Wilfred X. Johnson House (1928)

Wilfred X. Johnson House

At 206 Tower Avenue is a house constructed in 1928. It was the home of Wilfred Xavier Johnson (b. 1920) from 1966 until his death in 1972. Johnson’s family came north from Georgia in 1925 and settled in Hartford. Johnson worked as a “runner” (messenger) after school for the Hartford National Bank. After World War II, in which he served as dental technician, Johnson returned to work for the bank. In 1955 he was promoted to teller, the first African-American to hold the position in the state. He held that position until his death. In 1958, Wilfred X. Johnson became the first black candidate to be endorsed by the Democratic Party in Connecticut. He served four terms as the first black representative in the state assembly. His wife, Gertrude Johnson (b. 1927), was also active in city politics. She served as treasurer of the Young Democrats in 1957.

Gerhard F. Drouve House (1914)

The house at 2137 North Avenue in Bridgeport was built in 1914 by Gerhard F. Drouve. As described in the History of Bridgeport and Vicinity, Volume 1 (1917):

The G. Drouve Company, 40 Tulip Street, are manufacturers of the Anti-Pluvius puttyless skylights. The firm was incorporated in May, 1896. The officers of this concern are: G. F. Drouve, president and treasurer; William V. Dee, secretary.

Drouve also manufactured various devices, including a “Straight-Push” sash operator and the Lovell Window and Shutter Operating Device.

Edward K. Nicholson House (1915)

The house at 754 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport was built in 1915 for Edward K. Nicholson. According to the History of Bridgeport and Vicinity, Vol. II (1917):

Edward K. Nicholson, a member of the Bridgeport bar since January, 1900, and practicing since 1912 as a partner in the firm of Banks & Nicholson, entered upon his professional career well equipped by a thorough university training for the responsible duties which he assumed. He was born in Essex, Connecticut, in 1872, a son of the Rev. George W. Nicholson, who in 1894 removed with his family to Bridgeport to accept the pastorate of the First Baptist church […]

After acquiring a thorough preliminary education Edward K. Nicholson entered Yale and completed the academic course by graduation with the class of 1896. Four years later his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. In the meantime he took up the study of law and in January, 1900, was admitted to the bar in Fairfield county. He opened an office in Bridgeport and for six months continued alone in practice, at the end of which time he joined Samuel E. Shaw in organizing the firm of Shaw & Nicholson, a relation that was maintained until 1909, after which Mr. Nicholson practiced alone until the present firm of Banks & Nicholson was formed in 1912. In the years of his practice he has been accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage and in the trial of many cases has proven his ability to successfully cope with intricate and involved legal problems. For two years he served as deputy judge of the city court of Bridgeport. In April, 1917, Mr. Nicholson was elected president of the Fairfield County Association for the Mobilization of Resources.

In December, 1900, Mr. Nicholson was married to Miss Mary L. Thomas, of Saratoga Springs, New York, and they have three children, Sylvia T., Edward K. and Miriam E.

F. Merton Hammond House (1906)

The house at 850 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport was built in 1906 for F. Merton Hammond, superintendent (and later treasurer and then president) of the Thomas P. Taylor Company. According to an article in the Bridgeport Telegram of Monday, October 3, 1927, the Hammond residence was entered by burglars sometime during the preceding weekend, while the family was away. The burglars gained entry by forcing open a window in the pantry at the rear of the house and stole a quantity of jewelry, which included a diamond ring.

Angus H. MacKenzie House (1911)

The house at 820 Clinton Avenue in Bridgeport was built in 1911 for Angus H. MacKenzie. The house has a basic American Foursquare form with Mission Revival-style roof and stucco siding. The house is now owned by the Sisters of The Company of The Savior. Angus H. MacKenzie (the original owner) and his brother are described as follows in the History of Bridgeport and Vicinity, Vol. II (1917):

Angus H. and Roderick J. MacKenzie are the owners of the Bridgeport Public Market, in which connection they have built up a large and substantial business which is continually growing. They established this market on the 9th of December, 1897, on Bank street, where they are still located. The start, however, was small compared with their present business. In the early days they employed twenty-five people, and something of the growth of their trade is indicated in the fact that they now employ from one hundred and sixty to two hundred people. They conduct entirely a retail and jobbing business and their deliveries are made with both horses and motors.

About twelve years ago they established a branch of the Bridgeport Public Market on East Main street, where they employ about twenty people. Their original building has been rebuilt and has a frontage of one hundred and thirty feet on State street and of one hundred and twelve feet on Bank Street. They occupy the entire building, which they have splendidly equipped with refrigerators, carriers and everything necessary to facilitate the business. They have made an alley through the building in order to keep the teams off the street while loading for delivery. This is a covered alley extending from street to street and was put through at a great deal of expense; but it indicates the public spirit of the men who were behind the project.

The brothers, Angus H. and Roderick J. MacKenzie, were formerly residents of Massachussetts and of New York. Believing that there was opportunity for a successful business, however, in Bridgeport, they removed to this city and great credit is due them for the fine market which they have developed. It is always clean and sanitary and their business methods of dealing with customers will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. They have ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and they have put forth every legitimate effort to win the approval of their customers.