87 NORTH PROSPECT

The formal name given to this building is the Mary H. Wheeler house, who was the first owner of the house and a famous resident of Burlington. A noticeable feature of the structure is the three story tower with mansard roof.[1]

Mrs. L.H. Wheeler moves into 87 North Prospect Street in 1877-1878 along with Lucia P. Wheeler. The two live in the house until 1891 when Lucia is no longer listed and Miss Anna Wheeler and Miss Nellie B Wheeler move in.[2] Blow informs us that Lucia is the daughter of Mrs. L.H. Wheeler and the driving force behind the creation of the Home for Destitute Children by Mrs. Wheeler. On June 17, 1895 Mrs. L.H. Wheeler passes away. [3]

Nellie B Wheeler continues to live in the house until 1896 when she moves to 90 North Prospect Street. [4]

Harris H. Walker, a general agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, moves into 87 North Prospect Street in 1904, continuing the trend of wealthy occupants. He doesn’t stay long however, as Philip T. Muller, a government official has moved in by 1906. Philip is also a short term resident and is out by 1909 when Thomas Magner, a superintendent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, moves in. Thomas stays for a while; until roughly 1943, when Bartholomew F. Garrity, a manager for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and president of the Chamber of Commerce, takes up residence. [5]

At this point the Burlington City Directories stop listing 87 North Prospect Street in their street directory. However, Blow says that the Bartholomew and his wife stay in the house, remodeling it in 1960 to create two apartments, until 1964 when they move to Robinson Parkway.[6]

[1] Sites and Structures Survey, 87 North Prospect, no date

[2] Burlington City Directories 1877-1891

[3] Blow, 110

[4] Burlington City Directories 1896

[5] Burlington City Directories 1896-1943

[6] Blow, 112