501 Miami Avenue
PhotosLegacy VersionGeneral Information
No: 501
Street: Miami
House Name: Fern House
Historic Plaque:
Owner Info: Y
Built: N
Sec: 23
Subdivision: Sibley
Lot: pt 153
Architect:
Cont/build:
Description:
2 story wood shingle siding, Dutch Colonial, gambrel
roof, overlooking the Little Miami River. Original roof wood shingle.
4 bedrooms, 2 baths.
"Screen porch/perennial garden/old world details".
Owners: 9
Original Use: Summer cottage
Current Use: Residential
CHANGES:
As Built: N
Added To: Y
Subtracted From: N
Replaced: Y
Description Of Changes: 1964 - Harrisons added a family room in the rear. 1970 - Harrisons added a river room where the front door had been. 1976 - Longs replaced the kitchen cabinets. 1978 - Longs removed a wall between two rooms on the west end of the second floor and replaced the fence leaving it natural rather than white as before.
Stories:
Story 1: Previous summer cottage was converted to year 'round home in 1906. (???) The house was painted off-black when the Jordans bought it in memory of Mary Finch's husband who died in the house - converted to green (after a number of re-paintings) by the Jordans. One of the Jordan's house painters was a Fred Huberwho reported he had worked in Austria as a house painter with Adolf Hitler (Schikelgruber - his father's mother's name). Jordans bought the house in 1943 as they had a defense contract and B gas permit so they could drive to Terrace Park. The air conditioning was designed for the house by John Jordan. At some time the back stair was converted to a kitchen closet. The original house burned at some time so we don't really know when this one was built. (John Jordan). The Jordan children were Jack, Steve, Tom & Mary Ann.Story 2: Marianne Jordan Swan was born 2 November 1938 and died 17 August 2003, aged 80 years, buried in St. Thomas Church Columbarium, Section 2, Niche 45, Cahall Funeral Home.
Story 3: John Jordan was Mayor of Terrace Park 1960-63.
Story 4: Clara Jordan - president T. P. Garden Club 1960-62
Story 5: This home of Mr. & Mrs. (Clara) John Jordan was on the December 18, 1959 TP Garden Club House Tour, Holiday Houses in the Park. This was a Friday, advance tickets were $1 but $1.25 on the day, and the homes were open from 1:30-4 and 7-9 PM. Refreshments were served at this home.