Builder/Architect: W.H. Townsend, contractor/Peabody & Stearns, architects
Date of Construction: 1885
First Occupants: Daniel Webster and Elsie A. Robinson
384 Main Street – south façade
This Queen Anne/Shingle Style residence is dated to 1885,1 although owner Daniel Webster Robinson is not listed as living at this address until 1888.2 Robinson was the local manager for Skillings, Whitney & Barnes Lumber Co., a large timber firm based in Boston.3 They would float timber harvested in Canada into Burlington harbor, mill and finish the wood in Burlington, and then ship it by rail to the Boston headquarters.4 For Robinson to have hired the prominent firm of Peabody & Stearns to design his home in Burlington reflects the great success he achieved in his field.
Robinson lived here until his death on December 9, 1909.5 His widow Elsie remained here until 1911, when Dr. Harris R. Watkins purchased the home.6 Dr. Watkins worked as a physician and surgeon, and lived here until 1929.7 In 1930 the house was vacant8 and perhaps being converted into the sorority house for Alpha Chi Omega, which took residence in 1931.9 They continue to occupy the house today.
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1 John C. Page, Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey: Burlington: Main Street. Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, 1979.
2 Burlington City Directory, 1888
3 John C. Page, Vermont Historic Sites and Structures Survey: Burlington: Main Street. Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, 1979.
4 Ibid.
5 Burlington City Directory, 1910
6 Burlington City Directory, 1911
7 Burlington City Directory, 1939
8 Burlington City Directory, 1930
9 Burlington City Directory, 1931