen has its original cabinets.

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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.