The Gilbert House

Built circa the 1870s for the Swalm family, this house is an excellent example of a French-derived Second Empire style. This custom home was constructed on land owned by Job Male, who occupied and developed this block as well as many others. Job Male was known for his stucco-style houses, so this particular clapboard-sided house would have been unusual for him. In 1891, the house was sold to the Gilbert family. The children continued to live in the house after their parents passed away. William B. Gilbert, the son of Edward and Martha Gilbert, was a pupil of the late Howard Pfyle, with his work appearing in Life and other well-known publications, as well as contributing verse to various magazines. The house remained with the family until the passing of Mrs. Gilbert, after which they auctioned off the contents of the estate on the front lawn. The house was then sold to Joseph Conoly, who divided it into apartments and established a doctor’s office on the first floor. Since then, the house has hosted prominent artists, including Brian Townsend, Christine Myshka, and Carmen Locacio. The home even accommodated the owner of the Swain Galleries on-site.