The Ellison Family House on Parkview Street

The Ellison family established their residence on Parkview Street in 1904 after Robert Ellison purchased and expanded the Second Empire mansion following his success as a wholesale clothing merchant. Three generations lived there, including Robert, his wife Caroline, their children, and later grandchildren who remained involved in family affairs. Their income came from garment distribution, commercial property holdings, and regional trade investments.

City records describe the house as an elegant family residence with formal entertaining rooms, regular repairs, and active use of the library, dining room, and upper floors during its most prosperous years.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when Ellison Clothing Company reported declining sales and delayed payments from regional buyers. During the economic downturn of the early 1930s, Robert reduced expenses by dismissing household workers and closing several guest rooms beneath the mansard roof. Repairs to the slate roof, copper details, balconies, and exterior stonework were postponed as business debts increased. After Robert’s death in 1932, disagreements among heirs delayed decisions about the property. By 1934, unpaid taxes and unresolved estate matters forced Caroline and the remaining family members to leave Parkview Street.

The Ellison House was abandoned in 1935 after foreclosure followed years of business losses, unpaid property costs, and unresolved inheritance matters. No restoration occurred, and no Ellison heirs returned after leaving Parkview Street. Municipal records documented ownership complications and continued deterioration of the vacant mansion. The interior rooms remained closed, with personal documents and household items left behind. Over the decades, moisture damage, structural settling, and neglect affected the granite residence. The Second Empire mansion remains empty on the residential street, deteriorating without restoration or confirmed future ownership.