1040 Lafarge Historic Structure Assessment

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DAJDESIGN ARCHITECTURE, INTERIORS 2.0 HISTORY AND USE The following report was written by Gigi Yang of the Louisville Historical Museum. 1040 LaFarge Ave. History Legal Description: LOTS 13-14 BLK 1 BARCLAY PLACE Year of Construction: 1912 v�Summary: The history of 1040 LaFarge is notable for its long ownership by several generations of one family `— and the blending of Italian, English, and French immigrant families. The Romano, Stevens, and Dhieux families illustrate how early residents shaped their American identity through business ownership and involvement in Louisville's civic activities and government from the early 1900s into the 1970s. Development of Barclay Place Addition and Joseph W. Malcolm Ownership, 1904-1906 The Colorado Mortgage & Investment Co. Ltd. Was the developer of the Barclay Place subdivision, recording it with the County in 1897. In 1903, at about the same time that many others were also buying lots in Barclay Place, Joseph W. Malcolm purchased this property and owned it for two years. BiellalRomanolStevenslDhieux Family Ownership, 1906-1986 For 80 years, this property was held by members of one Italian family. La Farge Avenue historically had a high number of residents of Italian descent, and for decades an Italian family resided in each of the houses on the four corners of the intersection of La Farge Avenue and Short Street, where this property is located. Peter Biella acquired this property from Joseph Malcolm in 1906 and he transferred it in 1909 to Angelina Biella Romano (1881-1927), who appears to have been his sister. Angelina had married Celeste Romano (1877- 1962) in 1902, and they had two daughters, Helen and Dora, who were born in Wyoming. The Romano family moved to Louisville in 1906 and raised their family at 1040 La Farge. Celeste Romano and Angelina Biella Romano, wedding portrait, c. 1902. 1040 LaFarge PAGE - 5