Louis McAllister
December 7, 1932

Caitlin Corkins
October 14, 2006

One the reverse of the photograph McAllister describes the roadwork documented in this photograph.  He makes note of the widened section of completed pavement on the left side of Shelburne Road and the concrete gutter work along this side of the street. [2] We can clearly see the southern end of this project where the cement sidewalk and curbing end. The project was also documented in the 1932 Annual Report.  It extended 2,885 feet, from the intersection of Shelburne Road and St. Paul street south to where this photograph was taken “near the Henry Bacon residence.” [3]

The Bacon residence at #281 Shelburne Road is jut out of the frame, so that the first house we see on the left is #273 Shelburne Road.  This house was built around 1924.  According to the Burlington City Directory, the first resident was Paul C. Chamberlin. [4]  One of Vermont’s best-known businessmen, he was the president of the Old Bee Hive, which his father purchased in 1880.  A notice for the Old Bee Hive in the Burlington Free Press from 1894 advertises dry goods including chiffon, kid gloves, fans, and handkerchiefs.  Chamberlin lived at #273 until his death in 1952. [5]

Further down the street #261 is also clearly visible.  It is two and half stories with chimneys on both gable-ends and a porch extending across the front façade.  Mention of this building first appears in the City Directory of 1923. In 1932 when McAllister took this picture, it was the home of Charles M. Jones, a chauffeur. [6] Beyond this, is #249 Shelburne Road.  This residence first appears in the Burlington Directory in 1925.  Then, as in 1932 when McAllister took this photograph, it was the home of Daniel W. Overcocker, a general contractor and engineer who ran his business from this residence as well. [7]

Across the street to the right, the two-storey bay window and wrap-around porch of #256 Shelburne Road is visible between tree limbs.  This house was built around 1896 when it first appears in the City Directory.  Wellington Sager, a pattern maker employed by Lang & Goodhue Manufacturing was the first resident.  In 1932, it was the home of Irving T. Shedd, an agent for the Standard Brands Co. [8]

[1] Louis McAllister, "Burlington Street Department Photographs" (Burlington: Bailey-Howe Library Special Collections UVM, ca. 1926-1945).
[2] McAllister, "Burlington Street Department Photographs."
[3] Burlington City Annual Report, 1932 p. 219.
[4] Burlington City Directory, 1924 (Burlington: H. A. Manning Co., 1916-1986).
[5] Chittenden County Biographies File (Burlington, VT: Bailey-Howe Library Special Collections, UVM).
[6] City Directory, 1923-1932.
[7] City Directory, 1925-1932.
[8] City Directory, 1896-1935.

As this photograph was taken in October, rather than December, foliage blocks most of the buildings from our view.  The building at #273 remains a house today. However, #261 is now the home of the Ready Funeral Home, first listed in the City Directory in 1967. [9]   Additions have been made to the back of the building, and a large parking lot now takes up most of the south side of the lawn.  Further north, the house at #249 Shelburne Road remains residential. Across the street, #256 Shelburne Road is obscured by foliage.  However, it has undergone some minor alterations since 1932.  New vinyl siding has been added and the wrap-around porch has been enclosed.  A large structure, today it appears to serve as both office and rental apartment space. 

[9] City Directory, 1967.