6521 Washington Avenue was built in 1907. The residence was home to Roy L. and Mary M. Van Deman, as listed in the 1934 Whittier City Directory. Roy was a teacher.
This residence is significant for its unique design featuring elements of Shingle achitectural style. Shingle, along with Neoclassical and Foursquare, is a common Transitional style in southern California. Transitional styles represent the transition from the Victorian-era styles of the late 1800s to the Craftsman style of the early 1900s and often individual buildings will incorporate less elaborate elements of both styles.