Builder/Architect: A.B. Fisher & Co.
Date of Construction: 1889
First Occupant: Heman W. Allen
288 Main Street – southeast façade
This Queen Anne/Romanesque residence was designed and built by A.B. Fisher & Co. in 1889 for Heman W. Allen, a dry goods merchant.1 His business, Heman W. Allen & Co., is described as being the “successors to Lyman & Allen Co., jobbers and retailers of dry goods.” 2 Allen lived here until 1915,3 and from 1916-1918 Edward Lyman Allen, of the firm Allen & Donovan, is listed as the owner.4
In 1919 the house has another owner, Harland B. Howe, who was a U.S. District Court judge.5 In 1923 the street address changes to #288 Main Street, and Howe is still living here. He stays through 1946, apparently retiring as a judge and working as lawyer out of his home.6
From 1948 on there are usually two names listed for this address, indicating that the house was most likely subdivided into apartments. A large, modern apartment complex was built off the back of the building in 19777 and it is known today as the Farrell Apartments.
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1 John C. Page, Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey: Burlington: Main Street. Vermont Division of Historic Preservation, 1979.
2 Burlington City Directory, 1890
3 Burlington City Directory, 1915
4 Burlington City Directories, 1916-1918
5 Burlington City Directory, 1919
6 Burlington City Directory, 1946
7 John C. Page, Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey: Burlington: Main Street. Vermont Division of Historic Preservation, 1979.