Nov
09
2009
| The Fenton House |
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| Written by Joe Fracasse | |
| Monday, 09 November 2009 | |
 By Mildred "Skeeter" Kobzeff O ne of the cherished houses in Glendora is known by three names: Fenton House - because it was built for the widow Fenton; the Sellers house, because Margaret Fenton married a Sellers; and Hamilton House due to Jane Hamilton Torf running her antique store from the premises.George Whitcomb and the townspeople originally built it in the late 1880s when the Fenton's home was destroyed by fire. The house was then located in the vicinity of Bennett and Wabash avenues. Later on it was moved to 1030 E. Alosta Avenue (Route 66) and for almost four decades it was the home of Jane Hamilton Torf and Hamilton House Antiques. When the property was sold and subdivided it was Jane's fondest dream to see her home saved from the bulldozer. On March 24, 1988 in a dramatic and difficult daytime move - over the flood control channel, the Fenton/Sellers/Hamilton house was relocated to the Glendora Centennial Heritage Park. Jane Hamilton Torf was able to witness the spectacular event; four months later, after a short bout with cancer, she passed away. This was the work of the volunteers of Glendora Preservation Foundation and they have been tending it ever since. The house originally consisted of a living room, parlor and bedroom. It was believed that the bedroom and kitchen were added around the turn of the century, and sometime later, the back porch was enclosed. Funds for the house relocation and the park renovation came from the sale of smudge pots, other fundraisers, and private donations. The materials on the inside of the house were removed to the wood lath, dry walled, painted and wallpapered. The door and woodwork have been hand stripped, sanded and repainted and the brass hardware, stripped, cleaned and polished. The floors have been sanded and painted, the bathroom has been completely replumbed, the entire house has been rewired, and a private donor has installed an alarm system and smoke detector. All furniture, fixtures and decoration have been donated by park supporters or are on loan from Glendora Preservation member's own homes. The front porch and railings were built new and have been recreated to match photos of the original porch. A retaining wall was constructed around the front, enclosing the lawn, which is bordered by beautiful rose bushes. Concrete walkways and a patio slab have been added to the area around the house. Members and supporters from the community also planted the citrus grove with trees donated by the Monrovia Nursery. Ed. Note: The Fenton home is available for viewing on the second Saturday of each month, 9-5 and the second Sunday of each month, 1-4. For information: (626) 963-7004. |
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