The Everly Cottage on Brookhaven Street

The Everly family established their cottage on Brookhaven Street in 1908 after Thomas Everly purchased the Victorian Gothic home following his success as a book publisher and stationery supplier. Three generations lived there, including Thomas, his wife Margaret, their children, and later grandchildren who assisted with the family business. Their income came from publishing contracts, printing orders, and regional school supply sales.

Local records describe the cottage as a rare neighborhood residence with active bedrooms, a private study, and regular repairs. The pointed tower, arched windows, and unusual upper rooms remained in use during the family’s most stable years.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when Everly Printing House lost several school contracts and began delaying payments to suppliers. During the economic downturn of the early 1930s, Thomas reduced expenses by dismissing household help and closing the smaller bedrooms in the tower section. Repairs to the slate roof, stone entrance, and wooden tracery were postponed as debts increased. After Thomas died in 1932, disagreements among heirs delayed decisions about the property. By 1934, unpaid taxes and inheritance disputes forced Margaret and the remaining family members to leave Brookhaven Street.

The Everly Cottage was abandoned in 1935 after foreclosure followed years of business decline, unpaid taxes, and unresolved inheritance matters. No restoration occurred, and no Everly descendants returned after leaving Brookhaven Street. Municipal records documented ownership complications and continued deterioration of the vacant cottage. The interior rooms remained closed, with household papers and personal belongings left behind. Over the decades, moisture damage, structural wear, and neglect affected the limestone residence. The Victorian Gothic cottage remains empty on the residential street, deteriorating without restoration or confirmed future ownership.