Row Houses
Row Houses Rare in Westminster
The Carroll County Times, August 5, 1977
By Bob Graham, Times Staff Writer
Visitors ot the Carroll County Library in Westminster may not
have noticed anything unusual about the row houses at 132-134 East Main St., but they are
rare, according to city architectual historian Chris Weeks.
There are blocks in nearby towns, such as Frederick or Carlisle,
Pa., composed entirely of similar row houses, Weeks said. However, there are only a
few row buildings in Westminster. The nearest equivalents on East Main are numbers
220-222 and 283-287, noted Weeks.
The row consists of three brick cabins, joined together, but
partly divided by an arched passage leading to a yard behind the building, Weeks said.
The row, originally intended for use as a shop and residence, has
served a variety of owners during its history. Apart from its long standing utility,
the building is significant as an historic link between Westminster and its neighboring
towns, said Weeks. The structure is also a fine example of the disappearing custom
of shopkeepers living next to their stores and offices, Weeks added.
"Besides being a local rarity, the buildings are extremely
fine structures. Care has been lavished on them in their design and
construction," Weeks said.
Elizabeth Stevenson, the first recorded owner of the row, sold it
to John Grumbine for $250 in May of 1817. In November of 1818, Grumbine sold the
property to Philip Jones, for $2,000.
Jones used 132½ -134 as living quarters for his family and ran a
small store in 132. In the shop Jones sold iron pots, skillets and smoked meats,
according to Weeks.
Weeks also noted that Jones probably intended to live in only one
section of the row, but "his family grew faster than expected."
Jones mortgaged the property to Sophia Campbell in September,
1831. Campbell foreclosed on the $1,500 debt in April, 1838 selling the property to
William Grumbine.
The Rippard family, publishers of the "American Sentinel
Newspaper" lived in the row during the 1870's and 80's, reported Weeks.
"An 1887 plat labels the buildings as 'American Sentinel Printing Office' and the
1881 city directory lists Mrs. Mary A. Rippard as living at 140 E. Main," said Weeks.
Eventually George W. Albaugh inherited the row. He divided
the property. Since that division, there has been a long and involved series of
sales up to the present, Weeks said.
(Submitted by Sue Billings)