Lord Harry’s House on Brinkerhoff
Colorful Character Still Shines
Credit: Betsy J. Green
Address: 519 Brinkerhoff Avenue
The home at 519 Brinkerhoff Avenue dates to about 1889 and was first owned by a popular blacksmith nicknamed “Lord Harry.” British-born Harry Hawcroft and his wife, Eliza, owned the house for decades and, according to current owners George and Mary Ann Ogle, who have lived here since 1973, Harry is still here. More about him later.
Some historic maps online provide clues to the home’s past. An ad in the local paper in 1886 showed a map of lots for sale on Brinkerhoff Avenue. The map shows that lots on the west side of Brinkerhoff were 50 feet wide and 125 feet deep. There were no homes shown. I found this map on the California Digital Newspaper Collection website.
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