(Original architect drawing for the “Twin Stores”; currently Univest.)
On an historic house tour I once lamented “Oh, if only this building could talk! Just think what it could tell us!” I was in the basement of a 1700’s farmhouse and a girl, around 9 years old, looked at me and said something like, “What fun would that be? We would have nothing to discover for ourselves!”
Retired Drexel University librarian, Leopoldo Montoya, is one of those detectives who loves to discover. He has spent nearly two decades tirelessly researching, collecting, photographing, studying, and sharing information about Lansdale resident and architect Milton B. Bean. Between approximately 1880 and 1920, Bean designed hundreds of houses, schools, churches, and businesses in our area, and far beyond. Yet this man lived in very modest homes himself, and kept such a low profile that, if not for Montoya’s determination and persistence, many original photographs and critical information might possibly have been hidden forever.
Once you catch on to Bean’s distinctive styles you may find yourself, like me, driving through towns all across Southeastern Pennsylvania and remarking on a building, “Oh look! I think that’s a Bean!” His more elaborate homes have turrets, some round and some faceted, often both within the same building. He sometimes used blonde brick to highlight features of a red brick building, with stone foundations creating a strong and solid base. His porches were phenomenal! But what I love most is that while there may be variations on a theme one might identify, no two buildings are exactly alike.
The founding members of Souderton-Telford Historical Society have long felt it part of our mission to lend a hand to building owners wishing to upgrade, fix or enhance their homes and businesses. Colors, materials and even landscaping change with every architectural style and time period. Please consider contacting us for a consultation if you plan to make improvements. You may find that what sounded good in your head might in reality clash with the historic architectural style of your building.
Sadly, many of Bean’s buildings within Souderton and Telford have been razed or drastically changed. Great examples still do exist, and hopefully future generations will continue to admire them. Here are just a few of Bean’s creations in Souderton, selected for your enjoyment!
(L) The Mirror Theater built in 1911. Later the Standard Terry Mills. Now part of the Souderton Charter School. (C) A large twin house on Summit Street (R) Built for Theodore Holly on Main St. Now law offices. The original wrap-around porch has been removed.
