This fine Italianate house features
subtle details such as brick gear tooth belt courses and stone lintels, details
shared with the commercial building behind at 844 Main St., built at the same
time. Nos. 1, 5 and 9 North Pearl were
built at the same time as rental properties for grocer Henry Hellriegel, who
built at least seven brick houses on this block. The first occupant was real estate agent
Oliver C. Read. A small office addition
was placed on the front in 1898, and the house was converted from one to two
family in 1966.
This house gives you a rare
opportunity to see a “before” picture of a house that will be renovated. The wonderful features of the original
structure still remain: the walnut wood moldings, Victorian plaster ceiling
medallions, slate and stone fireplace mantles and the curved central staircase
with octagonal newel post. On the second
floor, a pair of salvaged oak doors from a church lead to the master
bedroom. You can also see some of the
changes that must be undone, such as the “jeweled” fireplace mantle in the
second story bedroom. This house is very
similar to 35 North Pearl Street, so you can imagine what many of the
homeowners of Allentown have to work with when they begin their restoration
projects. The owner of this property is
also restoring 82 North Pearl Street, so the house is in loving, caring hands
and will be a jewel once again.
