The Mercer Family House Abandoned After Hardware Store Collapse

The Mercer family established Oakview House in the city of Westbridge in 1908 after Samuel Mercer purchased the property while expanding his family hardware store. Samuel, his wife Clara, their two children, and Clara’s mother lived there together, with the household supported by income from hardware sales and building supply contracts. City records described the home as a well-kept turn-of-the-century residence with regular repairs and active family use.

The projecting bay, porch, and garden were maintained during years when Samuel’s store served local builders and residents.

The first warning sign appeared in 1928 when Samuel received overdue notices from suppliers after several construction companies stopped paying their accounts. By 1930, the hardware store lost major contracts, forcing him to dismiss employees and reduce household spending. The family closed the upstairs guest room, delayed repairs to the roof edge and porch columns, and stopped maintaining the hedge and driveway. The hardware business collapsed during the economic downturn of the early 1930s, leaving unpaid supplier debts, mortgage payments, and property taxes. After foreclosure proceedings began in 1933, the Mercers moved to a smaller rental property across town.

Oakview House was abandoned in 1934 after the collapse of the Mercer hardware store, foreclosure, and accumulated financial obligations ended the family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Mercer relatives returned to live in the residence. Municipal records later documented unsuccessful sales attempts and continued deterioration caused by deferred maintenance. Furniture, business papers, and personal belongings remained inside as weather damaged the roof, windows, and exterior woodwork. The American Foursquare-Victorian house still stands on its residential lot, empty and deteriorating without restoration or a confirmed future owner.