Archive Record
Images
Additional Images [2]
Metadata
Object ID |
1000.105.02 |
Title |
3911 Bradley Lane Exhibit |
Object Name |
Exhibit |
Date |
1996 |
Creator |
Julie Thomas |
Description |
3911 Bradley Lane Exhibit "Family Tree" Exhibit produced by Julie Thomas for the Chevy Chase Historical Society for 1996 Gala Photo (2008.167.02): 3911 Bradley Lane, Home of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Christmas, 1996 3911 (Fomerly No. 3) Bradley Lane Family Tree: Chevy Chase Land Co. Part of "No Gain" Plat Bk2 Plat 104 October 1905: Worthington and Bettina F. Ford June 1910: John Ryan and Annie Sinott Devereux February 1924: More land added; John Ryan and Annie Sinott Devereux August 1946: C. Raymond and Minnie Wire June 1977: For use as official residence of Pierre G.G. Balancy, Ambassador of Mauritius September 1978: Daniel Minchew and Shirley A. Coffield June 1981: China National Technical Import and Export Corp., U.S.A. September 1994: Patrick J. and Danette M. Christmas Part of Block 9 CHEVY CHASE - SECTION 4 59,126 SQUARE FEET All that piece or parcel of ground, shown but not identified on plat of Chevy chase Section 4, together with the improvements, rights, privileges, and appurtenances to the same belonging, situate in the County of Montgomery, State of Maryland, described as follows, to wit. Beginning for the same at the North line of Bradley Lane (said lane being 30 feet wide) at the Southeast corner of Lot 18 in Block 9, in the subdivision made by Chevy Chase Land Company known as "CHEVY CHASE SECTION 4", and recorded in Plat Book 2, at Plat 104 among the Land Records of said County, and running thence 1) North 03° 00' 54" West, 225.34 feet to a point, thence, 2) North 89° 47' 24" East, 263.47 feet to a point, thence, 3) South 233.69 feet, to a point, then with the Northerly line of Bradley Lane (30 feet wide), thence, 4) North 88° 53' 00" West, 169.00 feet to an angle in said Bradley Lane, 5) North 85° 28' 30" West, 83.02 feet to the place of beginning, containing 59,126 square feet of land, more or less. Subject to any and all easements and or rights of way of record. 1990: Photos when listed for sale by Anne Rogers Devereux (1996.01.02-06) 1974: 2nd Annual Decorator's Show House--Still being held in 1996! (1000.105.02a-b, see also booklet in house history file) THE HISTORY OF THE 1974 DECORATORS' SHOW HOUSE Built neat the turn of the century for Dr. and Mrs. John Ryan Devereux, the house was originally stucco and frame. In 1910, Mr. Clark Waggaman, architect and designer undertook renovation and expansion; two wings and a brick façade were added and the garden landscaped. The result is what one sees today. Dr. Devereux once served as an aide to Walter Reed; and his son, Jimmy, was a famous Brigadier General of the Marine Corps, who is still remembered for his bold exploits in the second world war. In 1946, the house was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. C. Raymond Wire and thereafter, the mansion was known as "Wirelawn." During this period, it became Washington's Center for Social Activity. One party was given for famous mystery writers. During the dinner, the lights suddenly went out. To this day, no one is sure who wrote that chapter, but brandy was served by candlelight to those brave enough to dare it. But the most important event held at "Wirelawn" was Harry S. Truman's Inaugural party. In more recent years, "Wirelawn" has been an embassy residence. The property is currently for sale. We would like to thank Mrs. Paul Dilwyn Summers, the former Mrs. C. Raymond Wire for the loan of the home. The project is sponsored by the Women's Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra, to benefit the annual fund. 1905: Bettina F. Ford and Worthington Ford "Then we bought my present home (1910) in Chevy Chase, No. 3 West Bradley Lane...the house...was of stucco construction, built by Mr. Ford, who was a great scholar, and the largest room in the house was the library." -From "Our Happy Marriage" by Annie Sinnott Devereux Article, "Chevy Chase Estate offers history, charm," by Mari Hafera, Chevy Chase Gazette, October 11, 1990 (Available in secondary collection) Excerpt: "Fewer than 35 homes are scattered throughout the new town of Chevy Chase in this year 1915. Certainly there are few to compare with the Georgian brick mansion of Dr. and Mrs. John Ryan Devereux. While construction began early in this century, the Devereux and their 10 children did not occupy the Bradley Lane home until circa 1908. And although Chevy Chase remains through the early part of this century in an un-developed state, it is obvious that a rural life is not what the Doctor and his young wife intend. A gathering of distant friends and neighbors is a social event in young Chevy Chase. To entertain Nevada's Senator Francis G. Newlands of the neighboring Corby Mansion, Mrs. Devereux has seen to it that the dining room fireplace be lit, her finest silver polished and the family's best china displayed. Sweet scented flowers and greenery have been removed from the glass-encased conser-vatory and arranged in Victorian fashion throughout the residence. Ten children plus assorted friends, newly arrived via the Connecticut Avenue Trolley, huddle in the breakfast room to plan their weekend excursion to the newly popular Chevy Chase Lake. Dr. and Mrs. Devereux usher elegantly gowned women and stiff-shirted men through the single front entryway, past the grand foyer and into the grand receiving hall. The Senator re-gales the guests with impromptu stories of events on far-off Capitol Hill. Shortly they join their fellow Chevy Chase pioneers in the living/ball room for an evening's entertainment. Chandeliers gleaming and burnished floors aglow, musicians perform on stage while the guests exact the popular dances of the day. Three sets of glass-arched french doors introduce the en-closed porch where gentlemen gather for cigars and discussions of the controversial issues of the day. Whether the debate be construction of the new "free librar-y" or Dr. Devereux' fight for the new Chevy Chase School, heated tempers are soothed by views of the well-tended gardens and lawn below. After the guests have supped and dined, the children present their piano recital and theatrical display. By way of a gentle wave to their parents they signal their departure for the evening. Upper level bedrooms provide the perfect setting for the telling of Domestic help, weary from a day of meal preparation, laundering and groundkeeping, hungrily gather for gossip and repast. They drowsily await the departure of the few lingering guests. As the drawing room clock chimes midnight the last of Dr. and Mrs. John Ryan Devereux' guests depart. Only the soft tapping of horses hooves on stone-paved streets breaks the stillnes of the night." Exhibit 2 of 4 (See 1000.105.01, 1000.105.03, 1000.105.04) |