Metcalf House

metcalfhouse: Metcalf House

This Eastlake-style Victorian residence was built by Thomas Metcalf in 1885 at 2203 Dracena Street in Bakersfield. This structure is typical of homes built in the suburbs of Bakersfield in the late 1880s. Thomas Metcalf's daughter, Modena (Maude) May Metcalf, a school teacher and business woman, lived in this house until her death in 1958. The home was donated to the museum in 1959 by Raymond Jones.

HISTORY: THE METCALF FAMILY
Thomas Alexander Metcalf was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, on May 25, 1844. Around 1856, the Metcalf family moved from Ohio to Illinois. On September 28, 1864 Thomas enlisted in Company B, 45th Illinois Volunteer Infantry to fight in the Civil War. Metcalf became ill during the war and spent some time in northern hospitals recuperating. Thomas Metcalf married Elizabeth Jane Wible on September 3, 1867 in Mendon, Illinois. Elizabeth was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania in May 1845. She is the sister of Simon W. Wible (a farmer and owner of a considerable orchard and after whom Wible Road in Bakersfield is named).

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In 1883, the Metcalf's came to Bakersfield. Thomas Metcalf started a ranch and was soon engaged as a carpenter. The Metcalf family were members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Thomas Metcalf was heavily involved with the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union war veterans, including serving as its commander.

Maud Metcalf was born on October 16, 1871 in Coatsburg, Illinois, and was confirmed at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bakersfield on February 14, 1894. She attended Mills College in Oakland, California from 1888 to 1889. From 1890 to 1911 Maud taught at Keene, Woody, Miramonte and Bryant schools in Kern County. Maud Metcalf was a member of the Arbor Committee in Bakersfield in 1900. She was active in the Woman's Club of Bakersfield, serving as its president in 1938-39. She died on April 6, 1958 at the age of 86 after a long illness.

Maud had an older brother, Simon Hubert Metcalf, who later worked as a movie projector operator. Simon was born on March 19, 1868 in Illinois. He died on April 18, 1952 at the age of 84 in San Diego, California.

Maud loved her parents dearly. She never married. Her mother died on February 19, 1912. Maud continued to care for her father until his death on March 12, 1926.


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