301 The Alameda (502 Alameda Avenue prior to 1907, 601 Alameda Avenue until 1916, 2819 Alameda until 1924) Lot 4758
A 1894 Victorian Home
Below is what we have in records, we also know that the families who built and cared for these homes through the years loved them and their stories. If you have any information to add to the story CLICK HERE to contact us.
Charles and Minnie Goldman - August 31, 1918 to October 10, 1939
Charles T. Goldman, along with his father, Simon Goldman, a Middletown merchant, and the city's first Jewish settler, purchased the land in what was called the "east end" as an investment. This piece of land was purchased from Silas Fugate in 1918 and became known as Goldman's Grove because of the dense woods that"sunlight could not penetrate, and in light rain you would not get wet." The two laid out what is now a large part of The Highlands; Superior, Stanley, and The Alameda.
Charles built the house at 301 The Alameda, in 1894. It has the unique distinction of being the oldest house within The Highlands Historic District.
The original architectural style of the home was that of the Queen Anne. There have, however been numerous changes to the house over the years. In fact, due to a fire, renovation changed the face of the house. Originally, behind the round window at the higher gable on the front of the house a small balcony. The stately pillars
were added in 1943.
When built, the house was considered to be very modern, even having running water. This was achieved by pumping water to a storage tank in the attic, which then provided the pressure for water service. Both father and son made significant contributions to Middletown. Simon, for which Goldman Park is named, owned a dry goods store on Third Street. Mr. Goldman was also one of the organizers and charter stockholders of the First National Bank of Middletown.
Charles was a realtor, and became president of both the Middletown Real Estate Company, and the Ohio Corrugated Culvert Company. He also managed his father's store. During the 1913 flood, Charles Goldman stepped in and took over many of the relief operations. Water stood several feet deep on Main Street and the mayor at the time withdrew to the second story of his house, leaving the city without leadership. Charles Goldman telegraphed the Coast Guard for assistance and pledged his personal credit for food and necessities for the flood victims. A relief station was set up at 301 The Alameda which provided temporary housing at for many of the people from South Main Street and Yankee Road.
The house has been known as The Goldman House, as well as The Haller House, after a later owner, Rich Haller.
More History on Charles T. Goldman:
Charles T. Goldman gave over 40 years of his life to the perpetuation of varied business interests in his native city of Middletown. He was a merchant and for a number of years, he had conducted a Real Estate and Insurance business, of special importance through his work in the development and improvement of this industrial city of Southwest Ohio.
Mr. Goldman was born in Middletown, Ohio on June 26, 1863, son of Simon and Susan (Trine) Goldman. His father was a dry goods merchant and a very prosperous man of affairs of Middletown. He was educated in the Middletown High School, and Miami University at Oxford, Ohio. Upon leaving college, he became associated with his father in the dry goods business. He was a member of the firm for thirty years until his father's death.