Completion
of a $40,000 residence in Hartford, said by architects to be one of the most
magnificent homes in southern Michigan, is expected by Thanksgiving time,
according to P.A. Thomas, of Chicago and Hartford.
Coming to Hartford two years ago, Mr. Thomas has launched into the dairy
business here on a large scale. His
several farms here have been stocked with blooded registered cattle, and he
recently began distribution of the farm diary products.
Now
enjoying the role of a “gentleman farmer,” Mr. Thomas has been successful
in Chicago as a manufacturer of a hair restorer and as a tonsorial operator
Began
Building In June
Last
June 5, deciding to make his permanent home in this community, he began
construction of the $40,000 residence on a hilltop southeast of the village
and overlooking the town.
Approximately
20 rooms comprise the structure, which stands whitely against a woods on that
eminence. It
is located directly in the rear of his farm buildings which face the Keeler
road, and about a quarter of a mile east.
A
boulevard drive will sweep over the estate, through arched entrances, to bring
a visitor to this modernistic mansion.
First Struck
Quicksand
A
misadventure marked the first attempt to build foundations
for the Thomas residence. Uncertain footing, blamed on presence of quicksand
in a locality near the highway, delayed progress. The home site then was moved
to higher and firmer ground.
Steel
used in the construction never before has been employed for the erection of a
home, says Mr. Thomas. White, marble-faced blocks and Monolythic fluted,
concrete corses are attractively displayed as the finishing touches of the
exterior.
With dimensions exactly 55 feet by 65 feet, an English basement provides the
foundation for the emergence of two pale-shaded stories. An electrically
operated fountain will descend into the
maroon tiled pool below, and the grounds promise a beauty of sloping terraces
and perfected landscaping.
Home Completely Fireproof
This
country villa is completely fireproof. Water is supplied automatically by two
pumps. The heating system is a combination of washed hot air and steam
produced from an automatic oil-burner.
Double garages whose doors are directed to open with an electric eye will
furnish accommodations for the owner’s cars.
One hundred light openings, 90 electric receptacles, 20 sets of three-way
switches, concealed radiation, air-conditioning, and indirect lighting are
features noted in this new home.
Install
Marble Fireplace
The basement contains a recreation room,
servants’ quarters, and a wine cellar.
The first floor is entered through a vestibule of marbleized walls and tile
floor extended into the hall and throughout the entire level.
The living room and the doctor’s study will be brightened by the blazing
logs in an ebony enameled and Egyptian marble fireplace. For living
accommodations, there are a breakfast nook, modern kitchen, dining-room, bath
and lavatory.
Imports
from Germany
Breakfasts will be served beneath the illumination of a chromium chandelier 56
inches in diameter and reflecting on the unusual wall papers specially
imported from German.
Fascinating are the arches, square in one room and curved on the other side.
Upon reaching the living-room, no shadow is cast on the other patterns from
across the sea – French wall-papers in royal blue coves with vermilion
fluting – for the indirect lighting affords none.
Casement windows with wide sills of marble present a far-reaching view
of the surrounding countryside.
Sun
Rooms On Second Floor
Withdrawing to the upper quarters, guided by a
chromium stair rail a visitor enters the master’s bedroom at the north end
of which is a marble fireplace, and at the opposite side a fully-equipped
dressing room. Mrs. Thomas’
bedroom also is provided with a marble fireplace and her dressing room
contains numerous fitted cases and chromium plated racks.
All four of the tile bathrooms, in exquisite shades of Ming green, orchid
Persian brown, and marine blue, disclose showers with plate-glass doors and
full spray fixtures. The bathtubs
are neo-angle and Mermaid in shape.
Rays of the sun are brought healthfully through wide windows of two sun-rooms
on the second floor through wide windows especially treated to admit
ultra-violet rays.
Designed
by Chicagoan
Charles P. Rosson, a Chicago architect, designed
the extensive and expensive plans of the house. C.C.Young, a South
Haven engineer, developed them into a reality. The necessities of a
well-established system of ventilation, plumbing, warmth and light were
supplied through the efforts of Charles Ympa, Howard Hulbert and Ray B. Lundy.
Even now, this former Chicagoan’s home, which Mr. Thomas claims to be the
only one of its kind in the United States, is so unique in design and
construction as to attract wide attention.
This
is the original photo that accompanied the 1936 article above about the Thomas Mansion.
Name of newspaper (presumably, the Day Spring) and
author (presumably, Don F. Cochrane), are unknown.
2007 – additional notes:
This 9,000 sq ft home contains 7
bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, huge walk-in closet off master bedroom, wine cellar,
sun rooms, penthouse and has been restored to beautiful condition.
8-10-2008
The Herald Palladium
Hartford Mansion
becomes group home
HARTFORD —
Hartford Mansion House, built in 1935 by a millionaire from Chicago, is now
home to Hartford
Lifestyle Center, a residential care facility specializing in
people with head injuries.
Manager Sharon Parkins said the group home opened on
July 27 and is licensed for 10 residents. Her husband, Pastor Kevin Parkins,
is the home’s spiritual counselor and has recovered from a head injury
himself. He is also pastor of the Eau Claire Friends and Faith Church.
The couple is originally from Berrien Center.
While the home specializes in caring for people with
head injuries, Sharon Parkins said they will consider residents with other
medical issues who need 24-hour care. Because the home has stairs, she said
residents must be able to walk.
In 1993, Kevin Parkins was in an automobile accident
and suffered a closed head injury. Sharon Parkins said it took a couple of
years before she was able to leave her husband alone. At the same time, she
was raising five of their six children, with the youngest only three months
old. He has now fully recovered.
At the home, she said they will provide the mental
puzzles needed to stimulate the nerve endings in the brains of the residents
so they can become independent. They will also provide a diet of natural,
unprocessed foods and vitamins the brain needs to heal.
The business is owned by K.C. and Theebam Mammen of
Berrien Springs. They have operated several adult foster care homes in Berrien
and Van Buren counties and have more than 30 years of experience in home care
service.
A registered nurse will visit the home once a week and
be on call at all times. A doctor will visit once a month.
For an appointment, call 621-2200.
Click
on the articles below to continue with other articles about the
Thomas Mansion:
Leaders
of Jersey Cattle Industry are Guest of Dr. P.A. Thomas Here
Quicksand Halts Construction of New Thomas Home
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