The Fairchild Mansion on Willow Lane

The Fairchild family established their mansion on Willow Lane in 1908 after Edward Fairchild inherited the property from his father, who had expanded a successful regional lumber supply business. Three generations lived there, including Edward, his wife Clara, their children, and Edward’s mother who remained in the household until her later years. The family income came from timber sales, building materials, and contracts with local construction firms.

Historical records describe the mansion as a carefully maintained home with active use of the parlor, library, and upper bedrooms during the years when the Fairchild business remained stable.

The first warning sign appeared in 1930 when Fairchild Lumber recorded cancelled orders and delayed payments from several builders. After the construction slowdown of the early Depression years reduced demand, Edward dismissed workers, closed several guest rooms, and postponed repairs to the copper roof, porch columns, and stained-glass panels. Following Edward’s illness in 1933, control of the business weakened. By 1936, unpaid company loans, property taxes, and legal expenses forced the Fairchild family to leave Willow Lane and relocate while creditors arranged the sale of the property.

The Fairchild Mansion was abandoned in 1937 after financial collapse caused by the decline of the lumber business, unpaid debts, and property obligations. No restoration occurred, and no Fairchild family members returned after leaving Willow Lane. Local records noted failed sales attempts and continued deterioration of the vacant residence. The interior rooms remained closed, preserving household furnishings, business papers, and personal belongings left behind. Over the decades, moisture damage, weather exposure, and structural wear affected the shingle walls, copper roof details, and decorative features. The Shingle-style and Queen Anne mansion remains empty on the residential street, slowly deteriorating without restoration or confirmed future use.