The Harrison Family House on Elmwood Boulevard

The Harrison family established their residence on Elmwood Boulevard in 1906 after Charles Harrison built the estate following his success as a wholesale hardware merchant. Three generations lived there, including Charles, his wife Helen, their children, and later grandchildren who assisted with family business matters. Their income came from hardware distribution, industrial supply contracts, and local property investments.

Historical records describe the mansion as a prominent neighborhood home with active formal rooms, a large office, and regular repairs. The tower, porch canopy, and spacious interiors remained in daily use during the family’s most prosperous years.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when Harrison Supply Company lost several major industrial contracts and began delaying payments to manufacturers. During the economic downturn of the early 1930s, Charles reduced household expenses by dismissing staff and closing several unused bedrooms on the third floor. Repairs to the copper roof, brick arches, and porch structure were postponed as debts increased. After Charles died in 1932, disagreements among heirs delayed decisions about the property. By 1934, unpaid taxes and inheritance disputes forced Helen and the remaining family members to leave Elmwood Boulevard.

The Harrison House was abandoned in 1935 after foreclosure followed years of business decline, unpaid taxes, and unresolved inheritance disputes. No restoration occurred, and no Harrison descendants returned after leaving Elmwood Boulevard. Municipal records documented ownership complications and continued deterioration of the vacant mansion. The interior rooms remained closed, with household papers and personal belongings left behind. Over the decades, moisture damage, structural wear, and neglect affected the brick residence. The American Foursquare-Victorian mansion remains empty on the residential boulevard, deteriorating without restoration or confirmed future ownership.