Chronology of conveyance transactions and directory entries confirming the address and location of this property from 1924 until ~1982.
Deeds and maps referred to are available from the online database service of the Tompkins County Clerk by clicking the link below, logging in as guest, and searching by Instrument (Document) Number, for example: BF051484-001
- A subdivision map for a proposed development named "Bergholtz Park," between Lake Road and North Cayuga Street dated June 18, 1923 was filed in the Tompkins County Clerk's Office. [See BF018646 MAP]
- Frederick E. Howe and his wife, Grace, acquired an empty lot from the Bergholtz Realty Company in April 1924 [See BF051484-001 DEED in Tompkins County Clerks Office]. The lot was Lot 3 in Block C as shown in the subdivision map of the proposed Bergholtz Park development [See BF018646 MAP]. Fred built the house himself. The property is in the Town of Ithaca, just north of the Boundary with the City of Ithaca.
- In 1927, the Howe's purchased the adjoining Lot 4 in Block C of the Bergholtz Park subdivision, but did not file it with the County Clerk until June 11, 1956.
- In 1930, the Ithaca City Directory (ICD) began to list properties on Cayuga St north of the city line, but without house numbers. Frederick E Howe owned the first property north of the city line, just north of Rosemary Lane.
- In the 1949 ICD, Fred Howe's was still the first property north of the city line, still without a house number.
- It was not until the 1956 ICD, that the property had a house number. The address was 1505 North Cayuga Street.
- In 1960, the new campus for the Ithaca High School opened at 1401 North Cayuga Street.
- In 1971, the new Jr. High School just north of the High School was under construction
- In 1975, Fred Howe was convinced to sell his house to the Ithaca City School District contingent on his being able to live there until his death. [See 021142-001 DEED]
- Fred Howe died on July 26, 1980.
- In December 1980, the School District put out a notice for bids for Sale and Removal or for Demolition of the house and the garage at 1505 North Cayuga Street.
Note: No documentation has been found indicating that the house was moved and erected elsewhere. It is likely that it was demolished by 1982.