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This Old House - the 1850 Aitken/Totten/Stewart Home
According to the legend, this house has been in our family since it was built around 1850 by Dr. William Aitken for his first wife, Lydia Jane Totten. Lydia Jane is said to have been in delicate health due to a bad heart. Dr. Aitken had the house built on one story so she would not have to climb steps.

Click on any picture to enlarge it and read its description.

The house as it appeared in 1914.
The house as it appeared in 1914.

The house as it appeared before repointing (2001).
The house as it appeared before repointing (2001).

The front of the house, after repointing (2003).
The front of the house, after repointing (2003).

West side of the house, after repointing.
West side of the house, after repointing.

Detail showing the foundation and brickwork on the west side.
Detail showing the foundation and brickwork on the west side.

The house in 2006, after the new roof was put on.
The house in 2006, after the new roof was put on.

The back of the house in 2006.
The back of the house in 2006.

The fireplace in the parlor, 2006.
The fireplace in the parlor, 2006.

Gas grate on the parlor fireplace, 2006.
Gas grate on the parlor fireplace, 2006.

Living room fireplace, 2006.
Living room fireplace, 2006.

Living room fireplace's gas grate.
Living room fireplace's gas grate.

Front hall.
Front hall.

Staircase skylight.
Staircase skylight.

Bathroom windows.
Bathroom windows.

Cool old feature #1 - hatch door to the basement.
Cool old feature #1 - hatch door to the basement.

Cool old feature #2 - closet under the stairs.
Cool old feature #2 - closet under the stairs.

Cool old feature #3 - ventilating locks.
Cool old feature #3 - ventilating locks.


This page is part of Sara's Roots and Twigs - the Ambrose, Custead, Freyermuth and Stewart families of western Pennsylvania.
Last updated on May 06, 2006.    Please send comments to Sara Stewart