Biography of
6579 Pickwick Street
Los Angeles
Style: Spanish Colonial Revival
Year of Completion: 1939
Architect: Nathan L.Coleman, Los Angeles, L. Purcell South Pasadena
Engineer: George J. Fosdyke, Los Angeles
First Owner: Henry J. Benner
Henry J. Benner, a glass manufacturer, Los Angeles Cut Glass Company, who was then living close by at 6519 Elder Street. He would share his new home with his wife Hazel.
At the time, Mr Benner purchased the property parcel which contained apx 4.2 acres. Upon its purchase by Mr. Benner, the parcel was resubdivided and became known as Lot 1. In 1954 secondary house was built at the wouthwest corner of the property, now known as 6609 Elder St , it was eventually subdivided off.
Mr. Benner died on August 24, 1966 at the age of 77. His short obituary from the Pasadena Star News is an article describing an exhibition of his work mounted at the Pasadena Public Library in 1990s.
Mrs. Benner assumed sole ownership of the Pickwick street property in January 1975. During her ownership, large parts of the original property were sold off, resulting in its current area of 1.58 acres and a new legal description. She passed away on August 3, 1977 at the age of 84.
Cost to Build: $12,000- a larger -than-average cost for a house of this size during the Great Depression.
Assessor's Records:
The LA county assessor first visited the property on August 4, 1939 and recorded a newly completed "bungalow" with an exterior of stucco and cement blocks, fully-tiled gabled roof, and steel sash. Heat was provided by fireplace and electric heaters.
There were 14 "Special" quality plumbing fixtures. Interior finishes included plaster, putty, interior stucco and wallpaper. Overall construction quality of the house was rated " Special" - The highest catagory available on the Assessor's form.
The Building Biographer Tim Gregory:
Significance:
"The Benner House is potentially eligible for listing of local inventory of significant properties due to its fine design by a recognized architect, its prominent siting, its good state of preservation, and wealth of Batchelder tiles found on both its interior and exterior. A number of trees from the original Lindsey olive orchard also survive on the property"
From Notes by The Building Biographer, Tim Gregory:
"The Benner House is a veritable museum of Batchelder tiles, with many documented examples embedded into walls, stair-risers, benches, posts, and window-sills, both inside and outside, representing the full range of the Batchelder catalog. No direct link could be established between original owner Henry Benner and tile-maker Ernest Batchelder. However, in the 1910s they were both artisans working in Pasadena and no doubt knew each other."
"
Biographer information:
Tim Gregory
The Building Biographer
400 East California Blvd., #3
Pasadena CA 91106
T: 626-792-7465
e-mail: timgregory@sbcglobal.net
Review on Tim Gregory:
Highly recommended.
Tim was referred by Dr. Robert Winter when he visited
the Pickwick property.
Clean, professional work with a fast turn around.
He has written over 1800 building biographies so far
and is also on the board of Pasadena Heritage Museum.
