Deciphering the mysteries of the past

As you may have already seen, we are working to discover the true history of each house in the district. 1 Alameda Circle and 5 Alameda Circle is one mystery we are working through. 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.


Montford (Monford) and Mary Danford - January 15, 1913 to December 4, 1919

The first thing we found while researching the Danford House is the variation in names representing Mr. Danford. Newspaper articles and the auditor’s office have him listed as Montford however his death record and have him listed as Monford. This isn’t unusual for records from the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was common to assume spelling instead of verifying so often there are slight variations. Isn’t that what makes historical research so much fun?

Middletown Realty sold lot 4750 to Danford on January, 15th 1913 for $6,000. Danford, like many others who moved to the Highlands during this timeframe worked for the American Rolling Mill Company (ARMCO). As you may recall the Goldmans partnered with ARMCO to provide local housing at affordable prices for their employees. Danford was General Superintendent for ARMCO and member and officer of the Middletown Civic Association. Records indicate this stately two story frame house was built in 1916.


Richard and Alberta L. Shoemaker - December 4, 1919 to January 15, 1957

Richard Shoemaker worked for the American Rolling Mill Company (ARMCO) as the Superintendent ARMCO Maintenance


William S. and Beulah Helton - January 15, 1957 to June 20, 1960

WIlliam S. Heltow worked in Real Estate.


Theodore and Helen Detcher - June 20, 1960 to July 13, 1965

Theodore Detcher worked as Sales Manager for Black Clawson


Richard A. and Josie Grund - July 13, 1965 to October 5, 1969

Richard A. Grund was President of Associated Paper Products which was located in Germantown.


David W. Conrad - October 5, 1969 to July 8, 1971


A. Lee and Linda Westervelt - July 8, 1971 to July 30, 1973


Riley and Lois Upton - July 30, 1973 to June 1, 1985


Dale L. And Vivian O’Brien - June 1, 1985 to February 19, 2021


Bed & Breakfast Property Management Inc - February 19, 2021 to March 2, 2023


Joseph and Sheri Miller - March 2, 2023 to Present