The Wilkens Family Move into 9th Street Cottage--1958

Pharmacist, Harold Wilkens and his wife, Ellen, purchased their first home in 1958. For years they leased doubles in the Emerson Heights and Irvington neighborhoods.  Late in life, they managed to save up enough money to purchase a beautiful Tudor-Revival brick cottage at 5260 East 9th Street. Their only child, Diana, dwelled in New York City at the time although she later returned upon learning the news that her Mother was dying.  Mrs. Wilkens passed away in 1964, but Mr. Wilkens continued to dwell in the house.  Diana later inherited the property. Photos from the late 1950s and early 1960s reveal joyful times in the house.

Ellen and Harold Wilkens proudly stand in front of their home at 5260 East 9th Street in the summer of 1958.

5260 East 9th Street in July of 1958

Ellen Wilkens decorated the Christmas tree in the living room at 5260 East 9th Street in 1958.

Harold and Ellen Wilkens on Christmas Day, 1958 in their home at 5260 East 9th Street

Ellen and Harold Wilkens in their dining room on Christmas Day, 1958

Christmas Day, 1959 at 5260 East 9th Street

Christmas Tree at 5260 East 9th Street in 1958

Ellen Wilkens on Christmas Day in 1958 at 5260 East 9th Street

Harold and Ellen Wilkens working in the kitchen at 5260 East 9th Street in 1958.  

The historic images are courtesy of Diana Wilkens.