Beechwood Avenue Then and Now

The Dickerson children (Vivian, Beverly, Robert and Leland) posed with their friend Joe Roemmer (holding the infant) along Beechwood Avenue most likely in 1930.  Notice the wonderful toy firetruck two of the kids are sitting in.  Behind them, you can clearly see 5820 (closest to the photographer), 5814, and 5806 Beechwood Avenue.

Edward and Etta Seibert dwelled at 5820 Beechwood Avenue in 1930 along with their chldren, Harold, Gertrude, and Mary.  The Seiberts owned the home valued at $5000.  Mr. Seibert was the proprietor of an auto repair shop.  You will note that the contemporary photo shows that the stone porch has been removed.

The middle home at 5814 Beechwood Avenue is no longer standing and was likely near the end of its era in Irvington by the time this photo was snapped.  The Endsley family dwelled in the nineteenth-century home for decades.  It is unclear why the home was torn down, but a newer home was built on the lot in 1937.

Herman and Iona Knecht dwelled at 5806 Beechwood in 1930.  Mr. Knecht taught in the public schools while Mrs. Knecht stayed home to raise their sons Robert and William.

The Dickerson kids lived across the street at 5823 Beechwood Avenue while Joe Roemmer dwelled with his family at 5825 Beechwood.

5820, 5814, 5806 Beechwood Avenue c1930.  Pictured: Vivian, Beverly, Leland, Robert Dickerson and Joe Roemmer

5820, 5814, and 5806 Beechwood Avenue in the final days of 2013.  

The historic image is courtesy of Leland Dickerson.

Beechwood Avenue Crew--1930

When the Dickerson family and friend, Joe Roemmer (child with hat) gathered for this photo on March 10, 1930, most of the homes behind them were only three to five years old.  The Roemmers, native to Austria, dwelled at 5825 Beechwood Avenue in the home closest to the photographer.  Joseph Roemmer, Sr. was watchmaker and jeweler.  The 1930 Federal Census reveals that Mr. Roemmer and his wife Anna owned their small bungalow valued at $5,000.  Vivian, Robert, and Leland Dickerson enjoyed playing with young Joe.  They dwelled at 5823 Beechwood (not pictured).  Sadly, the most visible home in the photo, 5831 Beechwood Avenue, is in deplorable shape in 2013.  You may see it by clicking on a link below.

In front of 5825 Beechwood Avenue:  Joe Roemmer, Vivian Dickerson, Leland Dickerson,  and Robert Dickerson (seated) on March 10, 1930.