As you’ll recall the last post mentioned the genealogical research being done by Pat Baker of Texas who discovered earlier posts of mine while searching for information on her husband’s maternal grandfather, William Christian Koester.
Some of the facts she uncovered jived perfectly with what we know of Maplewood’s once very prominent citizen. The Koester she was looking for was a carpenter, had a daughter named Florence and lived in Maplewood. All those facts are true of the William Koester featured in the last post.
But troubling discrepancies emerged as well. Such as two addresses apparently maintained at the same time, one being the home we’re familiar with at 7395 Flora but another at 3617 Oxford. And there were other problems as well.
Very interesting Doug. I notice the terrain change in the two photos of the house. In the first the street appears to be on the same elevation as the house. But in the second the street and sidewalk are sunk or depressed. Did they dig out the street and sidewalk when paved with concrete back in the day? I had always assumed houses were built up above the street in olden times but maybe not?
I can’t explain it, Luke. It sure looks like they cut the street down quite a bit, doesn’t it? You live very near that location. Can you tell anything by looking at it today? I agree with Cathy. That is a good catch. I hadn’t noticed it.
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome, Brenna. Thanks for your comment.
Very interesting Doug. I notice the terrain change in the two photos of the house. In the first the street appears to be on the same elevation as the house. But in the second the street and sidewalk are sunk or depressed. Did they dig out the street and sidewalk when paved with concrete back in the day? I had always assumed houses were built up above the street in olden times but maybe not?
Good catch Luke. I am interested in the reply to this question
I can’t explain it, Luke. It sure looks like they cut the street down quite a bit, doesn’t it? You live very near that location. Can you tell anything by looking at it today? I agree with Cathy. That is a good catch. I hadn’t noticed it.