12408 Philadelphia Street was built in 1905. This residence was home to Walter R. McPherson, Secretary of the Whittier Citrus Association, as listed in the 1922 Whittier City and Suburban Directory. Originally from Ohio, Walter lived with his wife Ella, who was from Kansas, and three children.
This residence is significant as an excellent example of Queen Anne architectural style. Dating from the end of the nineteenth century, Victorian-era architecture, including Queen Anne, combines innovative construction techniques, such as balloon framing, manufactured nails, and standardized component parts shipped to the construction site by rail with a romanticized image of the “picturesque.” Resulting houses constructed in this period incorporated asymmetrical plans that related to the interior flow of spaces and flamboyant exterior decoration.
Local designation date is July 7, 2015. The identification number is #95. No Mills Act Agreement was established at the time of the Local Designation.
SOURCES: The information above has been obtained from the original local designation documents and edits from the Whittier Historic Neighborhood Association. It may also include ongoing current ownership input. Please contact us with updated information that you possess.