Front Yard Plums
The house at 619 East 17th Street doesn't front on East 17th Street at all. The house actually faces west toward the lane parallel to and east of Grand Boulevard. The house and backyard extend from East 17th Street to another lane, that one between East 16th Street and East 17th Street. There is no record in the Building Permit Book of the house on the two lanes. There is no record of the 619 address in the 1955 City Directory, either.
However, in 1960 the owners were John and Hendrika Koudstaal. John Koudstaal worked as an electrician. In 1971 the owners were Guiseppe and Maria Meola. Guiseppe was a construction worker. And in 1980 the resident was Hanna Clayton, an employee of Stranco Can.
The 1991 and 1995/1996 owners were James W. and Carla Aydon. During that time James Aydon was employed as a dry cleaner at the Pan Pacific Hotel.
Somewhere along the way fruit trees were planted in the front and back yards of 619 East 17th Street. A plum tree was planted next to the walk from East 17th Street to the front door. And cherry trees were planted in the large backyard extending to the lane. Along with the cherry trees a basketball net was mounted on the fence of the lane on the same side as the front door.
Demolition Permit: Applied for in May 2010.
Photo: Take in August 2010 by SW.
